Suggestions for an easy 2-3 day hike?

[mpwolf]

Hi all,

I'm looking for a relatively easy either overnight, or two-night route somewhere in the High Peaks region. I used to be very familar with the area back in High School (when I left the area I had done 22 or 23 of the 46), but that was farther back than I care to remember. I'd like to start out either Tuesday or Wednesday of this week. I'm basically looking for something that will have a few nice summit views. Also, while I will be packing my tent, a lean-to would be really nice, a lake to take a dip would be extra nice.

I'm not against a longer hike, but it's been years since I've really been in the mountains (four of those years were behind a desk in Washington, which should be an indication of my physicaly condition ), and the person I'm taking with me has never been camping, so anything that's really technical isn't going to happen this trip. I recally I used to really like the area around Keene Valley, but it's been so long, I don't remember what's there. ANY suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I'm digging through my basement to find my old High Peaks guide book, but any suggestions from people who have been there recently would be great! This is my first post here, so if this has been covered already, just point me in the right direction.

Thanks!

- Matt

[Rick]

MPWolf,
Sadly this is just what many, many others are looking for when they try to get way to the Daks once every few years. One thought would be Marcy Dam with a daytrip up either Algonquin (or Wright depending on physical conditioning), or Phelps - However, you will likely have much company, as Marcy Dam is busy during all seasons.

Another thought would be to reserve a lean-to at JBL (Though midweek shouldn't be to bad and you should easily find one free ones) and hike Big Slide via Brothers (Again, depending on Phys conditioning, Brothers is never a bad place to turn around. The views are incredible. This also allows an option is to stay at one of 2 Lean tos on the way in on The Northside Trail, making the destination pretty easy (no lake though).

I also have a different thought altogether - It includes a lake and solitude, but doesn't include a peak. However, it is a very nice area with greats wide open views of the Santanonis and a lake. There are several trails you can take in there. It is Duck Hole at the western fringe of the high peaks.

Finally, another favorite is to hike in Ausble Road and camp at the legal spot off the Gill Brook Trail and then hike Indian Head and Fishhawk Cliffs the following day as a dayhike.
The vista while not a high peak is awe-inspiring and the hike is very easy. Downfall is that there is no Lean-to and the first legal campsite (there are 2 - one is on the left (just after the State Lands sign) across a small stream, virtually unseen from the trail - Holds 6 tents. the other is approx 200 yards up on the right, right beside the trail.

Regulations have changed over the years. You can visit the DEC site to get an idea of the High Peaks Unit Management Plan (HPUMP) or just buy an updated guide book from the ADK - It will list camping regulations.

Don't be surprised to find some of the Lean-to's you heard of or visited are no longer there - Snobird, Twin Brook, Indian Falls, ... and there is no camping in those areas as well.

Good luck
Rick

[redhawk]

The Sewards and the Raquette River are good hikes.

The horse trail from Coreys into the clearing and the lean-to at Raquette Falls is a good overnighter. The trail is in good shape usually (not a lot if any horses use it). It is a little steep in spots but nothering like the peaks.

There are nice tant sites by the falls and a lean to as well. The area is very scenic and you can swim or ride the flume (as we did) below the lower falls. Great Northern Pike and trout fishing as well.

All in all a real nice place to spent a couple of days. Tgere are also a couple of lean-tos off the trail on the way in, but I reccommend going to the falls.

[Kevin]

The sewards may be a bit too much of a hike for someone who hasn't hiked for a while.

I second the Marcy Dam suggestion. There are lean-tos a mile in from The Garden (trail that leads to John's Brook Lodge). From there you can climb Big Slide or the Wolfjaws in a day. Marcy's within reach, but that may be a long day for you.

[redhawk]

I was talking more of the trail and the lean-tos into the sewards. Not the peaks themselves.

[jellen]

Heart Lake

The following suggestions are probably more geared to your friend who has never camped out. I have found Heart Lake to be a great starting point to introduce people to the High Peaks area. There's tons of info at the hiker's and campers building and several options are not so intimidating as to prevent someone from wanting to hike there in the future.

You could Call the ADK and try for a campsite or lean-to at Heart lake. Their number is 518-523-3441. There is so much you can do from there, even if the day is a bit wet. A nice relatively flat hike @ 7 miles round trip is to Scott's pond. Marcy Dam is a possible destination for a 1/2 day stroll. Mt. Jo is short and sweet with about a 45 minute hike with great views. Wright or Algonquin are much more work as far as elevation gain but both are worth it for views. You can swim in Heart Lake and they have canoes as well. There is also a short trail around the lake itself - a nice warm up hike. If you can't camp near the Loj, try Round Pond. It is about 1/2 mile hike off of route 73. Maybe camp there but hike out to drive to other hike destinations. Non high peak climbs that are kinda nice are Owl's Head and Rooster Comb. Enjoy your time off!!!

[mpwolf]

Awesome, thanks everyone! These are great ideas! I found my old High Peaks Guide book too, so I think I'll be able to figure out a great few days. I'd still welcome any further suggestions, and I'll be sure to let you guys (and girls) know where I end up. Thanks again!

- Matt

[Kevin]

I was talking more of the trail and the lean-tos into the sewards. Not the peaks themselves.

The first lean-tos on the blueberry pond trail are 4+ miles in, and the caulkins brook camp site is just under 4 miles (from memory). That's a good bit of distance with a full pack if you're not ready for it. I guess I know better because I'm still 'new' to hiking (under 2 years experience). It wasn't that long ago 4 miles with a pack was a real headache. Now I still hurt a bit, but a better pack and increased fitness makes it slightly easier and more bearable.

[redhawk]

My grandaughter who is seven years old just finished hiking into the forth falls in the gorge and out carrying about 10 pounds in a pack. Thats 8 miles round trip.

Don't need to carry over 15 pounds to go in to the Seward lean-tos for two nights.

Don't forget Kevin, you RUN uphill. Most people have better sense!!