Area trails can be characterized as wet.
I grew up near CL. and did my first hiking out of Wanakena. The area is mostly gentle terrain, with much flat terrain prone to regular flooding and unscheduled beaver flooding(beavers are APA exempt) The old truck trail, which is part of the CL 50, has numerous beaver dams along it, and at times that trail is part of the dam for long, wet sections. I completed the CL 50 earlier this month, and found other sections of it to be similar.
In addition, many sections of the route have ferns and grasses growing over the tread. Evening dew, morning dew, and any recent rain make these wet enough to soak you above the boots, and even above gaiters. The water then runs down into your boots. Plan on wet feet for a large part of the route. Got waterproof boots? Plan on wet feet...
The driest section would be the Sixmile Creek Trail, which is on an esker. But just before getting to that trail after completing the Olmstead Pond Loop, [the info on the CL 50 site makes that loop seem optional, but it's a beautiful section, with views of 2 or 3 ponds. Also, if you're interested in the 50 mile aspect, I think the loop is necessary to get in the full 50.] assuming a clockwise route, there's a stream (Olmstead P. outlet?) with no good place to cross, so you might find yourself on the dry esker with wet feet.
It's the Adirondacks, but it's not mountains.
Originally posted by ColdRiverRun
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In addition, many sections of the route have ferns and grasses growing over the tread. Evening dew, morning dew, and any recent rain make these wet enough to soak you above the boots, and even above gaiters. The water then runs down into your boots. Plan on wet feet for a large part of the route. Got waterproof boots? Plan on wet feet...
The driest section would be the Sixmile Creek Trail, which is on an esker. But just before getting to that trail after completing the Olmstead Pond Loop, [the info on the CL 50 site makes that loop seem optional, but it's a beautiful section, with views of 2 or 3 ponds. Also, if you're interested in the 50 mile aspect, I think the loop is necessary to get in the full 50.] assuming a clockwise route, there's a stream (Olmstead P. outlet?) with no good place to cross, so you might find yourself on the dry esker with wet feet.
It's the Adirondacks, but it's not mountains.
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