Once a season, Tredhed and I like to push ourselves a little and take a long hike or even climb a mountain. Since today was the first full day of Autumn, we decided to climb a mountian and hit a few ponds along the way. The goal was to climb Black Mt. in the Lake George Wild Forest after visiting Lapland and Black Mt Ponds.
We were the first ones at the Pike Brook Rd. parking lot this morning and quickly set out for Lapland Pond. The two-mile trail was a pleasure to walk and there were great views of Black Mt. across an old beaver marsh. The trail was very dry and easily re-routed around a couple wet spots as we approached Lapland Pond.
Soon, we were at the pond and hit up the lean-to. We had a quick snack and were pleasantly surprised at the great condition of this popular lean-to. Thanks to everyone who cleans up the place. We lounged on the rock ledge for a little while and enjoyed the view of Black Mt. reflecting off the murky water (photo 1). Next, we explored the designated campsite on the opposite shore. While it seemed only big enough for one tent, it was very scenic and had a great view of the pond.
A short walk on the blue disked path brought us to the Black Mt. Ponds in less than 10 minutes. The first small body of water, Round Pond, was surrounded by marsh plants and reeds. There was one nice section of trail that split the border between the reeds and hemlocks; very nice. Once we left Round Pond, the sinuous trail led us to Black Mt. Pond in less than 15 minutes (photo 2). After three miles of walking, we took a lunch break at the lean-to and prepared for the climb.
Shortly after we left the pond, we met a young couple that just came down from the top of Black Mt. Buoyed by their enthusiasm, we headed uphill through the red pine forest. The climb, while steep, was eased considerably by expertly placed switchbacks (photo 3). There were several good views of Lake George narrows, Black Mountain Pond, and Erabus Mt. as we neared the top. Just before we reached the summit, we heard the windmill long before we saw it (photo 4) and soon we were at the top.
While the weather had clouded up, the summit views were outstanding. The view north was especially beautiful (photo 5). Being airplane nerds, Tredhed and I were amused by looking down on a small plane flying over Lake George. Neat things you see on top of a mountain.
Once again, my fear of heights got the better of me and it was time to head down. Just as we started out, we met a family who just made it to the top. After a brief chat, we struck out down the steep, rocky, knee-busting trail (photo 6). After a little while, we were back to the trailhead patting ourselves on the back for successfully turning it up to 11 on this fine fall day.
We were the first ones at the Pike Brook Rd. parking lot this morning and quickly set out for Lapland Pond. The two-mile trail was a pleasure to walk and there were great views of Black Mt. across an old beaver marsh. The trail was very dry and easily re-routed around a couple wet spots as we approached Lapland Pond.
Soon, we were at the pond and hit up the lean-to. We had a quick snack and were pleasantly surprised at the great condition of this popular lean-to. Thanks to everyone who cleans up the place. We lounged on the rock ledge for a little while and enjoyed the view of Black Mt. reflecting off the murky water (photo 1). Next, we explored the designated campsite on the opposite shore. While it seemed only big enough for one tent, it was very scenic and had a great view of the pond.
A short walk on the blue disked path brought us to the Black Mt. Ponds in less than 10 minutes. The first small body of water, Round Pond, was surrounded by marsh plants and reeds. There was one nice section of trail that split the border between the reeds and hemlocks; very nice. Once we left Round Pond, the sinuous trail led us to Black Mt. Pond in less than 15 minutes (photo 2). After three miles of walking, we took a lunch break at the lean-to and prepared for the climb.
Shortly after we left the pond, we met a young couple that just came down from the top of Black Mt. Buoyed by their enthusiasm, we headed uphill through the red pine forest. The climb, while steep, was eased considerably by expertly placed switchbacks (photo 3). There were several good views of Lake George narrows, Black Mountain Pond, and Erabus Mt. as we neared the top. Just before we reached the summit, we heard the windmill long before we saw it (photo 4) and soon we were at the top.
While the weather had clouded up, the summit views were outstanding. The view north was especially beautiful (photo 5). Being airplane nerds, Tredhed and I were amused by looking down on a small plane flying over Lake George. Neat things you see on top of a mountain.
Once again, my fear of heights got the better of me and it was time to head down. Just as we started out, we met a family who just made it to the top. After a brief chat, we struck out down the steep, rocky, knee-busting trail (photo 6). After a little while, we were back to the trailhead patting ourselves on the back for successfully turning it up to 11 on this fine fall day.
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