Safety First
Think of an Adirondack trail as a wilderness with paths running through it. As a hiker, you are responsible for your own welfare. Therefore, certain precautions should be taken:
Carry a map and a compass, and know how to use them.
Don’t travel alone if it can be avoided.
Always carry water, as well as a pocket knife, whistle, waterproof matches, flashlight, energy food, first-aid kit, rain poncho, extra clothing, emergency blanket and cell phone***.
Tell someone where you are going and the approximate time you intend on returning
Have a pre-arranged “turn-around” time to prevent hiking in darkness.
Check the weather reports before you leave, and wear or bring 'layers' of clothing. The weather can change quickly.
Sign in and out at the trailhead registers.
***A note on cell phone reception in the Adirondacks. It's spotty... do not count on a cell phone to bail you out of a jam. Reception varies widely depending on where you are and by cell phone carrier. Even on the Main Street of many Adirondack communities, if you have the wrong cell phone carrier, you are out of luck. Carry a cell phone as 'something extra' - but it should be considered the least important safety item you will have in your possession
Map-and-compass basics:
- Remember: The compass needle always points north.
- Rotate your compass until the needle points to the 0-360/N point.
- Place the compass on the ground, keeping the needle in that direction.
- Place your map next to it.
- Rotate the map until its north side (or the “north” arrow) also faces north. (On most maps, the top faces north.)
- When you determine the appropriate direction by using the map, take note of the bearing (degree-number on the compass), and walk to the farthest-away landmark (tree, rock, etc.) in that direction.
- Repeat steps 2 and 6 until you reach your destination.
For some helpful area maps, check out these resources:
“The Adirondacks: The Lake George Region” (Plinth, Quoin & Cornice Associates; Keene valley, NY 12943) is a wide-area topographical map that gives an accurate “feel” for the entire region. It is available locally in most outdoor-activities stores.
Maps, trail guides, books, and brochures aids are helpful and readily available. One good source is the Adirondack Mountain Club Headquarters (518/668-4447; www.adk.org) at 810 Goggins Road, Lake George, NY 12845. From I-87, get off at exit #21, head away from Lake George for a short distance, and make a sharp left turn at Goggins Road. The Club’s free brochure, “Walks in the Lake George Region,” describes several non-strenuous hikes.
Much useful and interesting information is available at the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (EnCon)’s website: (www.dec.state.ny.us). Lake George is located in Warren County, District 5.
EnCon’s excellent guide “Trails in the Lake George Region” is available at its regional office (Golf Course Road, Warrensburg, NY 12885; 518/ 623-1200) and at most area Chambers of Commerce. Call or write.
|
Adirondack Hiking Trails, Paths, and Routes
Here are links to some great hiking in the Adirondack Mountains as well as trail tips that will ensure a memorable day. Don't forget to bring your camera!
Black Mountain: a relatively easy hike with a few challenging spots, offers four incredible rewards for the price of one.
Cat Mountain: Views of nearly all of Lake George, most of the mountains on its western and eastern shores, and many distant mountains to the south and east.
Shelving Rock Falls/Mountain: Great hike with some scenic locations along the way!
Tongue Mountain: An incredible hike with breathtaking views of Lake George and the Adirondack Mountains.
Buck Mountain: Moderate 3-mile trail with beautiful views!
Roaring Brook Falls: Great family hike with easy trails and a waterfall for an adventure the youngest will enjoy.
Have Kids? Hiking in the Adirondacks Can Be A Fun and Memorable Outing
Adults who love hiking the Adirondacks in Upstate NY naturally want to share that passion with their kids. Unfortunately, a well-intentioned foray up a mountain that is too long, rugged or steep can tire out a smaller child and turn a fun family outing into a seemingly endless trek. Here are some tips that may help the little ones bridge the gap between learning to hike and loving it, followed by a few short, easy hikes in the Adirondacks geared toward the youngest members of your family!
Fun Things:
- Nature is filled with fascinating phenomenon. Kids notice even the smallest things: unusual rocks, odd-shaped trees or leaves, insects, flowers, small animals. Allowing them to explore at their own pace can go a long way toward teaching them the joy of the outdoors. Play ‘I Spy’ to encourage them along the path, and teach them early to leave ‘only footprints’.
- Carrying their own pack in and out can be a real source of pride for young hikers. A bottle of water and a small snack are all they need to take in order to feel like they are holding their own!
- Younger hikers will enjoy the view from a mountaintop or scenic overlook and appreciate their own efforts in getting there. Having their own equipment such as a pair of inexpensive binoculars, a compass, or even a pedometer to show them how far they have hiked can keep them busy and let them track their own progress!
- Consider providing kids with a disposable camera to take their own photos along the way…you never know what great shots they may come up with!
- Safety always comes first for any age or skill level:
- Since little bodies respond to heat and cold far differently than ours, pack plenty of sunscreen, hats, and lots of water.
- Toddlers share one common trait: they like to put everything in their mouths, and rocks, bugs and leaves can be tempting for little ones.
- Learn to recognize poison ivy and poison oak - and help them recognize it too! Remember, if it's "leaves of three, let it be"!
More...
Poison Ivy In The Adirondacks
From Mexico to Canada, poison ivy grows in the woodlands, along the edges of pastures - even in suburban landscapes. The Adirondack Mountains are no exception and many trails and campsites will have poison ivy growing along the ground, climbing up the sides of tree trunks and sometimes even looking a bit 'shrub-like'.
Learning to recognize Poison Ivy and how to treat the rash quickly and effictively should you have errantly walked through a patch, will save you from reliving 'itchy' memories of your trip, long after you've returned...
More... |
