NEW YORK
L A K E P L A C I D / Recreation
(The Adirondacks)
John Brown Farm
State Historic Site - Leashes
Info: Set high in
the Adirondacks, this site is definitely
worth a look-see. Glean a smidgen of
knowledge on a self-guided tour of the
farm or cloudgaze on a grassy knoll
where you can take pleasure in something
as simple as fresh mountain air. Pick up
a pamphlet for an interesting read about
John Brown's life and his tenacious
support of the anti-slavery movement.
For more information: (518) 523-3900.
Directions: From Lake Placid, head south
on Route 73 for 2 miles to John Brown
Road. Turn south .75 miles to entrance
Algonquin Peak
Trail Hike
Intermediate/8.0 miles/4.0 hours
Info:
If you want to take home memories that
will last a lifetime, then you'll want
to take this exhilarating outdoor
excursion. No bones about it, this tons
of fun hike combines so many interesting
elements that your memory banks will
likely go into overload. You and your
canine companion will be journeying to
Algonquin Peak in the MacIntyre
Mountains. At over 5,000 feet, it's the
second highest mountain in New York
State. The stimulating albeit strenuous
climb to the summit is almost as
beautiful as the panoramic views from
the top.
Taking off from Heart Lake, you'll
quickly reach an engaging cascade of
crystalline waters before climbing a
short pitch. (When you traverse the
timberline of paper birch, balsam and
deep mosses, step lightly and carefully,
this area consists of fragile alpine
vegetation). Two miles into your trek
and you'll arrive at the pot of gold at
the end of the rainbow, the summit. The
expansive views of the surrounding High
Peaks are nothing less than
breathtaking, particularly Mt. Colder,
its famous gorge carved out of the sheer
rock. Nearly all of the high peaks can
be seen from your lofty perch, the
serrated edge of the evergreens adding
to the magic of the moment. When you can
find the willpower to leave this
vista-blessed peak, keep your eyes
peeled for the huge blue crystals of
labradorite embedded in the anorthosite
and the three-leafed cinquefoil of the
alpine summit. For more information:
(518) 897-1200.
Directions: From Lake Placid, take
Highway 37 east to the intersection of
Adirondack Loj Road (Heart Lake Road)
and turn right. Continue on Adirondack
Loj Road to Adirondack Loj parking lot.
Follow the Van Hoevenberg Trail to
Algonquin Peak Trail junction. Continue
straight ahead one mile.
Mount Marcy -Van Hoevenberg Trail Hike
Intermediate/14.0 miles/7.0 hours
Info:
If your wish list includes standing atop
the highest peak in the Adirondacks,
Mount Marcy at over 5,300 feet should be
your destination point. But you'll want
to get an early start and pack plenty of
Perrier and high energy munchies for
this long and somewhat arduous journey.
You'll walk in beauty while you delight
in the crisp pine-scented mountain air.
The surrounding landscape is crammed
with jagged peaks that continue high
above the timberline. Their bare-rock
pinnacles support a windswept alpine
ecosystem of mosses, lichens and dwarfed
trees and are more than enough reason to
lace up the hiking boots and go for the
gold. Remnants of past Olympic Games
will add a touch of nostalgia to your
expedition. On this path, the oldest and
most popular trail to Mount Marcy, you
and your Olympian will undoubtedly meet
up with others on the trek to the summit
and its stunning views. Make it to the
top and you won't stop bragging and
barking to anyone who'll listen. Carpe
diem Duke! For more information: (518)
897-1200.
Directions: From Lake Placid, take
Highway 73 east to the intersection of
Adirondack Loj Road, (Heart Lake Road)
and turn right. Continue on Adirondack
Loj Road to the Adirondack Loj parking
lot and the trailhead. Follow blue
markers for Van Hoevenberg Trail.
Note:
Trail is marked with blue trail markers.
To protect the delicate vegetation,
leashes are a must above the timberline
(about 4,000 feet). |
