Today was a solo trip into the Ferris Lake Wild Forest to visit Knapps Long Lake. I've been trying to see this lake a couple times, but I've always been defeated by terrain or timing. This time, everything came together for a great hike.
An early start brought me to Hall Rd. (photo 1) before the thin clouds had burned off. Parking at the Potter Homestead, I quickly headed down the trail, dodging a few chunks of blow down along the way. A mandatory stop at North Creek Falls (photo 2) was well worth the 100 yd detour. I took another quick water break at McKinney Vly (photo 3), just as the clouds were breaking up.
The next mile and a half went by quickly as the trail was in great shape and I was feeling good. Arriving at Dexter Lake, I poked around the old logging camp (photo 4) and took admired the beauty of this little heart shaped pond (photo 5).
After a short break, I struck out to find the abandoned road to Knapps Long Lake. The old road was easy to find and easier to follow. It was quite wide and obvious as it traversed the half mile to Knapps Long Lake. The best part was that it followed an 40-50 foot high escarpment of pinkish rock (photo 6). The track was a little harder to find the closer it got to Knapps Long Lake. As the road turned toward the west shore, I continued to follow the escarpment which ran straight as an arrow to the east shore.
As I hugged the escarpment, Knapps Long Lake soon appeared through the trees (photo 7). There were many stumps and snags (photo 8) at this part of the lake. I found a nice sunny rock (photo 9) to sit on to enjoy some lunch and contemplate the silence. After lunch, I decided to try and explore a little, however the escarpment on the eastern shore made it difficult. I think I'll follow the old road to the west shore, as it looked pretty interesting.
The route back simply re-traced my steps to Dexter Lake and back to Hall Rd. I made a short detour and stopped at the large swamp where the outlets of Dexter and Spectacle Lakes meet up (photo 10.). I've always wanted to see this and it was a good day to see the expanse of the wetland. The rest of the walk back to Hall Rd. was an easy stroll through the woods.
What an awesome day to be alive and explore a great part of the Adirondacks! :)
An early start brought me to Hall Rd. (photo 1) before the thin clouds had burned off. Parking at the Potter Homestead, I quickly headed down the trail, dodging a few chunks of blow down along the way. A mandatory stop at North Creek Falls (photo 2) was well worth the 100 yd detour. I took another quick water break at McKinney Vly (photo 3), just as the clouds were breaking up.
The next mile and a half went by quickly as the trail was in great shape and I was feeling good. Arriving at Dexter Lake, I poked around the old logging camp (photo 4) and took admired the beauty of this little heart shaped pond (photo 5).
After a short break, I struck out to find the abandoned road to Knapps Long Lake. The old road was easy to find and easier to follow. It was quite wide and obvious as it traversed the half mile to Knapps Long Lake. The best part was that it followed an 40-50 foot high escarpment of pinkish rock (photo 6). The track was a little harder to find the closer it got to Knapps Long Lake. As the road turned toward the west shore, I continued to follow the escarpment which ran straight as an arrow to the east shore.
As I hugged the escarpment, Knapps Long Lake soon appeared through the trees (photo 7). There were many stumps and snags (photo 8) at this part of the lake. I found a nice sunny rock (photo 9) to sit on to enjoy some lunch and contemplate the silence. After lunch, I decided to try and explore a little, however the escarpment on the eastern shore made it difficult. I think I'll follow the old road to the west shore, as it looked pretty interesting.
The route back simply re-traced my steps to Dexter Lake and back to Hall Rd. I made a short detour and stopped at the large swamp where the outlets of Dexter and Spectacle Lakes meet up (photo 10.). I've always wanted to see this and it was a good day to see the expanse of the wetland. The rest of the walk back to Hall Rd. was an easy stroll through the woods.
What an awesome day to be alive and explore a great part of the Adirondacks! :)
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