Backpacking in ADK

[turnerart]

My friend and I are coming up the second week of June to do some backpacking. We have the gear/experience but we just need a little guidance as to where to go. We are looking for a trail (probably a loop) that will take around four days to complete where we can leave the car behind and take everything with us. We would like the best views, moderate to difficult terrain, and the least amount of people. Does anyone have any suggestions as to where to look?

Thank you!

[madison]

If you are new to the daks, you may not know that June is blackfly season. We're not just talking a few annoying bugs here; we're talking clouds of biting bloodsuckers that are impossible to escape and impervious to bug dope. That said, if you come prepared with headnets, long sleeves and pants, etc., and choose breezy campsites, they can be bearable, and you'll probably have the trails mostly to yourself.

It sounds like you might be looking for the kind of trip you can find in the high peaks. I'm not very familiar with that area, although others here are. I know of several good loops, though. The West Canada Lakes Wilderness loop, starting at the Pillsbury Mountain trailhead, is about 22 miles, and although there are no peaks along the route, it passes several beautiful mountain lakes; most have lean-to's. Check out National Geographic map 744, Northville/Raquette Lake, or the ADK guidebook West Central region.

You could also access the loop from the Brooktrout Lake trailhead in the Moose River Plains rec area and get a longer trip. Brooktrout Lake, almost 6 miles in, is a great place to camp and worth the extra miles.

Others will undoubtedly have suggestions for other areas. Have a good trip.