3 Day Trip...Suggestions

[dturano547]

Hi,

A friend and I are heading up to the adirondacks this coming tuesday and plan to stay until thursday...need a little help.

I have hiked the catskills and decided to head up to the adirondacks this time.

Im not familiar with the adirondacks and can only really find day hikes in some of the books Im going through. I would prefer a loop but am open to all suggestions.

For now Im planning on doing Tongue Mountain Range Loop but Im afraid we may go through it in a day, if we take our time could be two days. Is there a lot to take in to spread out over three days? From what I have read and the maps I looked at it looks like a nice hike. I also liked it becasue it seems somewhat difficult, we are not looking for anything extreme.

Any other loops we should consider for this three day trip?

Indian Pass-Lake Colden Loop
High Falls Loop
Middle Settlement Lake Loop
Pharaoh Mountain and Lake Loop

Im looking for something in the southern adirondacks or looking to keep my drive from Brooklyn around 4 to 4 1/2 hours.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Should I consider a straight trail instead of a loop?

Im looking to stay out in the woods for three days, at first I was considering doing a few trails and just drive around the adk but we decided we would like to leave the car on tue, then come back to it thursday.

Also I was thinking about buying "Hiking New York" today, is that book worth it?

Thank you.

[dturano547]

I read another 3 day hike request on the site and Pharaoh lake seems like a good place to go for 3 days. If I go through the loop to quick there seems to be a lot to take in the area and good places for camping.

Also I have heard things about the West Canada Lake area.

If there is plenty to take in Tongue mountain loop I might stick with my plans but was not sure if Pharaoh mountain may be a little better for the multi day trip.

[dturano547]

Would the Northern Loop / Great Northern Loop be good, thats in the west lake region, right?

Also I forgot to mention before, i have a jeep so getting to certain trailheads should not be a problem, I heard some of the rads can be bumpy.

[Justin]

I think that you mentioned a few good ones. I'd say pick one and go for it!
I'm a huge fan of both the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness, and the West Canada Lakes Wilderness. I don't think you'd be disappointed in either of those choices. The Pharaohs have a lot more scenic designated campsites than the West Canadas (IMO), but both are excellent choices for a 3-day backpacking trip. I couldn't tell you much on the others you mentioned.

[Bill I.]

For now Im planning on doing Tongue Mountain Range Loop but Im afraid we may go through it in a day, if we take our time could be two days. Is there a lot to take in to spread out over three days? From what I have read and the maps I looked at it looks like a nice hike. I also liked it becasue it seems somewhat difficult, we are not looking for anything extreme.

...

Im looking for something in the southern adirondacks or looking to keep my drive from Brooklyn around 4 to 4 1/2 hours.

I've backpacked the Tongue Mountain Range twice and thoroughly enjoyed both times. You're assessment is correct, though, that it is easy to do the entire loop in a day. And pretty as the range is, stretching it over 3 days would involve hiking short distances each day. Neither of the two lean-tos are located near water.

The other locations that you mentioned are all excellent routes, but some might involve longer drives than the others. Coming from the city, Pharaoh Lake would be the most accessible. On the other hand, all of the best trailheads for the West Canada Lake region are located at the end of long gravel roads--not a problem in your Jeep, except that it can add significantly to your driving time.

Another area that you might want to investigate is the Siamese Ponds area.

You'll find that the Adirondacks are a far cry different than the Catskills--the Adirondacks present a wider spectrum of opportunities.

[Pat T]

Or you could try the Lake George Wild Forest.

From Route 9 (near the Lake George Factory Outlets), take Rt 149 east to Buttermilk Falls Road. Turn left, heading north. This road turns into Sly Pond Road and will take you to the Hogtown Trailhead. You can drive all the way to Dacy Clearing. There are many possible loops--up and over Sleeping Beauty, on to Bumps Pond and then to Fishbrook Pond (2 leantos). There are several more leantos-Millman Pond, Black Mtn Pond, and another (I can't remember the name). You could climb Black Mtn. and also hike down to the shore of Lake George.

This would be a nice 3 day destination.

Pat T

[dturano547]

I appreciate everones input, I can't wait to get my feet wet in the adirondacks (not litarally, I hope - ) From what I hear it is a much different experience from the catskills.

I have decided to scratch the tongue mountain range for now. I def plan to hike it at some point but for this trip I feel the Pharaoh loop will be the best choice for this three day set.

I have heard you can get lost for days in this part of the adks and based on what justin mentoined about the campsites I feel much better about enjoying the great outdoors, and wildriver mentoined that the lean2s are far away from water.


Going with the Pharaoh loop should I pack a suite and plan for some nice swimming? From what I researched fishing without a boat is slim pickings, how true is this?

Im thinknig about starting at the crane pond access from 50 hikes in teh adirondacks book and like the 3.8 miles it adds to the loop.

Im planning on packing my camera and will look to get some nice shots. Anything else I should know about the Pharaoh regioin? I plan to use a bear canister, this is required and recomended for this area?

Plus from the basic map I have there are several side trails and areas to enjoy if I feel we are rushing through.

What kind of temps can I expect at night, also do I need any special permits for camping? It's just my freind and I for two nights, also any special fees for parking? I have an empire pass, will this be sufice to park where I plan to park?



I just want to say this site is a great wealth of info, thank you again.

[Justin]

Good choice!
Definitely bring the swimsuit! Most of the ponds have excellent swimming.
You can catch fish from shore, try early morning and evening.
You should be fine coming in from Crane Pd Road with the jeep. Don't be scared of the flooded section of road, you'll be fine! Or maybe you're coming in from the north from 74 on the Long Swing Trail which is a cool hike too.
Bear canisters are not required in that section of the Adirondacks, only in the eastern High Peaks Wilderness.
It'll probably be a little chilly at night, which is perfect campfire weather.
You do not need to pay for parking if you are coming from the Crane Pd side, only if you park at Putnam Pond campground.
No permits needed for hiking or camping.

Send a PM if you'd care for more details of the area and/or your route!

Hope you have a great time, I'm sure you will!
Be safe, be smart, keep it clean, always remember to practice Leave No Trace, if you carry it in, carry it out, and enjoy! Let us know how you made out!

[dturano547]

crowd question...

Since I never hiked the adirondacks Im not sure what to expect for the loop I have chosen. Since Im going tues-thurs I figure it will be less than the weekend rush (if any) it may normally get.

I only ask since the hike Im sticking to it from the book (well known) 50 hikes on the adirondacks, but figure since most of the general public is working when I plan to go and the less would much rather sit around when off from work I should feel pretty out in the wild.

Im not looking to be completely alone out there but two years ago I was out in yosemite and while most of the hikes I did where pretty backwoods and not the general popular hikes I felt like my group was the only one out there, other trails were much like rush hour in NYC making my way through the midtown tunnel...lol. Seriously, I cant remember the excact hike and will check with my father in law but some hikes were bumper to bumper, the funny part was as you made it past certain altitudes the crowd got much thinner.

Im all about everybody getting out and enjoying nature, but just wondering what I can expect as far as people on the trails since I have no clue what to expect...I have hiked on long island where one day means a lot to how many people you may bump into.

[dturano547]

Thanks for the fishing heads up, I def plan to bring along atleast one rod, any lures or bait you can recommend to pack or find?

I dont have two much fresh water fishing ( caught a few bass and trout in a local frshwater pond, but mainly do saltwater fishing)

[dturano547]

Also, since "Bear canisters are not required in that section of the Adirondacks, only in the eastern High Peaks Wilderness."

should i follow general bear food equipment rules in the area, from what i have researched black bears in the region (also may not be legal in certain parts if not all) should I pull it up in a tree? Put it in a bear sack away from camp.

Im only askin becasue im kind of a paranoid freak and while I have done heavy research on what to do when coming across a black bear (which under normal circumstances will run way or stay low before I see it) I want to avoid a run in with them on my trip.

Am I safe to assume there are little to none in the area and will not come sneaking into my camp, for my toothpaste or trail mix? I plan to search the site more and find out more info about bears int the adks.

[dturano547]

Also wanted to comment about my rambles and multi posts....

I feel no matter where I go in t he country (or world) exploring the great outdoors I will always be a noobie ( since I do it in patterns and dont get much time to explore) and coming accross a great site like this I look forward to doing many hikes in the adirondacks and appreciate all the info on this site.

Sorry in advance if my posts are rambles and already posted, I will do my best to take advantage of the search feature.

[StBonaAlum]

A few responses to your questions:

Traffic - I did this loop toward the end of last summer and it wasn't busy, but wasn't empty either. If that makes any sense. We had the first lean-to on Rock Pond all to ourselves the first night (there was group on the opposite shore who had been there for a few days. But who can blame them, that was a prime swim hole). Along the route - there was more traffic near Pharoah and Clear than anywhere else. But then again, the state campground was still open and quite a few folks probably started over there and paddled across Putnam to hike in the wilderness. You're a lot better off hiking post-Labor Day.

Terrain - For the most part, easy. If you get the ADK eastern region guide, you'll see on the map that most of the contour lines are pretty spread out. I never got a chance to hike up Pharoah Mt. however so I can't speak to how easy/difficult it is.

Wildlife - I slept in the same lean-to I cooked in and didn't have a problem. A few mice or chipmunks roaming around, but I don't remember anyone saying anything about bears in that area. I guess it doesn't hurt to hang your food.

Good luck and enjoy. I hope the mosquitos are gone.

[dturano547]

Thanks for all your responces, im going to post a trip report.