First time snow packer

[soco7tyx7]

This winter will mark my first snow backpacking trip and i'm not sure where to go. since its my first i'm not really considering any climbing, just mostly easy-moderate hiking. i was thinking either tirrel pond near blue mountain, or duck hole since i've heard so many good things about it. i'd love to hear anyone's suggestions. thanx.

[Kevin]

Duck hole is a long hike no matter which trailhead you choose.

There are a ton of trails/areas in the silverlake wilderness and siamese ponds wildnerness areas that would likely have broken trails and be moderate in length/difficulty.

[redhawk]

When are you planning on going? There are a few things going on and perhaps you can hook up.

We got an ice skating party Jan 8th, thats in the high peaks area near Whiteface, About 1 1/2 mile in.

On the 16th a few of us will be hiking somewhere in the Siamese Ponds Wilderness area and camping overnight. Lenght of that hike is unknown yet. Anywhere from 1 mile to 7 miles one way..

Regardless, you do need to have snowshoes with you or you can be ticketed.

[sacco]

tirrell is nice. stephens pond or cascade which is south of durrant are also nice choices in that area with similiar distances and lean-tos.

[soco7tyx7]

i would love to join you guys but unfortunately i'd be leaving the 16th, and i do have snowshoes, but thanx for the tip.
i was looking on the central adirondacks list and saw there was a road from "Coreys" to a part of the trail that looks fairly close to duck hole. is that road out of use or is it not really accessable?

[Kevin]

i would love to join you guys but unfortunately i'd be leaving the 16th, and i do have snowshoes, but thanx for the tip.
i was looking on the central adirondacks list and saw there was a road from "Coreys" to a part of the trail that looks fairly close to duck hole. is that road out of use or is it not really accessable?

I think that road is no longer in use except in emergencies, and even then it may not be completely passible anymore. There is private property back in there that may connect that stretch to Corey's, but it's off-limits to hikers. Your trailhead from that side would be at Corey's near Blueberry Pond.

I believe the shortest route to Duck Hole one-way is 9 miles. That's one of the nice things about Duck Hole is the remoteness. I STILL haven't been there, saving it for late next summer as a weekend jaunt. Been all around it though (Sewards, Santannoni's, etc). This area of the High Peaks region is still relatively 'wild' when compared to the hiking roadways of the interior High Peaks near Heart Lake/Marcy Dam and John's Brook.

I don't want to discourage you, just wanted you to be aware that it's a long hike in and out in snow shoes if you're not used to the extra weight on your feet and the possibility of having to break trail part or most of the way (depending on how recent the snow falls prior to your trip).

[redhawk]

I'm going to echo Kevin and say that for a first time snowshoe trip, Duck Hole isn't what I would reccommend, not until you've got some cold weather hikes under your belt and are fully prepared with wquipment and everything, "Just in case" (and there are a plethora of "Just In Cases" in the Dacks in the winter.

You also didn't mention how many of you are going. In the winter, solo backpacking is a real no-no. Should have at least three people.

The Tirrel Pond, Lake Durant sections Sacco mentioned are good. Another good shot would be Murphy, Bennet and Middle Lakes here in the Southern Dacks, Cod Pond, Kirby Pond, Wilcox Lake, anyplace that doesn't get you "too deep" in.

If I were to give you advice (Who ME?) it would be to attempt short trips this winter and gain experiece or at the very least find some winter experienced backpackers to go with. Trust me when I twll you that winter is far different from summer and also that winter in the dacks is far different then winter in many other places on the east coast with the exception of Maine, the White and Green Mountains and the Northern AT.

[Rick]

Soco,
The road you noticed is the Ward Brook Truck Trail. It is still used on occasion by rangers and while it is in great shape (until you get to the beaver dam) it is off limits from the gate (just past the summer trailhead), unless you are a member of the Ampersand Club.
I used to maintain the No 4 L/T's that are about 6 miles in. I have mountain biked the road a few times while cleaning the L/T's and biked down to Duck Hole once. (I don't think mountain bikes are allowed in there now).

While I will say that the road is very easy to hike and the grades are few and mild, I agree that it is not the first place for a winter trip. Ideally you want to be somewhere where others are so that there is some broken trail and you don't tax yourself to death and get everything wet just getting to camp.

I don't know your experience level and depending on your gear, you might even just rent a L/T at the ADK Loj and spend a couple of nights there and do some dayhiking. No better way to test your winter gear, than knowing a warm car is closeby.

The Lean-tos at Marcy dam and avalanche camp are also a great area to cut your teeth, as it is only 2 miles to the road and easy hiking. Same with Bear and Deer L/Ts on the trail to JBL.
Good Luck
Rick

[Dick]

I believe the shortest route to Duck Hole one-way is 9 miles. That's one of the nice things about Duck Hole is the remoteness. I STILL haven't been there, saving it for late next summer as a weekend jaunt. Been all around it though (Sewards, Santannoni's, etc). This area of the High Peaks region is still relatively 'wild' when compared to the hiking roadways of the interior High Peaks near Heart Lake/Marcy Dam and John's Brook.

I don't want to discourage you, just wanted you to be aware that it's a long hike in and out in snow shoes if you're not used to the extra weight on your feet and the possibility of having to break trail part or most of the way (depending on how recent the snow falls prior to your trip).

I agree with Redhawk and Kevin. Just a small correction: the shortest route to Duck Hole is from Upper Works, 6.9 mi. one way. I'd still recommend doing something shorter.

Dick

[soco7tyx7]

thanx for all the info guys! to Redhawk: i definitely wouldnt attempt a solo trip in the winter anywhere, so i do have at least 2 others going with me but thanx for the tip . duckhole was just a thought since i've heard so much about it, i didnt know it was that long of a trip. i'll definitely look into those other trails that were mentioned. i really dont have any experience but i do have appropriate gear, and i've done a lot of reading about all kinds of gear and the layering system in The Backpacker's Handbook and i have a couple of other purchasers to make. i think i'll make it on a short trip, which is another reason why i wanted to do a short one in case there were any complications. thanx again for all the info and keep it coming if you have any.