Fledspar Brook lean-to?

[Ordin Aryguy]

This upcoming weekend, a couple of co-workers and myself plan on getting up Marcy, Grey, and Skylight. As much for the adventure as for the fact that we're all moderately out of shape desk-jockeys, we plan on making this a multiple day trek. After looking at the map of the area, it would seem that camping near Lake Colden or possible at the Feldspar Brook lean-to would make a perfect base for our trip. Here's where the questions begin...

Can a tent be pitched next to the Feldspar Brook lean-to?

At least one of our group positively plans on using a lean-to for overnight shelter. Is the Feldspar Brook lean-to usually filled? How about Flowed Lands, can lean-to space usually be found there?

Also, I plan on bringing a hammock to sleep in, are there sufficient trees at the Feldspar Brook lean-to that I can use to string up my hammock on? Any regulations against tieing a hammock to trees that I haven't heard of?


Ordin

[Mavs00]

Answers;

1) NO, not next to the lean-to. I was there last week and watched the ranger walk in at 8:20 AM and ticket (not politely either) two Canadian ladies that pitched right next to the lean-to (there is room). We tried to warn them, but they spoke no English and we spoke no French. There are several (legal) sites nearby.

2) We got there at 2 PM on a Saturday were the first to arrive. By the time we got back (from Cliff and Redfield) at around 8 PM there were 4 other groups camped nearby. We (5 of us) shared the lean-to with one solo hiker, the rest (including the girls) camped in tents. Bring a tent, It's a popular spot. No bears that night though.

3) More trees that you could possibly need or use.

Have fun

[Ordin Aryguy]

Mavs,
Thanks for the great info! It's greatly appreciated.

One more question, if you don't mind. Are the legal campsites near Feldspar Brook marked in anyway? A signs, markers, etc?

A ticket from an unhappy ranger would sure put a damper on our trip.


Ordin

[Willie]

Ordin,

On the east side of Feldspar Brook* (opposite side from the lean-to), there is a large area designated for camping (DEC signs mark the spot). You can fit a few large tents there.

Willie

* Edit. I don't have my map in front of me, but I think it's the Opalescent River that flows by Feldspar Brook Lean-to.

[Mavs00]

As usual, Willie, you are right. The Opalescent River IS the river that is directly in front of the Lean-to. You have cross it (via a bridge) to get from the trail to the lean-to. However, Feldspar brook flows into the Opalescent River about 100 feet west of the bridge.

The best description of the site If looking at a map (without the lean-to labled) would be at the point where the Feldspar Brook flows into the Opalescent River.

In any event, there are many designated spots in the area, both on the lean-to side and the opposite side (of the Opalescent). You just can't pitch a tent right next to the lean-to like the ladies I described did. Hope that helps.

[Ordin Aryguy]

Gentlemen,
Thanks for the great responses. Much appreciated!

We're going to camp near Marcy Dam Friday night, and then hoof it out to Fledspar Brook Saturday and pound some stakes at one of the tent sites. From there it's up Marcy, Grey and Skylight.

Thanks again!


Ordin

[Martin]

We're going to camp near Marcy Dam Friday night, and then hoof it out to Fledspar Brook Saturday and pound some stakes at one of the tent sites. From there it's up Marcy, Grey and Skylight.

Ordin

Hey Ordin, I might see you there Saturday night. I'll probably be hiking Cliff and Redfield Saturday, and I'll decide what I will hike Sunday after that.