Starting point for Allen - Tips?

[Zer0-G]

Hi All,

I am going to march on up to Allen Mountain this Saturday.

I have been reviewing two different maps and reading the guide book.

The National Geographic Map shows some access roads in the area which I am assuming are private roads. On the ADK Map it seems to show those roads as trails. Which seems to imply that part of the hike is on roads. This appears to be confirmed in the guidebook as well.

The Guide book remarks about various colors of flagging showing the way.

Since the book, 13th Edition, is a little dated, I would like to know from anyone who has done this hike somewhat recently if there is any clarification that would be useful.
So, where does this hike start? Does it start just north of Old Macintyre Furnace or can one drive in closer on one of those roads? (which I believe is not likely).

I am assuming the herdpath is marked with something at it's starting point.

Any clarification would be greatly appreciated.

Zer0-G

[Mavs00]

Here's a report of my trip a couple years ago.

It's pretty straight forward and some of the hike is along private roads.

Let me know if you have any questions.

ALLEN TRIP REPORT

[Kevin]

So, where does this hike start? Does it start just north of Old Macintyre Furnace or can one drive in closer on one of those roads? (which I believe is not likely).

I am assuming the herdpath is marked with something at it's starting point.

Any clarification would be greatly appreciated.

You are correct - it starts at the parking area north of the furnace (same trailhead you would take to climb Adams).

Herd paths are not always marked, but some of them around private land are. It's to keep the hikers on track and off their property.

Only tip I can offer is to NOT go up Adams like so many do. Shortly after the lake (long floating boardwalk) there's a trail sign heading left. This will take you up Adams. At the beginning you follow the road for quite while, then it's in and out of foot paths until on the final 3 or 4 mile stretch which is all herd path. Most of the foot paths and intersections are marked in some way. Keep your head up and you shouldn't miss any of them.

Here's a rough topo of when I did Allen:

http://www.the-boogiemen.com/hiking/anTopo.jpg

[Zer0-G]

Nice track log...What was the length of the track log?

Could you possibly forward the waypoints my way?
I wasn't planning on bringing my GPS, but I do enjoy watching those waypoints come and go.

Zer0-G

[Kevin]

The first is ripped straight from Andrew Lavigne's site. I believe (been 2 years since I used/needed the tracks) that I brought them along in my GPS and they were accurate. I didn't need them the second time up Allen because I knew the way, but the trail hadn't changed (that was as of June 2005).

The second [from a 2 year old TPO file] should be an accurate track for Allen.

[Kevin]

Here's an old TPO (National Geographic Topo!) file that has Allen and a few other 'trailless' peaks.

[Zer0-G]

Thanks Kevin. Much Obliged
Zer0-G

[Rik]

Remember to plan extra time to pick raspberries. They are ripe and plentiful.

[Zer0-G]

Remember to plan extra time to pick raspberries. They are ripe and plentiful.

Ah, yes.. I will. I'll get started at 5 AM then. (hee hee)

I understand this is a pretty long trip. I'll make sure to stop for the berries. I'll bring an extra water bottle to stock up.

[Diet Coke]

I was up about 3 weeks ago and the trail is marked fairly well. When you actually start from allen brook falls you will follow the stream bed for a while. About 3/4's the way up the trail goes up the left side of the brook. IF you stay on the brook it is very steep. You could go right but it will be shorter to the top if you take the main trail to the left. This is the only problem we had. We missed the left tail and went right so at the top we need to go across the ridge to get the the top. I estimate about a 1/4 mile farther.