Native Adirondack Brook Trout

Despite the weather and bugs, my girlfriend and I decided to take the canoe and hike out into the woods for a fishing trip over the weekend. We did not have super high expectations, but wanted to try our luck and boy am I glad we did. We caught at least 16 Trout mostly in the 15-16 inch range with only 2 under 12 inches. Almost all were released safely with the exception of 3 that got hooked deep and were clearly not going to swim away. Will hopefully have more pictures and videos off the camera soon, but the picture here shows one of the big guys we kept for diner!

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Alternative High Peaks base camps to Marcy Dam, Lake Colden, Flowed Lands

Hi all!

My first time in the forum and planning my first overnight trip. I've been hiking in the Adirondacks, Greens, and Whites for years but never overnighted.

My plan(conditions permitting) is to hike in to the interior Sunday afternoon 6/20 setting up camp for a couple nights at Marcy Dam or Lake Colden and doing an Algonquin, Iroquois and Wright loop one day and Colden another with some exploring in between.

Questions are:

Will I have trouble finding a tent site?

Is there another similar area with tent sites surrounded by peaks?

Would it be better to come from AdkLoj due to mud/bugs over Upperworks this time of year?

And I'd appreciate any tips on lower elevation trips as a backup plan if that's what happens.

Thanks for any and all insights!!
(I've read all camping regs and trying to educate myself as best as possible)

Hopkins Mt

No need for a detailed trail report since this mountain has been climbed many times over, but a quick review of the trail conditions might be helpful. Climbed Hopkins via the Ranney trail this past Monday, 5/24. Trail was completely dry from start to finish. There are no downed trees or anything interfering with hiking the trail. Most amazingly, no need for netting or repellant!!! Gorgeous day and wonderful hike with my dog. Views were actually more amazing then any picture I saw beforehand. Though it's a bit of a drive from Cleveland, I have never been disappointed when I get to Lake Placid. Though everything in there is a traffic mess right now, doesn't change the fact it is my second home.

canoe camping

Hey Folks,

Working my way into canoe camping. Been looking at videos of Lake Lila, Lowes ,bog flow area and it does not look very inviting for swimming or Have i not seen enough Youtube Videos? I'm ISO a spot that has good swimming and clean like over on some Follensby Pond spots. I'm open to any spot suggestions or area.

Thanks In advance.

Viewseeker

Worlds End Superloop

https://endlessmountains.wordpress.c...end-superloop/

A rugged 25 mile loop that explores the beauty of Worlds End and the Loyalsock with views, gorges, giant rocks, and waterfalls. The wildflowers in Cold Run Gorge were beautiful. This circuitous loop basically goes from Cold Run to Ketchum Run gorges.


https://www.instagram.com/p/COp-assN..._web_copy_link


https://www.instagram.com/p/COp_MQMN..._web_copy_link


https://www.instagram.com/p/COqnvYot..._web_copy_link


https://www.instagram.com/p/COqpVRtN..._web_copy_link

Kellogg Mtn Views and Waterfalls-SGL 36

https://endlessmountains.wordpress.c...ee-run-sgl-36/

A rugged 18 mile hike to views, waterfalls, and extensive rock outcrops with caves, chasms, and overhangs.


https://www.instagram.com/p/CNOVXB1j..._web_copy_link


https://www.instagram.com/p/CNOdCAXj..._web_copy_link


https://www.instagram.com/p/CNTlRbID..._web_copy_link


https://www.instagram.com/p/CNfESLAj..._web_copy_link


https://www.instagram.com/p/CNOX9Pfj..._web_copy_link

Long Pond Campsites - tables?

Hi folks - we'll be heading to Long Pond for a few day basecamp in the end of June - I've never camped there before. Google is showing me a few sites that had picnic tables, but the majority don't seem to. Is that still how it is now? Just trying to plan out tables/chairs etc.
Thanks!

Hiking around Indian Lake

Good evening,

My family and I are going to be in Indian Lake on the first of June.

I was inquiring into good recommendations for hiking possibilities around the lake and the surrounding area.

As always, I thank everybody for their time and help.

Lows

Good morning everyone,


Curious if anyone has intel on people pressure back towards Grass Pond.

With the black fly season in full swing I wouldn't think there would be too much pressure but the times they are a changin'.

Thank you!!

Salmon Season on a Trout Stream

I haven't seen too many trout updates lately, but here's my first reflection on the season thus far (forgetting that the water is at July low levels already)...

I hit my favorite big water trout fishery today, which typically along the stretches I call home a very busy day is when I see 8-10 fishing along my favorite stretch. I must have seen 50+ today, including hordes of out-of-state plates congregated at all the top holes. Normally I love chatting with fellow fisherman on their success (or lack thereof), the flies they're hitting on, etc., but today felt a little like the Salmon River during the peak run. I love that so many love this "thing of ours", but holy cow, that kind of pressure will deplete this stream soon, if it hasn't already.

Not exactly sure what I'm getting at, other than I hope folks act responsibly with this precious resource so many of us enjoy.

NHtroutser

Black Flies

I'm coming up tomorrow to Lake Placid to spend a week hiking and climbing with my dog. I have a mosquito netted hat for my protection. I'm more concerned for my dog regarding the flies. Will hike Hopkins for sure, and day hikes each day in various areas of the Adirondacks, so no one answer will cover it all of course. She's on a great flea and tick preventer, Bravecto.

Percolator coffee help

Camping with a larger group next week and decided there are enough adults to justify using a percolator. Never used one before as the Starbucks Via has always been our backpacking go-to and it just carried over to all camping.

Does anybody have any tips?

I made a test pot on the stove yesterday and...not great.
I used a light roast, med grind, 1 rounded tablespoon for each 6oz of water and let it percolate for about 10 minutes.

Just a couple of grounds in the bottom so I think the grind is about right.

I was hoping to improve on the Starbucks instant. If it doesn't come out better, then there is no point.

Thanks

Non-fishing Dad needs help

Hey guys, heading to forked lake next week and could use some help. I have never been into fishing but my son (10) seems to be hooked (sometimes I just crack myself up).

He wants to target bass, walleye and trout both from shore and his kayak.

Anybody got any general tips on bait/lures? Technique, expectations?

On previous trips here he has just been grabbing sunnies with kielbasa as bait. Now he wants to get a bit more serious.

I let him pick some stuff up at the store (trout beads, shads, rubber worms and crayfish, spoon/spinner) but he knows more than I do.

Not looking for anyone to give up trade secrets or their hidden spot, just some steering to give him a better chance.

lightweight Tarp

Hi ISO a lightweight tarp to add to my camping gear. Who can suggest a brand and any info regarding its use and or good/bad reviews. I was thinking about a 10x10

thanks

V

Wild Rivers vs. Lean-tos

Going back at least ten years, I recall that NY planned to phase out lean-tos along wild rivers. From the 2019 ADK Master Plan: Existing lean-tos in wild river areas may be maintained for the balance of their useful lives. Such lean-tos will not be reconstructed or replaced and will ultimately be phased out in favor of primitive tent sites . . .

However, I am thinking that when I visited the Ouluska Lean-to last summer, it had been reconstructed after falling into a bit of disrepair. Did the work there fall under "maintenance?" If that is the case, then this lean-to will be there in perpetuity. Or has the policy changed in regards to the Cold River lean-tos? Just curious more than anything.

Black Flies!

Apologies if I've missed it...but has no one started the annual spring black fly thread? If not...any updates? Thanks!

Sent from my SM-G973U using Tapatalk

Furniture delivery by canoe

I got out to the Salmon River reservoir on Sunday for my first canoe day of the season. It's an 8 mile trip each way and I like to ride my bicycle. On the way up I saw a table with 4 nice chairs and two battered ones at a yard sale, and thought the sign said $25, so I figured if they were still there in the afternoon I would take a look. They were indeed $25 for all when I got back, so I decided to see if I could carry it all home with me, instead of having to come back by car. It was only two and a half miles, and downhill overall. I got some odd looks from passing motorists, for some reason.

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Meat Flavor

Gonna try this here because I think hunters in general seem to understand this kind of thing...

I sometimes get a taste in beef that I could never quite describe. Maybe it's "gaminess", but I used to eat venison all the time, and I wouldn't describe it like the that. I'd actually say the closest smell and taste I can think of is raw pumpkin, although in the most unpleasant sense.

I've noticed in all sorts of beef from home grown, grass fed to completely industrialized meats. It's not always there, but when it is, it is, and I don't care for it. Does anyone know what causes this?

Seems to be independent of preparation, but I can definitely taste it more on something like a burger that isn't in a sauce. From what I can come with on reading, the way the meat is killed and prepped immediately after can affect these kind of tastes.

River Walk

Coming up late next week for six nights. Already plan on doing Hopkins along the Ranney Trail and perhaps a second peak later in the week. Would really appreciate any suggestions for a walk along a river or larger brook. I will have my dog with me, but of all the dogs I have hiked with - and I have hiked with a good number of them - she is easily the best of the lot. I'd like to keep it within 10 miles rt if possible, and the fewer people around the better. All of my climbing and hiking will be done during the week, probably use the weekend to drive around some. I'm staying at Art Devlin's, but I certainly don't mind having to drive to get anywhere.

Return to Tug Hill Streams of my youth...

Have been fishing the streams visited 50 years ago as a lad with my dad and brothers. Moved to Camden two years ago and bicycled around Redfield, Florence, etc. but wasnÂ’t fishing local too much since the streams are now close and for some particular reason... have an odd tendency to want to fish far from home.

There must have been an extreme high water event in the somewhat recent past (Halloween storm last year?) since there is a huge amount of debris 150 yards from the streams - pictures donÂ’t do it justice.


There are more camps and many more posted signs than I remember but the water still looks great. Can’t say I have been catching much and the fish have been small... but wild brookies, even if 3” long - will always make me smile

Huckleberry Mountain

NYS has bought the summit of Huckleberry Mountain in Warren County and surrounding lands.

https://www.adirondackexplorer.org/s...berry-mountain

"Heaven's Lord" Falls, SLWA, 11 May, 2021

Since I haven't posted a TR of my wanderings in a while, I figured today's explore would be a good one to showcase a seldom visited area in the Silver Lake Wilderness. The term "Heaven's Lord" falls comes from ADk Forum Member Justin, who named it because it sits on the opposite side of the hill from the Hell Devil Dam drainage. Works for me. :thumbs:

Tredhed and I negotiated the detour on Benson Rd. and hit the Godfrey Rd. trailhead a little before 0900.

Attachment 19970

We quickly signed into the woods and headed up the yellow disked Godfrey Rd. spur trail. The trail (old road & old NPT) crossed a well marked easement and emerged into the Silver Lake Wilderness Area after 3/4 of a mile.

Attachment 19971

A few minutes later, we came to the large campsite on the banks of the North Branch of the West Stony Creek. We checked out the stream and figured we could easily cross it and pick up the Notch Trail on the far bank.

Attachment 19972

After successfully crossing the North Branch, we followed the Northville Placid trail for about 50 yards before continuing deeper into the Wilderness on the unmarked Notch Trail. The old stone walls and the occasional rusting artifact are about all that remains of the once thriving farming community that was here over 150 years ago.

Attachment 19973

While there was plenty of blowdown across the old road, the trace was easy to follow and we made good time to an old campsite amongst the hardwoods.

Attachment 19974

This was our jumping off point for the short walk to the falls.

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A little bit of scrambling brought us to the base of Heaven's Lord Falls. I can't think of a better name for this truly inspiring place.

Attachment 19976

The falls tumble about 25' over an interesting rock strata.

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When we were done taking pictures and exploring the nooks and crannies the falls had to offer, it was a quick backtrack down to the NPT. We stopped for lunch at one of the several campsites hidden away in the woods. :cool:
After a lunch of soup and sandwiches, we crossed the North Branch again. This time, a sturdy bridge carried the Godfrey Rd. spur trail high above the rapids.

Attachment 19978

We paused for a few minutes to take some more photos of the spectacular waterfalls on the North Branch.

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Soon enough, it was time to head back down the well trodden trail to the parking lot. All told, we spent about 5 hours in the woods on a short explore of some seldom visited areas in the SLWA. I have a feeling we'll be back soon. Thanks to Tredhed for a great day in the woods as well as some of the waterfall pictures.

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Just a reminder .at the trailheads

This came across the news feed . today about the low lifes that are out there.https://cbs6albany.com/news/local/st...n-county-area?

Hopkins Mt

Am I allowed to drive onto Ranney Rd and park at the trailhead to Hopkins? Do people have a preference regarding going to Hopkins via Ranney or Mossy in regards to views along the trails? Also, all things being nearly equal, I always prefer the path least traveled. I am coming up from Cleveland on 5/22 for a week and I most definitely want to summit this peak. I assume I will need my mosquito netting hat. I need to choose one trail or the other since I will have my dog with me, and while she would obviously be leashed, I don't want to walk along 73 with her.

Questions about the Five Ponds, Siamese Ponds and Dix Mountain Wilderness areas...

Star Lake through Sand Lake clear of significant beaver floods?

Easy to get around if it isn't?

And just how tore up is the trail into Cage Lake / Wolf Pond from vehicle use? (people with private property can drive back there, right?)

Also, switching gears, anyone know how easy it is to get to the far shore of the Siamese Ponds? There a trail there?

Finally, Is the unmarked trails back into the Dix Wilderness...the North Fork Boquet, the Lindsey Brook and the West Mill Brook pretty clear and easy to follow?

Single or double paddle

Recently in hopes of getting my grandkids out on a canoe with me and other things I got a good deal on a used Old Town Stillwater canoe. They have plenty of time out on the water in my sons motor boat at his camp on the St. Lawrence and like going fast in the boat or being pulled behind in a tube, for now I think skiing is in the cards for this summer, so they haven't experienced flat or slow stream paddling. I would like them to, and they would also.
Anyway the Stillwater is anything but sleek at 12' and 42" at center. I bought it really for the stability if I have a couple kids and or maybe my dog with me.With two paddlers it is fine. As a single paddler, even rear facing on the front seat it is kind of a beast.
My question is, would it be worthwhile or advisable to add a center seat when solo and use a 240-250 kayak paddle.

Boots

Hey All, looking for a high ankle boot to hike/backpack in, I have weak ankles ad rooked ankles are a real danger for me. Any suggestions of a boot with very good ankle support? I can go with a 200g insulated 8 inch boot but im lookong for uninsulated for warm weather. Thanks

Floodwood Mountain road closed?

So I tried to go to Floodwood Mtn last weekend but a little under 6 miles from the trailhead (acc'd to Google Maps), there was a sign saying the road was closed in 5 miles. So I turned around. Anyone know why? Or for how long it might be the case? I didn't see anything about a closure on the DEC website either.

Black Fly update

Hi All

I have a 5 day trip planned for next week. How are the black flies as of now?

Thanks in advance,

Rob

Is multi-band technology worth spending an extra $100 on for a recreational GPS?

I've been using older-generation GPS units for years without complaint. However, I'm also starting to feel extremely limited by the storage space (or lack thereof) on older GPS models- 1,000 points and 25 routes isn't cutting it anymore. So I'm in the market for a new GPS with modern-day storage abilities.

One model I've been looking at is the Garmin GPSMAP 66 series. This seems to be roughly equivalent to the InReach but without the satellite messaging ability (although there is an option to add that). There's 2 specific models I'm looking at- the 66SR, which has multi-band technology, and the 66S, which does not.

For waypoints, multi-band technology seems to be not worth the price- I can just set the GPS down and let it average points for a few minutes to get a waypoint that is accurate enough for my purposes.

But for tracks, averaging of points is a non-starter for obvious reasons. I do like to record tracks and I would like for those tracks to be fairly accurate. I have noticed in the past that tracks recorded on older GPS units aren't great in some spots where there can be interference. Can anyone here comment from experience on whether the multi-band technology really makes a different in producing more accurate tracks?

Another consideration- the 66SR comes with a built in rechargeable battery, while the 66S takes AA batteries. Obviously, the built in battery might not last for longer trips (I'm often out for 5 days at a time), but I usually carry a USB charger on longer trips anyways. It would be nice also to cut down on the number of disposable batteries I go through as well.