Road Conditions - Pillsbury Mountain // Spruce Lake

stargazr1116 · 07-05-2021, 10:20 AM

Hopefully this spares someone from suffering the same fate I did:

Someone took the chains and road closure signs off of the 1.5 mile stretch of road that goes from Jessup River Road up to the Pillsbury Mountain Trailhead Parking Area. Having seen them up in past years, I assumed that the road had been repaired enough to get to the parking area. Big mistake.

It is not passable unless you’re in a high-clearance 4WD And honesty I can’t even guarantee that because My CRV got stuck in the mud before I got that far. Thankfully a wonderful couple in a heavy duty pickup was able to get their truck up the road far enough to get me un-stuck. The only thing that saved my extremely bruised ego was learning that I wasn’t alone and that other people have been getting stuck semi-regularly since the signs were taken down.

Bonus road condition report for the rest of Jessup River Road to the Spruce Lake Trailhead - it seemed rougher to me than it has been in past years. I was fine in my CRV but I’d be a little concerned taking a sedan all the way there. You’ll be able to drive it, but I’d be a little worried about damage on a car with lower clearance or a delicate suspension.

hikingandwildex · 07-05-2021, 12:11 PM

Appreciate the road condition report and sorry to hear about your experience. Pillsbury is one of the next mountains I plan to hike in the ADKs and wouldn't want my vehicle getting stuck for a second time this year. Last month I got temporarily stuck on a steep/rocky/muddy road in Western Pennsylvania and was unable to accelerate. Fortunately, I was able to reverse my way out of trouble.

Is there an alternative parking location that you'd suggest? I assume the dashed-line section of Jessup River Road (below the Parking area) is where you got stuck.

Do you know if parking in the circled area below and roadwalking that rough 1+ mile road to the trailhead would be the best way to go? Also, how is the condition on the rest of Jessup River Road? Looking at satellite imagery, it doesn't look too bad in the spots where I can see the road. Wouldn't know for sure, though, since I've never driven there before.

Thanks again for the head's up...

Edit: I'm looking at CNY Hiking's page on Pillsbury Mountain and they mention alternatively parking at "Sled Harbor" around the area circled above. I think I'll do that to avoid possibly getting stuck on my way to the official trailhead.

https://www.cnyhiking.com/PillsburyMountain.htm

TrailBlaser · 07-05-2021, 12:53 PM

Thanks very much for your post about the road conditions, particularly to the Spruce Lake trail head. I am thinking about making the drive there (in my Ford Fusion) so knowing if that is even possible is very helpful. Thanks again.

stargazr1116 · 07-05-2021, 03:01 PM

@hikingandwildex - You’re correct that it’s the dashed area where I got stuck and is supposed to be closed. There’s a big open area along Jessup Road right at that intersection where you can park, so basically just head to the trailhead and don’t make the last turn.

The rest of Jessup Road until that point wasn’t bad, got a little rougher as I went further back towards Spruce Lake. I was fine in a CRV the entire way and wasn’t worried about getting stuck at all. You’ll be able to make it in a sedan or regular car, just be aware that it’s a dirt/gravel road. Further back towards Spruce Lake the road gets a little rougher with a few muddy spots and I’d be careful with a very low clearance car or a car that has a delicate suspension.

TrailBlaser · 07-05-2021, 04:25 PM

Last year when I did the French Louie loop I took my Kia Optima and parked at Sled Harbor and then walked the mile or so up the road to the Pillsbury trail head. That car has really low clearance, so I wouldn't have tried to drive up to either of the trail heads - Pillsbury or Spruce. The Fusion has a bit more clearance, so as long as there are no wash outs or sections that you have to drive through a lot of mud, I can usually make it if I take my time and drive with extra caution. Again, thanks for the information you provided - every bit helps. Happy trails!

hikingandwildex · 07-05-2021, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stargazr1116

@hikingandwildex - You’re correct that it’s the dashed area where I got stuck and is supposed to be closed. There’s a big open area along Jessup Road right at that intersection where you can park, so basically just head to the trailhead and don’t make the last turn.

The rest of Jessup Road until that point wasn’t bad, got a little rougher as I went further back towards Spruce Lake. I was fine in a CRV the entire way and wasn’t worried about getting stuck at all. You’ll be able to make it in a sedan or regular car, just be aware that it’s a dirt/gravel road. Further back towards Spruce Lake the road gets a little rougher with a few muddy spots and I’d be careful with a very low clearance car or a car that has a delicate suspension.

Good to know that Jessup River Road isn't too bad through Sled Harbor. I don't mind dirt roads as long as they're fairly dry and smooth without large rocks, holes, and other obstacles. My crossover vehicle should be able to make it to that intersection and then I'll just walk the extra 1+ miles to Pillsbury's trailhead. I could use the extra exercise as I've put on more than 25 pounds since the start of the pandemic.

stargazr1116 · 07-05-2021, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hikingandwildex

I could use the extra exercise as I've put on more than 25 pounds since the start of the pandemic.

You are not alone, my friend!

TrailBlaser · 07-06-2021, 10:47 AM

I didn't have a problem with the extra walk from Sled Harbor to the trail head on the way in. Probably the extra adrenaline that comes with the start of a hike. The extra walk at the end felt different - it would have been nice to get in the car at the trail head for the drive out. At least it is mostly downhill from trail head to sled harbor.

forgedin78 · 07-06-2021, 01:34 PM

Did you end up walking the final stretch to the Pillsbury trailhead? Just curious if some are able to make it. Haven't been there since Oct 2019, and the road was in good shape then, was wondering if they fixed the washout or were people just driving around it.

mmaute · 07-06-2021, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by forgedin78

Did you end up walking the final stretch to the Pillsbury trailhead? Just curious if some are able to make it. Haven't been there since Oct 2019, and the road was in good shape then, was wondering if they fixed the washout or were people just driving around it.

I hiked Pillsbury last summer and parked at Sled Harbor. At that time there were a few very large washouts. The washouts were several feet deep, I don't believe any vehicle could traverse them (I drive a 4Runner and not a chance). I don't believe there was enough space to go around the trouble spots. Barring repair, the road should definitely be considered closed to vehicles.

DuctTape · 07-06-2021, 04:48 PM

washouts are still there. road is impassable to the parking area. need to hike he extra mile from sled harbor.

TrailBlaser · 07-06-2021, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by forgedin78

Did you end up walking the final stretch to the Pillsbury trailhead? Just curious if some are able to make it. Haven't been there since Oct 2019, and the road was in good shape then, was wondering if they fixed the washout or were people just driving around it.

Yes, I walked from Sled Harbor to the Pillsbury trail head both ways.

stripperguy · 07-07-2021, 10:36 AM

Russ, do you happen to have a pic of that impassable washout?

DuctTape · 07-07-2021, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stripperguy

Russ, do you happen to have a pic of that impassable washout?

I do not. Let me ask around though.

2505 · 07-07-2021, 07:48 PM

Hiked it last summer. Parked at Sled Harbor, rode bikes to Pillsbury TH, stashed them in the woods, then had a lovely ride downhill to the car after the hike.

Not passable by vehicles last summer.

stripperguy · 07-07-2021, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2505

...

Not passable by vehicles last summer.

Now wait a minute...

I imagine my Element would not stand a chance

But, seriously, NO vehicle could make it?? Not even my little CJ?

montcalm · 07-08-2021, 12:28 PM

If it's a few feet deep, probably even no go for a jeep. An enduro bike could probably do it though, with the right rider.

07-05-2021, 10:20 AM	#1
stargazr1116 Member Join Date: Oct 2016 Posts: 18	Road Conditions - Pillsbury Mountain // Spruce Lake Hopefully this spares someone from suffering the same fate I did: Someone took the chains and road closure signs off of the 1.5 mile stretch of road that goes from Jessup River Road up to the Pillsbury Mountain Trailhead Parking Area. Having seen them up in past years, I assumed that the road had been repaired enough to get to the parking area. Big mistake. It is not passable unless you’re in a high-clearance 4WD And honesty I can’t even guarantee that because My CRV got stuck in the mud before I got that far. Thankfully a wonderful couple in a heavy duty pickup was able to get their truck up the road far enough to get me un-stuck. The only thing that saved my extremely bruised ego was learning that I wasn’t alone and that other people have been getting stuck semi-regularly since the signs were taken down. Bonus road condition report for the rest of Jessup River Road to the Spruce Lake Trailhead - it seemed rougher to me than it has been in past years. I was fine in my CRV but I’d be a little concerned taking a sedan all the way there. You’ll be able to drive it, but I’d be a little worried about damage on a car with lower clearance or a delicate suspension.

07-05-2021, 12:11 PM	#2
hikingandwildex Member Join Date: Jul 2019 Location: On the road again Posts: 77	Appreciate the road condition report and sorry to hear about your experience. Pillsbury is one of the next mountains I plan to hike in the ADKs and wouldn't want my vehicle getting stuck for a second time this year. Last month I got temporarily stuck on a steep/rocky/muddy road in Western Pennsylvania and was unable to accelerate. Fortunately, I was able to reverse my way out of trouble. Is there an alternative parking location that you'd suggest? I assume the dashed-line section of Jessup River Road (below the Parking area) is where you got stuck. Do you know if parking in the circled area below and roadwalking that rough 1+ mile road to the trailhead would be the best way to go? Also, how is the condition on the rest of Jessup River Road? Looking at satellite imagery, it doesn't look too bad in the spots where I can see the road. Wouldn't know for sure, though, since I've never driven there before. Thanks again for the head's up... Edit: I'm looking at CNY Hiking's page on Pillsbury Mountain and they mention alternatively parking at "Sled Harbor" around the area circled above. I think I'll do that to avoid possibly getting stuck on my way to the official trailhead. https://www.cnyhiking.com/PillsburyMountain.htm Last edited by hikingandwildex; 07-05-2021 at 12:30 PM..

07-05-2021, 12:53 PM	#3
TrailBlaser Member Join Date: Mar 2018 Location: Brewster, NY Posts: 387	Thanks very much for your post about the road conditions, particularly to the Spruce Lake trail head. I am thinking about making the drive there (in my Ford Fusion) so knowing if that is even possible is very helpful. Thanks again. __________________ "Everyone must believe in something. I believe I'll go canoeing." - Henry David Thoreau

07-05-2021, 04:25 PM	#5
TrailBlaser Member Join Date: Mar 2018 Location: Brewster, NY Posts: 387	Last year when I did the French Louie loop I took my Kia Optima and parked at Sled Harbor and then walked the mile or so up the road to the Pillsbury trail head. That car has really low clearance, so I wouldn't have tried to drive up to either of the trail heads - Pillsbury or Spruce. The Fusion has a bit more clearance, so as long as there are no wash outs or sections that you have to drive through a lot of mud, I can usually make it if I take my time and drive with extra caution. Again, thanks for the information you provided - every bit helps. Happy trails! __________________ "Everyone must believe in something. I believe I'll go canoeing." - Henry David Thoreau

07-06-2021, 10:47 AM	#8
TrailBlaser Member Join Date: Mar 2018 Location: Brewster, NY Posts: 387	I didn't have a problem with the extra walk from Sled Harbor to the trail head on the way in. Probably the extra adrenaline that comes with the start of a hike. The extra walk at the end felt different - it would have been nice to get in the car at the trail head for the drive out. At least it is mostly downhill from trail head to sled harbor. __________________ "Everyone must believe in something. I believe I'll go canoeing." - Henry David Thoreau

07-05-2021, 03:01 PM	#4
stargazr1116 Member Join Date: Oct 2016 Posts: 18	@hikingandwildex - You’re correct that it’s the dashed area where I got stuck and is supposed to be closed. There’s a big open area along Jessup Road right at that intersection where you can park, so basically just head to the trailhead and don’t make the last turn. The rest of Jessup Road until that point wasn’t bad, got a little rougher as I went further back towards Spruce Lake. I was fine in a CRV the entire way and wasn’t worried about getting stuck at all. You’ll be able to make it in a sedan or regular car, just be aware that it’s a dirt/gravel road. Further back towards Spruce Lake the road gets a little rougher with a few muddy spots and I’d be careful with a very low clearance car or a car that has a delicate suspension.

07-06-2021, 01:34 PM	#9
forgedin78 Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 220	Did you end up walking the final stretch to the Pillsbury trailhead? Just curious if some are able to make it. Haven't been there since Oct 2019, and the road was in good shape then, was wondering if they fixed the washout or were people just driving around it.

07-06-2021, 04:48 PM	#11
DuctTape Out of Shape Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 1,983	washouts are still there. road is impassable to the parking area. need to hike he extra mile from sled harbor. __________________ "There's a whisper on the night-wind, there's a star agleam to guide us, And the Wild is calling, calling . . . let us go." -from "The Call of the Wild" by Robert Service My trail journal: DuctTape's Journal

07-07-2021, 10:36 AM	#13
stripperguy Hangin' by a thread Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Schenectady, NY Posts: 3,894	Russ, do you happen to have a pic of that impassable washout?

07-07-2021, 07:48 PM	#15
2505 Member Join Date: May 2018 Posts: 166	Hiked it last summer. Parked at Sled Harbor, rode bikes to Pillsbury TH, stashed them in the woods, then had a lovely ride downhill to the car after the hike. Not passable by vehicles last summer.

07-08-2021, 12:28 PM	#17
montcalm Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Posts: 2,279	If it's a few feet deep, probably even no go for a jeep. An enduro bike could probably do it though, with the right rider.

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