Adirondack Admiration
Category: Journeys | Subcategory: Travel Ideas
Tags: Adirondacks, Adirondack Park, Keene Valley, High Peaks, Lake Colden, Mount Marcy, Van Hoevenberg Trail, Upperworks, Indian Head Trail, Flume Falls, Hiking, Backpacking, East Coast Hiking, 46ers
Published:
In the largest protected area in the US outside of Alaska, the Adirondack's have much to explore. Their old growth, rugged trails, and pristine waters create solace and beauty as if man never marred this part of the world.
The dense, boreal forest teems with life on the forest floor, the understory, and the overstory, can only be present in old growth, healthy forests. Downed airplanes, peaks, moose, bears, ironworks, foxes, waterfalls and loons are some of the many things to see on trail.
Keene Valley area has among the best backpacking in the East Coast as a network of rugged paths ascend from lakes to streams to ridges to peaks. Forty-six high peaks await an adventurer. These strenuous hikes humble, enchant, and reward. I am personally on ten.
Many come to attempt to climb New York's highest peak, Mount Marcy, 5,000+ feet, via the Van Hoevenberg trail. Eat lunch at the summit or at the restaurant near the Log. Be prepared.
For backpackers, I recommend the Lake Colden dam area. For a multi-day backpacking trip, you can go Algonquin Peak to Lake Colden dam area, to Iroquois, Algonquin, and Wright, back to the Loj. Spots fill up at the Loj. Upperworks trailhead is another option to start from.
Another nice day hike is to Indian Head Trail, permit required, to a stunning lookout seeing lakes and peaks.
The ADK prides itself on rugged trails and elevation. The Flume Trail system is great for a shorter hike network, with a stunning drive to get there. Have a picnic and swim at Flume Falls.
The Adirondacks are the best nature area in the East Coast, from world-class hiking, backpacking, to canoeing. It has the ability to test, reward, and restore. See for yourself.
By Joshua Zubik
