Monday’s post talked about a World War I no man’s land, but today’s guest post deal with a more pleasant beautiful one with the Adirondack Mountains in New York.
The state of New York tends to be severely overshadowed by the downstate region that New York City, Long Island, and the Westchester County area takes up. Those who live outside of the state are quick to call every other part north of the city “Upstate New York”, immediately placing more than ninety percent of the state’s area in this seemingly bare no man’s land. The only Upstate region that should be acknowledged as such would be the Adirondack Mountains (ADKs) region.
Schroon River
The Adirondacks take up an area of 9,375 square miles, which according to Visit Adirondacks is about the size of the state of Vermont. A lot of it is somewhat remote, but many establishments, campgrounds and towns have been placed to attract tourists, hikers, skiers and more.
I grew up in Syracuse, NY, which is in the dead center of the state and probably about 2 1/2-3 hours from where the ADK Region is. There are some great areas to hike and travel in the Fingerlakes Region (Ithaca, Southern Tier) and in the Catskills as well (southeast), but nothing holds a candle to the history and views that the Adirondack region holds.
Warren County
When I was younger, my father would take me to an area that lies in the upper East of the ADKs in Warren Country. The town of Warrensburg hosts a large number of campgrounds that remain relatively untouched for decade after decade. The main attraction for campers would be the proximity of the Schroon River, which is a Hudson River tributary.
The river is big enough for plenty of boat rides and fishing, but not too big where the look is overwhelming. The actual campground where we would go is hard to name since the ownership seems to change every time we visited, but the scenes are simply unmatched.
I start with this area, though perhaps not as well known as the rest of the Adirondacks due to my many visitations and the scenery that the Schroon River delivers. I highly advise any prospective Adirondack visitor to look into this little treasure, and save the more popular regions for later.
Mt. Marcy
But on to another area, which is actually home of the highest point in all of the New York State. If you’re a northeastern hiker, you might be familiar with Mt. Marcy. Funny enough, Mt. Marcy could actually be seen from a long distance at the campground that I was at in Warrensburg, though it is in the next county over in Essex.
From the Van Hoevenberg Trail
Mt. Marcy is popular for hikers due to its elevation and the view for those who reach the summit. The best known trail to get to the summit would be the Van Hoevenberg Trail, a 7.4 mile stretch that is open for anyone who is up for the task. Don’t expect to see many scenes when going up this trail, as much of it is forested until you get to the last mile or so. It is certainly a great way to spend the afternoon, however. Even though it is a high point, it is not very difficult for the beginner hiker, as it does not demand much physical prowess.
Lake George
In keeping with the familiar region of the Adirondacks, Lake George also resides in the Essex/Warren area. Lake George, alongside Lake Placid, is one of the best known bodies of water in the entire region. It remains a popular tourist destination, but also hosts several mountains around it that can be ideal hiking locations. I wish I could say I have hit all of these trails (which are numerous), but one I can point out in particular that has always been a source of enjoyment is Sleeping Beauty Mountain/Trail.
Sleeping Beauty Mountain Trail
The name of the mountain can be misleading for some hikers who think its a breeze to get through, but actually it is more difficult than Mt. Marcy – not too hard though. It’s also about seven miles and will take you to the summit of mountain, offering a pretty fantastic view. The heavy trees offer a relatively warm “ADK feeling” that I always enjoy (hard to put in words).
Aim to visit Lake George, or actually any part of the ADKs for summer or early fall unless you have skiing in mind. Some of these trails can be dangerous for the inexperience climber, but for the most part are meant to draw in hikers of any skill set.
What I have brought up here is just a sliver of the offerings of the Adirondacks. I unfortunately don’t live in NY anymore, so it is difficult to get back there, but when I visit again, I will be sure to expand on the horizons. The whole area really is a treasure of the northeast that will impress the most veteran hiker/outdoorsman. Between the scenes and the rich history that exists (mostly 18th century and earlier to Native American times), it’ll bring plenty of enjoyment.
Doug Glaston is an internet marketer and content provider to Home Security Team throughout the day but an avid hiker, runner and cyclist in the evenings and on weekends. Share your past experiences in the Adirondack Mountains here for some solid discussions!
TT
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I like upstate New York as well. I went there many years ago to Cooperstown and the Baseball Hall of Fame. Very beautiful area and some great memories.
Jeremy Branham recently posted..Enemy territory, Buckeye hospitality as Ohio State rallies to beat Cal
I have never been myself, but I am sure it is similar to the terrain found in the Great Smoky Mountains.
Awesome post! I’m a big fan of the Catskills and go there quite regularly. Lake Minnewaska is a personal fave.
Charu recently posted..Ways that Social Media Is Changing the World
The Catskills sound interesting. You cannot go wrong with mountain lakes.
Gorgeous country…appears undisturbed…
Cheers…
Charles Higgins recently posted..Michael Turco’s Magic and Mayhem Las Vegas show review
I only briefly mentioned the Finger Lakes area. I went to school briefly in Ithaca, and the surround area was absolutely gorgeous. Would highly recommend Buttermilk Falls or Six Mile Creek for anyone looking for a good hike.
I grew up in Western NY, before moving out west. While we got some great parks and trail systems out here, I still miss the Adirondacks. I remember a 4th July there when I was younger.
Places where you explore when you are young never leave you. Thanks Brian for the comment.
Another area of the U.S. that I’d love to see one day… I like the look of Sleeping Beauty Mountain.
Francesca (@WorkMomTravels) recently posted..Getting cultured in Kenosha
It does look like an appealing part of the country. I would love to check it out someday too.
Grew up going to Lake George, but didn’t know about these great hiking trails. I’m new to hiking, and wanted to try out the Adirondacks, so this is the perfect place to start.
The World Wanderer recently posted..Exploring the Okavango Delta: Part Two.
Hope you get a chance Erin to check it out, so I can read more about the area.
Now that is a place I could totally explore. Really keen to explore upstate NY when I next go. Does it really snow properly in the winter? Is there a ski area nearby? I am having *ideas*
@mrsoaroundworld recently posted..Making friends around the world
Yes, I do believe the area gets some good snow in the winter, and I am sure there are some ski resorts where you can visit.
Am I the only person alive who has not been to Upstate New York? Those Adirondack Mountains have my name written all over them.
Leah Travels recently posted..Preparing for Prague (with Video!)
Ironically, I am another who has never been to upstate New York. It does look beautiful.
Amazing to think this is right on your doorstep in New York
Fiona recently posted..The Video Edit: Couch Surfing Irish Style
I am sure a lot of people do not take advantage of the beauty as they get stuck in the Big Apple.
Great Post … Thank you for sharing this really awesome post
Thanks Jessi,
Glad you enjoyed.
Can’t say I’ve ever made it up to the ADK region on the New York side, but I was able to take in the view from afar across the state line in Vermont. I’m amazed at how wild parts of New York actually are – the big city is hogging all the credit in that state.
John recently posted..On The Ledge At Howelsen Hill
New York is a huge state. Many forget the wild places, the mountains, the bears, the forests, the lakes that exist in the other part of the state.
I remember first learning about US geography and having to remember the name of the mountains… Mission accomplished. 😉 Gosh, the panoramic picture is beautiful. A must-see place!
Pola (@jettingaround) recently posted..Interview with travel photographer and writer Sivan Askayo: ‘Travel is a state of mind’
Interesting that the Adirondacks, the Appalachians, and U.S. Geography is taught abroad. It makes sense as I remember learning the mountains of France in French class.