Trek Possibilities

[jd45177]

Hello,

I posted here back in January when our scout troop from southern Ohio was trying to decide between a trip to the Boundary Waters or the Adirondacks. I really appreciate the advice from the members of this forum, both in response to my posts and from all of the other threads I have been following this spring.

The troop decided on the Adirondacks and we'll be arriving at Cedarlands Scout Reservation at Long Lake on July1. We will be on the trail from the 3rd through the 7th. Although I lived in Plattsburgh for nine years as I was growing up, that was 40 years ago and I'm not familiar with the area so I am again asking for advise. We haven't decided on a trek yet but we've narrowed the criteria.

Our group will consist of nine with our voyager making a total of 10. Unless we split into two groups, this rules out the High Peaks area. Last year, we backpacked 80 miles in 10 days at Philmont Scout Rance in New Mexico, with our highest peak being 12,414 feet. Our group has been together for seven years and they have expressed a desire to not split up. We are looking for a backpacking trek outside of the High Peaks region that is moderate to difficult, provides nice views and has the best of what the Adirondacks offers.

The group also decided that they would like to canoe for one day only. The Cedarlands director suggested a possibility of backpacking for four days, returning to the scout camp and departing from there in canoes to one of a number of campsites on Long Lake. I suppose this would work. The director also suggested backpacking in the central and western part of the park, maybe the Cranberry Lake area, due to the July 4th holiday and the crowds. Another possibility mentioned was backpacking from Lower Saranac Lake to Blue Mountain.

Any and all comments, ideas and suggestions would be greatly appreciated, thanks!

[Wldrns]

Hello,

I posted here back in January when our scout troop from southern Ohio was trying to decide between a trip to the Boundary Waters or the Adirondacks. I really appreciate the advice from the members of this forum, both in response to my posts and from all of the other threads I have been following this spring.

The troop decided on the Adirondacks and we'll be arriving at Cedarlands Scout Reservation at Long Lake on July1. We will be on the trail from the 3rd through the 7th. Although I lived in Plattsburgh for nine years as I was growing up, that was 40 years ago and I'm not familiar with the area so I am again asking for advise. We haven't decided on a trek yet but we've narrowed the criteria.

Our group will consist of nine with our voyager making a total of 10. Unless we split into two groups, this rules out the High Peaks area. Last year, we backpacked 80 miles in 10 days at Philmont Scout Rance in New Mexico, with our highest peak being 12,414 feet. Our group has been together for seven years and they have expressed a desire to not split up. We are looking for a backpacking trek outside of the High Peaks region that is moderate to difficult, provides nice views and has the best of what the Adirondacks offers.

The group also decided that they would like to canoe for one day only. The Cedarlands director suggested a possibility of backpacking for four days, returning to the scout camp and departing from there in canoes to one of a number of campsites on Long Lake. I suppose this would work. The director also suggested backpacking in the central and western part of the park, maybe the Cranberry Lake area, due to the July 4th holiday and the crowds. Another possibility mentioned was backpacking from Lower Saranac Lake to Blue Mountain.

Any and all comments, ideas and suggestions would be greatly appreciated, thanks!

I know the Cedarlands director, knew him as a Voyageur student and worked at a camp I was associated with. You may have trouble with a group size of 10 even outside the HPs. Nine is in general the max number, 8 is becoming more the rule in areas with established UMPs, not just the high peaks. In some areas you can get a permit for up to 12, depending on traffic load and the assigning ranger's policy, but you will likely be unfortunately excluded from more fragile and secluded desireable areas. The high adventure director will have to get the permit for 10 or more approved and signed by the ranger in advance of your arrival. Breaking into 2 groups will considerably increase your options, but don't get caught within a mile of each other. The director knows this because.... enough on that.

I have an idea where you may be able to go for a canoe trip in on the first half day, stash the canoes for some interesting backpack travel and return on the last half day for a different way out. Your Voyageur could take you to some interesting sights, but will entail both trail and easy bushwhack (if he has listened during my map & compass training). I'll write you a PM or email with more detailed thoughts (so you have a chance of being a little more isolated).

[jd45177]

The director knows this because.... enough on that.

You're not the first one I've heard that from.


Thanks much!

[JoeCedar]

Sewards Loop

Circling the Sewards from the Corey's road trailhead, over to and up the Cold River, and back via the Ward Brook Truck Trail, is a nice trip of about 30 miles. This is in the western High Peaks; I don't know what the group restrictions are. In addition to climbing the four Seward mountains, you can also visit Duck Hole and climb MacNaughton Mt.--all unmarked trails. As a former scout myself and Philmont veteran, I think the boys would like this trip. You are also not far from the scout camp if you want to do a water-based trip too.


Joe

[bridgeman]

Get a transport to Lake Placid and hike south to Long Lake on The Northville - Lake Placid Trail. With moderate mileage this can be done as an easy three or four day trip and leave plenty of time for exploring (Kempshall Mountain is a nice side trip. The total mileage is approx. 36 miles.

Once back at Cedarlands you can canoe trek across Mcrorie Lake and then hike up Rock Pond Mountain (we used to call Masters Mountain in Boy Scouts) for a nice perspective of the Cold River Wilderness and some of the hike of the last couple of days. One of my fondest memories of boy scout camp was camping on the shore of Mcrorie Lake under the stars.

Whatever trip you decide on have fun and welcome back to New York.

Tim (Former Boy Scout Troop 214, Upper Mohawk Council).

[Kevin]

The northville placid trail and Seward range loop get my vote. I believe the group size limit in the Sewards is 8 without prior DEC approval.

All the contacts for the DEC are on their website, based on region you're inquiring about...

General Adirondack Park regs:

http://www.dec.state.ny.us/website/regs/part190a.html#190.4

High Peaks regs (Sewards included):

http://www.dec.state.ny.us/website/regs/part190b.html#190.13

Contacting a Region 5 ranger:

http://www.dec.state.ny.us/website/protection/rangers/r5.html

General DEC rules:

http://www.dec.state.ny.us/website/dlf/publands/bacrule.html

"Contact the DEC Region 5 Office at 518/897-1200 for additional information."

[Moose]

The Northville - Placid Trail between Lake Placid and Long Lake is in the High Peaks Region and you are limited to only eight. You also have the option of starting from Pisco and hike north on the N-P trail to Lake Durant or Long Lake. You can't go wrong on any part of this trail. I've done both Lake Placid to Long Lake and Pisco sections with Scouts and they will enjoy it.

[joewanderlust]

12,414 feet? Baldy is 12,441 feet man.
and everybody knows those last 27 feet are the worst

Joe Wells
Arrow of light cub pack 645
Troop 645 Eagle scout
Vigil member in Gabe-she-win-gi-ji-kens lodge 374
Philmont 2003
4 years camp staff
Honorary member of Nacha Tindey lodge 25

sorry, maybe that was a little to much information i like the scouts.

joe

[Little Rickie]

sorry, maybe that was a little to much information i like the scouts.

joe[/QUOTE]

Nope. Never to much scout stuff.

Little Riclie

[jd45177]

12,414 feet? Baldy is 12,441 feet man.
and everybody knows those last 27 feet are the worst

You're right...

And the last 27 feet? I think it was the last couple of hundred feet for me...my son behind me going "Come on Dad, just a little bit more."

[Little Rickie]

I've done both Lake Placid to Long Lake and Pisco sections with Scouts and they will enjoy it.[/QUOTE]

Cool.

Without bing specific where are you from and what other things have you done with the scouts? I hope to jazz up our older scout outdoor progrm and I am looking for ideas.

Little Rickie

[jd45177]

In our troop meeting last night, one of the scouts asked if stayed together, is there an area that allowed a group of 10 that we could day hike from to get to one of the HP's and back in a day?

[Wldrns]

In our troop meeting last night, one of the scouts asked if stayed together, is there an area that allowed a group of 10 that we could day hike from to get to one of the HP's and back in a day?

I'd suggest you should just start calling DEC rangers covering locations you are interested in, in Region 5. You'll get direct rather than second hand information.

Better yet, I'll PM you a DEC HQ number to call to speak to someone in charge who is also a scouter.

[Moose]

"Without bing specific where are you from and what other things have you done with the scouts? I hope to jazz up our older scout outdoor progrm and I am looking for ideas."

Little Rickie

Were from Norther NJ Council, We have paddled from Flower Lake through the Saranac's to Floodwood and Rollins Ponds and hiked Ampersand and Floodwood Mts along the way (50 miler award). Each winter we take the Troop to Poko McCreedy in Willsboro (enviornmental camp) where we break out in age groups. The older boys winter camp at the LOJ or JBL and snowshoe one of the HP's and than do some ice climbing (Great Program).
I know it can be difficult to keep the older boys interest but it has worked out for us.