where to backpack May 19? -- drving from VT

[vthiker]

Hello all --

My girlfriend and I want to backpack into the Adirondacks -- first time there.

Where would be a good place to head from Vermont -- someplace beautiful, hopefully fewer blackflies.. maybe a loop or an out and back 2 nights.

Thanks

[Wildernessphoto]

Hello all --

My girlfriend and I want to backpack into the Adirondacks -- first time there.

Where would be a good place to head from Vermont -- someplace beautiful, hopefully fewer blackflies.. maybe a loop or an out and back 2 nights.

Thanks

Hi VT, Welcome to the forum!
There's nice trails on the east side of Lake George with great views if you want to stay near the Vermont border

http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?z=18...83&layer=DRG25

if you want to do a loop, there is the Pharaoh lake wilderness:

http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?lat=...83&layer=DRG25

Both would be close to you, and are very nice hikes!
-Gary-

[AntlerPerak]

One excellent loop hike begins at Putnam Pond St Park. The route leads from the pond to Grizzle Ocean ( L-T ) continuing west to Pharoah Lake. Turning north you pass really nice L-T on Split Rock Bay ( Pharoah Lake ) At the northern point of the lake the trail leads uphill toward Crane Pond Along this route a trail jct with the Oxshoe Pond Trail is met. Turn right ( east ) and hike toward Oxshoe ( Very nice L-t ) Once pass Oxshoe trail leads east to Crab and Horseshoe ponds, ( no L-T's ) then to Little Pad Pond, ( another fine L-t ) Beyond Lilypad pond the trail reaches Rock Pond two leanto's on eastern shore, one is actually on Little Rock Pond. This is one of the nicest ponds in the ADK's A trail goes around the pond so either way will get you to the eastern shore. Once there continue east to North Pond then Heart Pond before turning south to eventually reach Putnam Pond State Park where you walk through the campground to the parking lot where you began. The loop is appx 20 miles and a gem with lots of lean-tos and really pretty ponds. The trails are usually in fine shape as for black flies well in May they are likely.

[drucifer]

I liked the out and back loop starting at the Garden in Keene Valley descending to JBL and covering Gothics, Armstrong, Upper and Lower Wolf Jaw. There's a lean to on the Ore Bed trail that facilitates a decent weekend sort of loop. I also hit Big Slide on the way back out to the trailhead.

I would call it one day drive in and hike to the lean to. Next day, hit the range, sleep. Last day, hike out and bag Big Slide. That's the way I did it. Good time and lots of nice scenery. There was a doe and her 2 fawns that were real curious about us on the way to JBL. The doe came with in about 6-8 feet and let me take some really cool pics. Anyway, have fun whereever you wind up.

[oldsmores]

I liked the out and back loop starting at the Garden in Keene Valley descending to JBL and covering Gothics, Armstrong, Upper and Lower Wolf Jaw. ...
I would call it one day drive in and hike to the lean to. Next day, hit the range, sleep. Last day, hike out and bag Big Slide...

drucifer has a good suggestion. I'd add an alternate and another suggestion:
1) Hike into the JBL area day 1, then do the basin - saddleback loop (throw Haystack in if you're ambitious) day 2, then out day 3, or,
2) Hike into the leanto on the Opalescent day 1, Dix & back day 2, back out day 3.