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We arrived at the public parking area shortly after 9:00 AM to find the lot completely full and little space remaining in the adjacent "overflow" undeveloped lot. Across Route 73, the Roaring Brook Trailhead lot was "coned" off with a recent blacktop resurfacing which accounted for some of the crowded conditions on the AMR side. Temperatures were cool to start and recovered little throughout the day so layers were the operative word. The East River Trail is another Adirondack Mountain Reserve gem, which is often bypassed in favor of the direct routes to the High Peaks. However, as with many other scenic and secluded trails, this trail must be leisurely walked to be appreciated. It is not a difficult trail with minimal elevation and mileage to the Lower Ausable Lake. It does shadow the great East Branch of the Ausable River, at times walking beside the boulder-strewn stream and at other times climbing high above the canyons carved out by the indomitable and powerful forces of Mother Nature. Shaded by the pristine forests along the banks and the low seasonal position of the sun, sections of the brook didn't see the smiling sun until well after mid-day causing frosty, slippery, conditions. Trekking poles helped a great deal maintaining balance and improving agility as we worked our way south along the trail. After a wonderful stop at Beaver Meadow Falls, we returned to the East River Trail to walk beside the quiet waters of Beaver Meadows. It was there that a big doe and two of her young offspring were spotted feeding in the thick vegetation. It was a just reward for choosing the AMR (and this route) during hunting season. We had a relaxing lunch enjoying the warmth of the sun on a large flat boulder within sight of the dam. After marveling at the topography of Indian Head, Mt. Colvin and the surrounding mountainous terrain, we walked briefly north on the Lake Road. We detoured slightly on the Gill Brook Bypass Trail leading us to the Gill Brook Trail for another relaxing walk beside (arguably) one of the most picturesque brooks in the Adirondack Park. Although the water level of the brook was low, even the slightest bubbling purl was enough to make the walk worth the added distance. When we returned to the gatehouse, I counted more than 100 hikers who had signed in to 3 pages of register. We saw no one on the East River Trail, 2 people on the Lake Road and 3 others on the Gill Brook Trail -- another reason to take the "path less traveled."
Once in a while, we all need to take the time and have no particular agenda that frees us to walk, pause, sit, relax, contemplate, appreciate and enjoy the special places we hike and the company of our hiking companions. It's remarkable how much more you really see when you make the time to take your time and truly appreciate the often unnoticed subtleties of nature.
My investment for the day was worth every penny: gas -- $21.70; two Noon Mark Diner dinner specials with 2 slices of homemade raspberry crumb pie for desert, plus tax and tip -- $30.00; an open-ended, relaxed, “sunsational†day spent in the peace and tranquility of the AMR with my best friend and wife (Kathy) of thirty-four years -- priceless!
Pete Hogan
Once in a while, we all need to take the time and have no particular agenda that frees us to walk, pause, sit, relax, contemplate, appreciate and enjoy the special places we hike and the company of our hiking companions. It's remarkable how much more you really see when you make the time to take your time and truly appreciate the often unnoticed subtleties of nature.
My investment for the day was worth every penny: gas -- $21.70; two Noon Mark Diner dinner specials with 2 slices of homemade raspberry crumb pie for desert, plus tax and tip -- $30.00; an open-ended, relaxed, “sunsational†day spent in the peace and tranquility of the AMR with my best friend and wife (Kathy) of thirty-four years -- priceless!
Pete Hogan