Posted by Ken Atkinson on November 28, 2008 at 2:01 PM
My wife and I will be heading to the Lake Placid area in a couple of weeks. I would like to get some advice on snowshoe/hiking trails, must see places and good photo locations.
Thanks in advance,
Ken
Posted by Wayne Jones on November 28, 2008 at 10:12 PM
You will be in the high peaks region, so if you are a serious skier/snowshoer, the best resource will be the Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK) Guide to that region. Order it here: http://www.adk.org/new_store/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=GHP
If you don't have time to get it mailed, you can pick up a copy if you are driving through Lake George. for directions to the ADK Member Services Center just off I-87 exit 21, see: http://www.adk.org/about/contact.aspx They have lots of good maps and books there. Even if you are not driving through Lake George, shops right in and around Lake Placid have maps, books (including the ADK guide books), supplies and advice from locals. For instance there is an Eastern Mountain Sports store right in the middle of the village of Lake Placid. The Mountaineer shop down in Keene Valley (near some of the best trailheads) is a great shop, too.
The high peaks can be a challenge in the winter if you hit bad weather, so watch the forcast if climing the big ones. There are nice views from smaller mountains, too, and the guide book has hints on these. Even if you are not up for long winter snowshoes up the high peaks, some of the trails stick to the low country, and provide nice views of the area. Here's an example of a shot of Whiteface Mountain from Copperas pond, which can be reached by a pleasant 3 mile loop on snowshoes. Directions are in the High Peaks Guide I mentioned. Easiest hike is starting at the south end, because of the steep grade back down to the road on the north end. Just one example -- you have hundreds of options, so have fun!
Posted by Scott Kathe on November 30, 2008 at 10:56 AM
Wayne gave some great advise. If you are into a short easy climb (easy being relative) go into the Adirondack Loj at Heart Lake and climb up Mount Jo. That's probably the best bang for your buck hike if you want an easy mountain top view. Cascade and/or Porter are real High Peaks and probably the easiest 4000 footers with really nice views. If you are into a nice flat hike you can hike into Marcy Dam from the Adirondack Loj trail head and get a nice lowland view of the surrounding peaks. Your experience is critical and should dictate the hike you select to maximize enjoyment while minimizing risk. Check with the workers at the Loj and they will happily help you out.
Discussion
2 repliesThanks in advance,
Ken
You will be in the high peaks region, so if you are a serious skier/snowshoer, the best resource will be the Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK) Guide to that region. Order it here: http://www.adk.org/new_store/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=GHP
If you don't have time to get it mailed, you can pick up a copy if you are driving through Lake George. for directions to the ADK Member Services Center just off I-87 exit 21, see: http://www.adk.org/about/contact.aspx They have lots of good maps and books there. Even if you are not driving through Lake George, shops right in and around Lake Placid have maps, books (including the ADK guide books), supplies and advice from locals. For instance there is an Eastern Mountain Sports store right in the middle of the village of Lake Placid. The Mountaineer shop down in Keene Valley (near some of the best trailheads) is a great shop, too.
The high peaks can be a challenge in the winter if you hit bad weather, so watch the forcast if climing the big ones. There are nice views from smaller mountains, too, and the guide book has hints on these. Even if you are not up for long winter snowshoes up the high peaks, some of the trails stick to the low country, and provide nice views of the area. Here's an example of a shot of Whiteface Mountain from Copperas pond, which can be reached by a pleasant 3 mile loop on snowshoes. Directions are in the High Peaks Guide I mentioned. Easiest hike is starting at the south end, because of the steep grade back down to the road on the north end. Just one example -- you have hundreds of options, so have fun!
Scott