Trail much like reported on 27 December. Barefoot to herd path, then to the base of the climb. The First 500' of the climb is easier with microspikes than bare boots. Next 500' is a toss-up between micros and snowshoes. I noticed a downbound snowshoe track from yesterday so put mine on. Above 3000' elevation, I'd strongly suggest snowshoes.
I didn't encounter the ice issues that folks on the 27th found. I believe the reason is that a light coating of snow overnight soaked into the wet ice surface and made it crusty on top. Good traction in snowshoes.
Due to differential melting of the snowpack (denser snow in track melts slower than loose snow on sides of the track), there are many areas where there is no trench whatsoever, so even a...
The first half of this trail follows old roads over relatively flat terrain through coniferous forest and past rippling brooks. It is a very nice hike overall, crisscrossing over brooks and eventually gradually beginning a short steady climb just below the first and only ledge with views. Side trails lead to an open ledge with views overlooking Oseetah Lake and the Saranac Lake chain. The other views on the trail require some bushwhacking off the trail once up on the ridge. This hike is probably to be the best in the Adirondacks (s0 far) that offers a beautiful ridge walk that meanders to the summit, and the summit itself does not offer a view but is a very tranquil summit.
This is a wonder snowshoe in the winter as well. The only...
Baker Mountain is a very popular and short hike as it is basically in the village of Saranac Lake, and is really accessible in the area.
The most difficult thing about Baker Mtn. is perhaps finding the trailhead. From Route 3 I took Mckenzie Pond Road to Forest Hill Avenue on the left. Follow Forest Hill Avenue (aka, Moody Pond Road) for a bit over 0.5 miles to the Baker Mountain Trailhead which will be on the left at the north end of Moody pond.
You will start climbing almost immediately. The trail is a bit steep but offers great views as you ascend further. At 0.6 miles from the trailhead, an intersection offers part of an upper mountain loop. Left is a less aggressive climb and avoids the steep ledges that can be found if you head...
2581.1 miles traveled.
Spent $1001.00 on gasoline.
226.117 gallons
11.415 mpg
A priceless vacation. We saw 24 different state license plates, 4 different provinces.
Removed 2 attached ticks (none on me :) ).
We saw Deer (some Doe with fawns), Red Fox, turkeys, Cranes,
Hawk, Mink.
The funniest quote was seen on a sewage truck that made us laugh. Seen on Rte 2 outside Escanaba "Turd Herder".
Ah, the memories.
Pictures
A beautiful day to be in the woods, and it was well overdue. A 6.6 mile round trip through some open hardwoods, and some spectacular views.
Saint Regis is reportedly a popular mountain, but today there wasn't much traffic when I started. This hike is much like the hike to Scarface, a gradual increase with a short difficult section towards the end, but neither is overly difficult. I guess this is what makes these hikes popular. The trail is easy enough to follow up and over rolling hills through a mix of soft and hardwoods. Towards the end of the trail, you will come to a sharp right, at which point the climbing really begins, for only about a 1/4 mile. This section is almost like a shute as you go up between crags, ultimately coming...