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It's been a while since I've done a trip report and today's hike to the Hamilton Lake Stream lean-to in the Silver Lake Wilderness Area with Tredhed seemed like a good excuse. We spent the night at the Hamilton County Mosquito Preserve (and yes, there were still plenty of those pesky critters around). An early start to the morning got us to the West River Rd. trailhead well caffeinated and in good shape.
We hit the trail and in a few minutes intersected the NPT. After signing into the woods, we headed north towards Hamilton Lake Stream.
1b junction.jpg
This section of the NPT follows an obvious old road. It's level, wide and well drained.
1f trail.jpg
After passing the fork for the Big Eddy path, we headed up the gentle slopes of Flat Iron. There were some absolutely massive maple and ash trees on this section of trail. We called these two "Thor's Twins".
1i Thors Twins.jpg
The trail on Flat Iron was in spectacular shape. There were the occasional small blowdown, but the tread was very pleasant.
1m trail.jpg
1n trail.jpg
In a little over an hour, we approached Hamilton Lake Stream and its suspension bridge. Some of the slats were rotted out or missing and the deck had a slight list to it. However, that added to the adventure.
2b hls.jpg
On a small knoll, a few minutes past the bridge sat the well sited lean-to. It was impeccably maintained and had a great log book. There were so many positive post, it really gave us a smile. We saw an entry by ADK Forum member "Duct Tape" who was helping Rob and "Two-Ton" complete a section hike. That must have been a good hike.
3f lt.jpg
After relaxing for a little bit, we headed back down the trail. Just south of the suspension bridge, we passed solo NOBO hiker Rhyme Thyme - "More Miles, More Smiles". He had such a great attitude about the trail. "My feet are soaking wet and I don't care". Such positive waves! We wished him well as he was headed from Mud Lake to Spruce Lake for the night.
After enjoying the trail through Flat Iron, we descended back into the valley of the West Branch of the Sacandaga River. A quick detour to the massive suspension bridge and old chimney brought back some childhood memories.
5o Sac River.jpg
Soon enough, it was time for Tredhed and me to sign back out of the woods and have a nice picnic lunch at campsite #12 along West River Rd. If anyone is into car camping, these sites are really nice. The road is in good shape too. After lunch, it was back to the grind. Still, for a couple hours, we had the woods to ourselves (and Rhyme Thyme of course).
We hit the trail and in a few minutes intersected the NPT. After signing into the woods, we headed north towards Hamilton Lake Stream.
1b junction.jpg
This section of the NPT follows an obvious old road. It's level, wide and well drained.
1f trail.jpg
After passing the fork for the Big Eddy path, we headed up the gentle slopes of Flat Iron. There were some absolutely massive maple and ash trees on this section of trail. We called these two "Thor's Twins".
1i Thors Twins.jpg
The trail on Flat Iron was in spectacular shape. There were the occasional small blowdown, but the tread was very pleasant.
1m trail.jpg
1n trail.jpg
In a little over an hour, we approached Hamilton Lake Stream and its suspension bridge. Some of the slats were rotted out or missing and the deck had a slight list to it. However, that added to the adventure.
2b hls.jpg
On a small knoll, a few minutes past the bridge sat the well sited lean-to. It was impeccably maintained and had a great log book. There were so many positive post, it really gave us a smile. We saw an entry by ADK Forum member "Duct Tape" who was helping Rob and "Two-Ton" complete a section hike. That must have been a good hike.
3f lt.jpg
After relaxing for a little bit, we headed back down the trail. Just south of the suspension bridge, we passed solo NOBO hiker Rhyme Thyme - "More Miles, More Smiles". He had such a great attitude about the trail. "My feet are soaking wet and I don't care". Such positive waves! We wished him well as he was headed from Mud Lake to Spruce Lake for the night.
After enjoying the trail through Flat Iron, we descended back into the valley of the West Branch of the Sacandaga River. A quick detour to the massive suspension bridge and old chimney brought back some childhood memories.
5o Sac River.jpg
Soon enough, it was time for Tredhed and me to sign back out of the woods and have a nice picnic lunch at campsite #12 along West River Rd. If anyone is into car camping, these sites are really nice. The road is in good shape too. After lunch, it was back to the grind. Still, for a couple hours, we had the woods to ourselves (and Rhyme Thyme of course).
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