Mellow Hikes to Ease You Into Winter
There is already snow in the Adirondacks but our minds and bodies are still in fall. Here are a few hikes we plan to enjoy this month to help guide us from one season to the next.
Make sure you bring extra layers and waterproof shoes. Some of these mountains get snow far before your backyard. Pack extra snacks and water during shoulder season. Often times we sweat more in the cold from all our heavy layers and we expend more energy trying to keep our bodies warm. Packing the food fuel and physical comforts you need make cold weather hiking both safe and enjoyable.
Big Pond Trail - Hoffman Notch Wilderness
This is a 3 mile walk just outside of Schroon Lake. The trail is flat, wide, and well-marked so it is suitable for hikers of all experience levels. There is a parking lot at the start of the trail, but we’ve never seen another car. We love that this trail is easy to navigate, has minimal elevation gain/loss, and provides a mix of water and forest views. The trail passes multiple beaver ponds along the way, so bring binoculars for beaver and bird sightings.
Pilot Knob Ridge - Schumann Preserve
Pilot Knob Ridge is a 4 mile hike that leads to a gazebo with views of Lake George. There is a large parking lot designated for this hike and you will see other folks on trail. There is about 1,300 feet of elevation gain, so it is more strenuous than Big Pond. The trail is carefully crafted with rock stairs, bright markers, and viewpoints along the way. Bring extra layers so you can sit on the benches under the gazebo when you reach the top. It’s a great place for a picnic.
Stewart’s Ledge - Kattskill Bay
If Pilot Knob Ridge seems like a lot, continue down the same road to Stewart’s Ledge Trail. Over the 1.5 miles path, you will climb almost 300 feet. Stewart’s Ledge has lovely Lake George views and it’s a great reward for a shorter walk. The trail is cut and clear, but there are no trail markers. Be sure to pack a map so you make the right turn to Stewart’s Ledge, otherwise you will end up hiking Buck Mountain. Enjoy the gradual uphill and rewarding views. This is one of our favorite sunset spots.
Bear Cub Loop - Heaven Hill Trails
The outer loop of Heaven Hill Trails is 1.5 miles long, but there are trails within this loop to add or subtract mileage to the walk. The elevation gain/loss is minimal so rest easy on this one. This hike is beautiful because there’s a mix of tree types in the forest with some swamplands. You get views of the High Peaks from various spots and the snowy summits are always an incredible sight to see. Be sure to explore other trails within the Heaven Hill system. There is plenty to do here.
Coney Mountain - Horseshoe Lake Wild Forest
Coney Mountain is a gradual trail that summits after 1 mile and 550 feet of elevation. There is a small parking lot and people often park on the road. It is very likely you will see other hikers on this trail. The top allows for 360 degree views so you can see Sperry Pond to the south and Tupper Lake to the north. If you want to climb a mountain and be home for lunch, this is a great spot to try.
See you out there!
Lily and Aaron
