Events Archive

Events

Events, 2011

January 1 (Saturday) - New Year’s Gathering - Join us for skiing and snowshoeing followed by apres-ski potluck snacks. Meet at the Clarkson University Outdoor Lodge in the early afternoon for skiing; the gathering usually happens around 4 pm. Contact Tom Ortmeyer, (315) 265-8219, tortmeye@twcny.rr.com.

January 8 (Saturday) - Climb Dial and Nippletop - Debbie White, dwhite46r@gmail.com, (315) 322-4066. An early start needed for today - contact me for details. We will attempt to climb both mountains, depending upon weather, overall being 12 miles round trip. Cross-country skis might be an idea, to eliminate the long 3 miles on each end of the hike from Ausable Club. Then, probably snowshoes for the remainder. Very strenuous, 2500+ feet climb.

January 15 (Saturday) - New Hikers Series: Beginners’ Snowshoe to Grassy Pond - Lois and Duncan Cutter, dcutter1@twcny.rr.com, (315) 328-4675. Grassy Pond is a 3-mile RT by skis or snowshoes, starting just off route 30 near Paul Smiths. The picturesque trail leads through pine woods to a lean-to at the end, with beautiful views of Grassy Pond. Suitable for beginners, with about three hours spent on trail. Skis or snowshoes required.

January 22 (Saturday) - Ski Jackrabbit Trail in Keene - Tom Ortmeyer and Greg Pedrick, (315)265-8219 (Tom), (518) 946-8227 (Greg), tortmeye@twcny.rr.com. We'll ski the section of the trail from Pack n Paddle to Alstead Road and back. This section of trail includes nice scenery and several rock ledges. 7 miles round trip. Intermediate ski level, 500-1000 feet climb, 5-8 miles. Skis required. (alternate: Jan.29)

January 23 (Sunday) - New Hikers Series: Mt Arab - Blair Madore, madorebf@potsdam.edu, (315) 265-0602. We will provide hot drinks on the summit! This trip is part of the “kids on the trail” challenge and also part of the “fire tower challenge.” Views from the tower on the summit are excellent. This one-mile ascent is a good beginning snowshoe hike for reasonably fit kids and adults. Snowshoes with claws/crampons are required. Some may be available to borrow - ask the trip leader. For pictures, please see http://www.flickr.com/photos/blomedown/sets/721576041370.

January 21-23 (Friday-Sunday) - ADK Tug Hill Winter Outing - Ron Fillhart, rcfillhart@yahoo.com, (315) 298-7424. Held at the Mad River Club near Sandy Creek in the Tug Hill Plateau. The weekend includes a variety of skiing and snowshoeing trips, and features clubhouse-style accommodations and several meals, all for $65. ADK membership is not required for participation. More information available at http://www.adktravel.org/winterouting.htm.

January 29 (Saturday) - Ski at Lampson Falls - Ann and Armond Spencer, aaspencer@verizon.net, (315) 379-1383. Ski from Lampson Falls toward Harper Falls with an optional snowshoe down to Harper Falls. This is beautiful terrain, and covering it on skis is a delightful way to do it. About 7 miles RT with some hills to test your mettle, your snowplow, or your willingness to remove the skis. Skis required.

February 16 (Wednesday) - Snowshoe around Black Pond - Geri Ames and Brian Baston, (315) 769-3483, geriames@gmail.com. We will begin at Paul Smiths College’s St. Regis Cafe on the lake with lunch served by the Culinary Arts students, a sure treat. Easy, no serious climb, 1-3 miles. Bring snowshoes, water, and warm clothes.

February 19 (Saturday)- Ski into Clear Pond near Parishville - Rose Rivezzi and David Trithart, dtrithar@twcny.rr.com. A cross-country ski trip into Clear Pond (Parishville) from the White Hill Rd. It's a 3.4-mile RT to visit the pond. If we add a loop around the pond, we’ll add another 2 to 3 miles, so this is not a short trip. Also, the pond loop is moderately challenging. Since this is close to home, we could gather and leave in late morning, with a plan to lunch at the pond. About six miles, unknown elevation gain. Skis required.

February 26 (Saturday) - New Hikers Series: Snowshoeing to The Pinnacle - John Barron (613) 828-2296, johnbarron@sympatico.ca. Young, old, and novice snowshoers; those recovering from injuries; Winter 46ers in the mood for an easy trip; and everyone else, is welcome on this moderate (5 miles, several hundred feet of gain), leisurely-paced trip to a small mountain with a great view near Santa Clara. Snowshoes required.

March 2 (Wednesday) - Snowshoe/Ski at the VIC in Paul Smiths - Geri Ames and Brian Baston, (315) 769-3483, geriames@gmail.com. Meeting at Paul Smiths College for lunch by the Culinary Students at the St. Regis Cafe which overlooks the beautiful lake and St. Regis Mountain, before we go over to the VIC for an early afternoon ski/snowshoe. Fairly easy, with less than 500 feet climb, 3-5 miles. Bring skis or snowshoes, water, and warm clothes.

March 5 (Saturday)- Ski 50km in the Gatineau Park - Tom VandeWater, (315) 386-8489, tvandewater@ccsdk12.org. Explore the Gatineau hills just north of Ottawa on mostly groomed trails for 50 km or join us for a shorter piece. Strenuous. Difficulty varies with snow conditions, type of skis, and experience. Skis required.

March 19 (Saturday)- Mt. Van Hoevenberg Snowshoe Hike - Eileen Wheeler, (315) 386-2482, eiwheeler@yahoo.com. We'll start from the South Meadow Road on a fairly level trail that skirts a beaver pond before climbing steadily to the summit ridges at 2.2 miles. We pass some small cliffs along the way and will enjoy far-reaching views including Mt. Marcy, Algonquin, and Giant. Ascent: 740 ft. Moderate difficulty. Snowshoes required.

March 27 (Sunday)- Spring Road Walk Hike near the Grasse River - Tom Ortmeyer, (315-265-8219, tortmeye@twcny.rr.com. We’ll celebrate the early spring mud season with an afternoon walk on quiet back roads in the upper Grasse River area. Exact location to be announced. 5-7 miles total length. Fairly easy.

April 3 (Sunday) – Algonquin and Wright Peaks 360º views from both peaks. There will still be enough snow remaining at elevation to require snowshoes. We are looking for favorable snow conditions so we can walk directly from Algonquin to Wright without a thick bushwhack or spruce traps, hopefully a highlight of the trip. About 3,400’ elevation gain and 10 miles: Level 5, Very strenuous. Contact Mark Lowell, markl@stlawu.edu, (315) 386-3945.

April 3 (Sunday) - Outdoors/Indoors: Gasland, the Movie This film highlights the damage that can be inflicted on the environment by hydraulic fracturing, a natural gas drilling technique that is currently being exploited in New York and is of great concern to environmental organizations including the ADK. It will provide one point of view on the topic, leading up to the following week’s presentation by Dr. Stephen Bird at the spring pot luck. 7:00 PM at the Community Room above the police station at the Potsdam Civic Center. Contact Blair Madore at madorebf@potsdam.edu or (315) 265-0602.

April 9 (Saturday) - Copper Rock Waterfalls We hope to catch these waterfalls and rapids in an exuberant spectacle of watery excess as we did last year at this time, and explore the area around them. The hike is 1.4 miles RT so it is easy but conditions could create uncertain footing or even the need for some small bushwhacks. Level 1, easy. Families are especially welcome. Contact Blair Madore, madorebf@potsdam.edu or (315) 265 0602.

April 10 (Sunday) Spring "Mud Season" Pot Luck Guest speaker will be Dr. Stephen Bird, Assistant Professor of Political Science at Clarkson University, who specializes in energy and environmental politics, social and political networks, and U.S. politics. The title is Hydro-Fracking: Environment, Impacts, and Options. Dr. Bird will try to answer some questions including: What are the environmental concerns, the impacts on U.S. energy policy and on global warming? How does public policy address hydro-fracking currently, and what options might we see going forward? The event will be held at Potsdam Presbyterian Church, 42 Elm St., Potsdam. Arrive at 5 PM for supper to start at 5:30. Bring a dish to share and your own tableware. The presentation starts after supper, between 6:30 and 7 PM. Contact John Barron, (613) 828-2296, johnbarron@sympatico.ca.

April 16 (Saturday) – Frontenac Park Old mine sites and homesteads; lakes and forests; and Moulton Gorge, one of the best overlooks in the Park, will be featured on a 12 mile loop hike. Trailhead is near Westport, Ontario, about 1.5 hours from the Ogdensburg Bridge. Rugged terrain, level 4, strenuous. Contact John Barron, johnbarron@sympatico.ca or (613) 828-2296.

April 16 (Saturday) - Wilderness Navigation Using Map & Compass A one-day map and compass clinic that will teach you the skills needed to navigate with confidence off-trail, for both beginners and those wanting a refresher. First part is theory inside in Canton, second part "hands on" at Higley Flow State Park (level 1, rough terrain, a few hundred feet vertical, about 3 miles total). Maximum of four participants. Start 8:30 A.M., finish by about 4:30 P. M. Must provide your own folding mirror compass preferably with declination adjustment (look for a brass adjustment screw on dial). $5 to cover handouts. Contact Cliff or Gloria Daly, cliff.daly@rogers.com or (613) 224-4413.

April 22 (Friday-Earth Day) - Earth Day Hike to Bear Mountain 6.0 miles total-about four or five hours. From Rt. 3 trail-head we proceed over rolling terrain and a small mountain, elevation gain 1500 feet ending in the state park. We’ll spot cars. Commemorate the earth: all participants are asked to bring a selection of text from literature, poetry, prayer/hymn, essay, song lyric, etc. about nature to share at the mountain lean-to. Difficulty level 3. John & Susan Omohundro, 315-265-8365, omohunjt@northnet.org. ADK Members Only

April 23 (Saturday) – Peavine Swamp Trail Hike This 5-mile ski trail on the west side of Cranberry Lake (in lovely mixed forest, not a swamp) is a segment of the "Cranberry 50" loop. Elevation change is modest. Several loops off of it provide numerous options for hikes; we’ll decide on our itinerary at the trailhead. Be prepared for mudholes. Difficulty Level: 2 (of 5). Contact Neal Burdick nealburdick@gmail.com or (315) 386-4648 evenings.

April 30 (Saturday) – Azure Mt. Hike and Trail Work Day Help Azure Mountain Friends perform Spring clean-up on the hiking trail and also climb to Azure Mt. Peak and enjoy unparalleled views and a restored fire tower. Two miles round trip with 900’ elevation gain. Call leader for details on work to be performed. Level 2, fairly easy. Contact Mike McLean, mpmclean@twcny.rr.com or (315) 262-2564.

April 30 (Saturday) – Everton Falls Clean-up Help collect trash and prune trails from 10:00 to 12:00, eat lunch on the rock ledges beside Everton Falls, and then (if the weather is nice) canoe either up or down the St. Regis River. Contact Duncan Cutter, dcutter1@twcny.rr.com or (315) 328-4675.

May 1 (Sunday) - Five Ponds Wilderness via Leary Trail This trail used to be the shortest route to the Five Ponds and High Falls. Abandoned after the 1995 microburst storm, it remains unmarked, but the leader has scouted it the last 1.5 years and can follow it. After coming out on the truck trail, we can decide whether to press deeper into the area to the scenic lean-to at Big Shallow Pond. About 1,100’ climbing and 14 miles RT over mostly gentle terrain. Level 5, very strenuous. Contact Mark Lowell, markl@stlawu.edu (315)386-3945.

May 7 (Saturday) - Baldface Mt A trail-less mountain with great views of Debar Mt. RT about 2 miles. Level 3 (of 5), a moderate hike. Contact Geri Ames, geriames@gmail.com or Brian Baston (315) 769-3483.May 7 (Saturday) Catamount Mt. Trail Maintenance - Help spruce up this spectacular little peak just north of Whiteface. We mainly side trim and remove blowdown. Take lunch and work gloves - you can borrow a tool from us or take your own. 4 miles, 1500 feet elevation gain, 5 hours. Level 4 (of 5), Strenuous. Contact Cliff or Gloria Daly, cliff.daly@rogers.com or (613) 224-4413.

May 14 (Saturday) - Nun-da-gao Ridge A picturesque hike along the Nun-da-gao Ridge to Weston Mountain and Lost Pond. This is a moderate-to-strenuous hike along a rocky ridge with many panoramic views and attractions along the way. 5-6 miles with an elevation gain of 1,403 feet. Level 3. Contact Marianne Hebert, hebertm@potdsam.edu, (315) 265-0756.

May 15 (Sunday) - Bicycle the St. Lawrence River Valley A 25-mile loop in the Waddington region with lunch along the way and plenty of river views. Contact Tom Ortmeyer, tortmeye@twcny.rr.com, (315) 265-8219.

May 15 (Sunday) Moved from May 22 – Outdoors/Indoors: Hiking the Haute Route Debbie White will give a slide presentation of a hike across this famous and challenging route through the French and Swiss Alps. 7:00 PM at the Community Room above the police station at the Potsdam Civic Center. Contact Blair Madore at madorebf@potsdam.edu or (315) 265-0602.

May 21 (Saturday) – Spring Wildflowers along Ranger School Trails Take a leisurely hike along trails in the Ranger School forest and environs of Wanakena. We’ll start on the Esker Trail, visiting bogs along the way and we may choose to explore other areas near Wanakena. Expect to walk about three miles, mostly level terrain. Level 3, a moderate hike. Contact Bill Mueller, b-hutch-m@twcny.rr.com or (315) 262-2952.

May 22 (Sunday) Moved to June 18 – Blue Mt A flat summit at 3700 feet affords great views from the fire tower of many area lakes and mountains (Algonquin, Colden, Seward). 4 miles, 1500 feet elevation gain, Level 3, moderately strenuous. Contact Dana Chudzinski, chudski63@yahoo.com, (315) 528-3468.

May 22 (Sunday) Moved to May 15 – Outdoors/Indoors: Hiking the Haute Route

May 28 (Saturday) - Street and Nye Mts Not very long ago these two officially trail-less High Peaks were a tough challenge in route-finding and bushwhacking; now they are served by a very clear path. The leader will reminisce about the unscheduled overnight he spent on these mountains in the bad old days; 8 miles, 2500 feet elevation gain, level 5, very strenuous. Contact John Barron, johnbarron@sympatico.ca, or (613) 828-2296

May 28 (Saturday) - Lampson Falls Clean Up Enjoy the tranquil Grasse River as we do our annual clean up in the vicinity of Lampson Falls. Take a few small garbage bags, work gloves and lunch. Kids especially welcome! 3 miles, level 1(of 5), Easy. Start at at Lampson Falls trailhead at 10:00 AM, finish by 2:00 P.M. then go visit our friends the Kepes's for a post-outing social. Contact Cliff or Gloria Daly for meeting time and place, cliff.daly@rogers.com or (613) 224-4413.

May 29 (Sunday) - Streeter Lake A moderate woods hike with a few ups and downs to this pretty little lake. Approximately 8 miles RT. Bring water, lunch and bug dope. Level 3 in difficulty. Contact Armond Spencer, aaspencer@verizon.net, (315) 379-1383.

June 4 (Saturday) – Racquette River Paddle This 7-8 mile paddle on the Racquette River will begin below the Raymondville Dam and end at the Massena Springs Park in Massena. We’ll spot cars from Springs Park. It is down-current and easy, with one very short area of quick water that is easily navigated close to the shoreline. Flotation devices are mandatory and must be worn. Any age or experience level welcome. Contact Carol LaDue, rladue2@twcny.rr.com, (315) 764-5919 or Brian Baston (315) 769-3483.

June 5 (Sunday) – Giant Mt. (via Ridge Trail) A 6-mile RT hike has many great views on many open faces on the way to as well as on the summit. 3000 feet elevation gain, Level 5, very strenuous. Contact Dana Chudzinski, chudski63@yahoo.com, (315) 528-3468.

June 11 (Saturday) – Blue Ridge (3500') Bushwack from Stevens Pond We will head south on the Northville-Lake Placid trail near Lake Durant and follow it to Stephens Pond. We will then bushwhack up and along the ridge to arrive at the wooded Blue Ridge Summit. The bushwhack is relatively open, but come expecting thick going, bringing pants/gloves/eye protection. About 12 miles round trip with 1700’ of ascent. Level 5, Very strenuous. Mike McLean, mpmclean@twcny.rr.com (315) 262-2564.

June 18 (Saturday) Moved from May 22 – Blue Mt A flat summit at 3700 feet affords great views from the fire tower of many area lakes and mountains (Algonquin, Colden, Seward). 4 miles, 1500 feet elevation gain, Level 3, moderately strenuous. Contact Dana Chudzinski, chudski63@yahoo.com, (315) 528-3468.

June 25 (Saturday) - Cycling the Great Bend of the Oswegatchie 35-mile loop tour by bicycle on back roads, starting and ending in Gouverneur. We will follow the well-known bend in the river. Scenic highlights will include outcrops of Frontenac Axis rock, the geological connection between the Canadian Shield and the Adirondacks. Moderate terrain, moderate pace. Joint trip with Black River Chapter. Contact John Barron, johnbarron@sympatico.ca, or (613) 828-2296.

June 25 (Saturday) - Paddle St. Regis River from Santa Clara A lazy paddle up the river to a lunch site and then proceed as far as the group wants to. Must have boat and personal flotation device. Contact Geri Ames, geriames@gmail.com, or call Brian Baston at 315-769-3483.

June 26 (Sunday) - Blue Mountain (Leeds Co., Ontario) Paddle/Hike Located 20 min north of the 1000 Islands Bridge, 650’ high Blue Mountain is the highest point in Leeds County. We will put in on Charleston Lake and paddle to Huckleberry Hollow, then hike the trail to the top for lunch. The 7-1/2 mi round trip paddle is generally protected from large waves but can sometimes be windy. 4 mi. round trip hike through moderate terrain. Elevation gain 400’. Level 3-4, Moderate to Strenuous. Contact Toni Towle or Peter Blood, blackrapids@ripnet.com (613) 387-2829.

July 9 (Saturday) - Climb Dial and Nippletop - We will attempt to climb both mountains, depending upon weather, overall being 12 miles round trip. Level 5, Very strenuous, 2500+ feet climb. An early start needed for this hike - Contact Debbie White, 315-322-4066, dwhite46r@gmail.com.

July 16 (Saturday) - Cascade Mt.- One of the easier high peaks with excellent views of the high peaks. Altitude gain just shy of 2,000ft., 5.8mi. RT, Level 4 or 5 strenuous. Contact Brian Baston, 315-769-3483, brian.b.goode@gmail.com.

July 17 (Sunday) - Paddle Piercefield Flow - Explore Piercefield Flow on the Raquette River. About 5 miles paddling plus picnic and a swim. Level 3, Moderate. Contact Tom Ortmeyer, 315-265-8219, tortmeye@twcny.rr.com.

July 23 (Saturday) - Nun-da-gao Ridge - Join us for a picturesque hike along this ridge to Weston Mountain and Lost Pond. This is a moderate-to-strenuous hike along a rocky ridge with many panoramic views and attractions along the way. 5-6 miles with an elevation gain of 1,403 feet. Level 3-4 (of 5) Moderate to strenuous. Contact Marianne Hebert, 315-265-0756, hebertm@potsdam.edu.

July 30 (Saturday) - Cycling along the Raquette River - Starting at Sunday Rock in South Colton, we will cycle the River Road past the reservoirs. Upon reaching SH 56 at Stark Road, we may continue a couple of miles to Catamount Lodge. Return will be on SH 56. 25 miles, hilly and moderately strenuous, level 3-4. A Raquette River Awareness Week event. Contact John Barron, 613-828-2296, johnbarron@sympatico.ca.

July 31 (Sunday) - Clear Pond Wild Forest Walk - We will start at the parking area at Clear Pond in Parishville, hiking toward Little Rock Pond, Long Pond, and even to Lilypad Pond if conditions are good and the group willing. Total RT is over 7 miles with little elevation gain. Level 3 (moderate) hike. We will assemble first in Potsdam. Contact David Trithart, 315-265-8117, dtrithar@twcny.rr.com.

August 6 (Saturday) - Sandstone Quarry Historical Walking Tour - Join Prof. Jim Carl on a tour of the former sandstone quarry on the Red Sandstone Trail and a discussion of the geology that formed the sandstone as well as the quarrying and use of the sandstone. Meet at the Red Sandstone Trail Head across from the Hannawa Falls Fire Station at 10 AM. About a one mile walk. Easy. A Raquette River Awareness Week event. Contact Tom Ortmeyer at (315) 265-8219 or tortmeye@twcny.rr.com.

August 13 (Saturday) - MacIntyre Range from ADK Loj - We will visit all four high peaks in this range this day. We will head into Indian Pass to Scotts Clearing and head up the trail between the Marshall/Iroquois col and take the herd path to Marshall. We will retrace our path back to the col and then bushwhack up to Shepard's Tooth and Iroquois. From Iroquois to Algonquin and Wright, thence back to the car. A long day with lots of ups and a few downs. Around 13 miles with 5,000 feet of elevation and a half-mile or so of thick bushwhacking. Level 5, very strenuous. Contact Mike McLean, 315-262-2564, mpmclean@twcny.rr.com.

August 14 (Sunday) - Vanderwhacker Mt. - This 3385 ft. summit provides perhaps the finest panorama of the High Peaks from the south. Though closed on three sides, its fire tower will afford views all around. The hike is 5.4 mi. RT with 1650 ft. elevation gain-Level 3 (of 5)-moderate to strenuous. Contact Dana Chudzinski, 315-528-3468, chudski63@yahoo.com.

August 21 (Sunday) - One-Way Day Hike on the Cranberry Lake 50 Trail - Rick Kovacs of Packbasket Adventures will boat us across Cranberry Lake to Chair Rock Flow, from whence we walk 15.7 miles out to the Burntbridge Pond/Brandy Brook trailhead on State Route 3. Cost of boat is $75 split 5 ways (max. of 5 persons due to shallow nature of Chair Rock Flow). Boat departs 7:30 AM from State Boat Launch Site in Cranberry Lake. Moderate to strenuous level 4 (out of 5). Contact Gene or Carolyn Kaczka, 315-265-4806, gckaczka@twcny.rr.com.

August 24 (Wednesday) - Paddle Picnic Little River to the Grasse - We will convene about 4PM and paddle down the Little River to the Grasse, up the Grasse a bit, then back down for a picnic. Level 1 (of 5). Contact Ann & Armond Spencer 315-379-1383, aaspencer@verizon.net.

August 27 (Saturday) – Mountain Bike on the Dean Road - We will start on the Dean Road and cycle on logging roads to Pleasant Lake, with stretches along the Middle Branch of the Grasse River. 20 miles RT. Mountain bikes and helmets required. Level 4 (of 5), strenuous. Contact Tom Ortmeyer, 315-265-8219, tortmeye@twcny.rr.com.

September 3 (Saturday) - Brewster Peninsula Nature Trails - (New Hiker's Series and Kids on the Trail) About 2 miles of trails on this peninsula in Lake Placid. Easy Level 1. Kids and families welcome! Blair Madore, 315-265-0602, madorebf@potsdam.edu.

September 10 (Saturday) - Azure Mountain Bushwhack and Rock Work - We will bushwhack up the northern side of the mountain through relatively open woods to arrive at the summit and then spend an hour or so doing rock work in the eroded areas on the mountain. Bring nylon pants for the bushwhack and a canvas bag for the rocks. Around 2 miles RT with 900' in elevation gain, a moderate hike, Level 3 (out of 5). Contact Mike McLean, 315-262-2564, mpmclean@twcny.rr.com.

September 10 (Saturday) - Canoe Massawepie Lake - We will explore the shoreline and coves of this beautiful Adirondack lake. Level 2 (easy to moderate). Contact Ann & Armond Spencer 315-379-1383, aaspencer@verizon.net.

September 11 (Sunday) - Tri-County Corner Hike - St. Lawrence, Herkimer, and Hamilton Counties meet at one marked point S of Cat Mt. and W of Lows Lake. The final half-mile of this hike will be a bushwhack to search for the marker. We’ll start from Wanakena along Dead Creek Flow, pass near Cat Mt., and head for Cowhorn Junction. From there, a re-opened trail heads south towards the Lows-Oswegatchie canoe carry at Big Deer Pond. There’s no marked approach to the boundary marker, so the bushwhack will be a little adventure! 1,000’ elevation gain and 17 miles RT, Level 5-very strenuous. Contact Mark Lowell, 315- 386-3945, markL@stlawu.edu.

September 17 (Saturday) Cancelled – Peavine Swamp Trail Hike - This 5-mile trail on the west side of Cranberry Lake (in lovely mixed forest, not swamp) is a segment of the "Cranberry 50" loop. Elevation change is modest. Several loops off of it provide numerous options for hikes; we'll decide on our itinerary at the trailhead. Difficulty Level 2 (of 5), easy to moderate. Contact Neal Burdick, 315-386-4648 evenings, nealburdick@gmail.com.

September 24 (Saturday) - Fall Hike at September Farm (S. Colton) - Visit what was once a farm in the Adirondack foothills; hike about 2 miles, elevation gain of 300’ through an 80 year-old forest now covering what was once farm fields. Learn about woods lore, enjoy towering pines, Wolf Brook and beaver ponds, plus a wildlife surprise! After the hike enjoy chili, drinks, pie and conversation; tour the 19^th-century barn and house. Easy hike, level 1 of 5. Contact Bill or Pat Mueller, 315-262-1952, b-hutch-m@twcny.rr.com.

September 25 (Sunday) - Gothics Range - The summit (elev. 4715 ft.) is top of most lists for having the best view in the high peaks. This challenging climb provides many great views. We will be taking the lake road until we hit the trail just past the reservoir. 10 miles RT, assent 4000 ft. Level 5 (of 5), very strenuous. Contact Dana Chudzinski, 315-528-3468, chudski63@yahoo.com.

October 1 (Saturday) - ADK Fall Trails Day - We will help restore trails and backcountry infrastructure in the Adirondack High Peaks damaged by hurricane Irene. Laurentian chapter contact is Tom Ortmeyer, 315-265-8219, tortmeye@gmail.com. PLEASE CONSIDER VOLUNTEERING.

October 2 (Sunday) - Stephenson Range Traverse - We will set up a car shuttle to hike one way over this range northeast of Lake Placid. Our route will begin near the gatehouse of the Whiteface Auto Road and follow the ridge line past Cooper Kiln Pond. 6 miles, 900 feet of gain, 1,500 feet of descent. Destination may change, depending on the state of the trail following Hurricane Irene. Moderate: more downhill than up. Level 3. Contact John Barron at johnbarron@sympatico.ca or 613-828-2296.

October 8 (Saturday) - Bicycle along the St. Lawrence - We’ll bicycle upstream from the St. Lawrence State Park Golf Course to Jacques Cartier Park and return, with a possible extension to one of the scenic overlooks if the group desires. 20-25 miles RT. Helmets required. If the headwinds are stiff, we’ll pick a quieter ride in the area. Level 3, moderately strenuous. Contact Tom Ortmeyer, 315-265-8219, tortmeye@gmail.com.

October 9 (Sunday) - Dix Mt. - (subject to re-opening of the trail) - A challenging climb from Rt. 73 is rewarded by a 360-degree view from this 4800+ -foot peak. 13.6 Miles RT, 3200 feet elevation gain. Level 5, very strenuous. Contact Dana Chudzinski at 315-528-3468 or chudski63@yahoo.com.

October 15 (Saturday) - Red Sandstone Trail Workday - A few hours in the afternoon to do some vegetation cutting along the Sugar Island Trail, plus a few chores here and there. Work exists for all abilities. Contact John and Susan Omohundro, omohunjt@northnet.org, 315-265-8365.

October 16 (Sunday) - Develop New Access Trail above Moody Falls - In conjunction with the DEC our chapter is developing a new site to access the Raquette River just above Moody Falls. Help is needed to clear brush and provide general trail maintenance. Plan to work for a few hours in the afternoon. Call Blair Madore at 315-265-0602, madorebf@potsdam.edu.

October 21, 22, 23 (Fri-Sun) - Stone Valley Trail Work Weekend Volunteers who would like to work for the day will meet at 8:00 AM at 224 Lenny Road, which is one mile south of where County Route 24 crosses Lenny Road at Browns Bridge. Volunteers should bring work gloves and have sturdy boots. Contact Mark Simon simonm@potsdam.edu, 315-262-2571. PLEASE NOTE: If you are willing and able to work on large projects such as bridges and stairs, contact Mark before October 15th.

October 22 (Saturday) - Wakely Mt. Cancelled - This is one of 28 peaks listed on the “Fire Tower Challenge” website. Wakely fire tower is considered to be the highest in the Adirondacks. Approximately 6 miles RT. Elevation gain of 1,625 feet. Level 4: Fairly strenuous. The summit is wooded, but there are 360-degree views from the tower. Contact: Marianne Hebert (315) 265-0765, hebertm@potsdam.edu.

October 23 (Sunday) - Five Ponds Wilderness via Leary Trail - This trail used to be the shortest route to the Five Ponds and High Falls. Abandoned after the 1995 wind storm, it remains closed, but the leader has explored it and can follow it. After coming out on the truck trail, we can decide whether to press deeper into the area to the scenic lean-to at Big Shallow Pond. About 1,100’ climbing and 14 miles RT to Big Shallow over mostly gentle terrain. Level 5, very strenuous. Contact Mark Lowell, markl@stlawu.edu or 315-386-3945.

October 29 (Saturday) - Rock Dunder - This short, easy hike ascends 500 feet to an overlook of Ontario’s Rideau Canal waterway. All welcome - especially suitable for young people and new hikers. We will continue on by car to view a historic Rideau Canal lock. 5 miles, level 2. Contact John Barron at johnbarron@sympatico.ca or 613-828-2296.

November 6 (Sunday) - Annual Meeting and Fall Pot Luck - Heidi Kretser of the Wildlife Conservation Society will present “On the Scent of Moose in the Adirondacks”. First Presbyterian Church on the Park, 17 Park St., Canton. Arrive at 5 PM for supper to start at 5:30 PM. Bring a dish to share and your own tableware. Contact John Barron at johnbarron@sympatico.ca or 613-828-2296.

November 13 (Sunday) - Long Pond Loop Walk - Located near Paul Smith’s, Black Pond and Long Pond with their three leantos make a scenic 4-mile loop on mostly level ground. We’ll start mid-morning and lunch at one of the leantos. Level 2. Contact John and Susan Omohundro, omohunjt@northnet.org, 315-265-8365.

November 20 (Sunday) - Lyon Mt. - The newly-constructed 7-mile RT trail climbs 1900 feet with rewarding views from the fire tower-topped summit. Level 4, moderately strenuous. Contact Dana Chudzinski at 315-528-3468 or chudski63@yahoo.com.

December 10 (Saturday) - Hike/Snowshoe/Ski at Higley Flow State Park - We’ll do about 2-3 miles on the camp trails and follow up with a cookout at the Warm Brook lean to. Hot chocolate, hot dogs and marshmallows provided. Kids, dogs (leashed) and grandparents are encouraged to join us for a fun romp. Contact Blair Madore at 315-265-0602 or email madorebf@potsdam.edu.

December 18 (Sunday) Rescheduled to Sunday, Feb 12, 2012 - Winter Snowshoe Trek at Indian Creek Nature Center near Canton. - An easy afternoon snowshoe ramble. We’ll check for tracks and birds, and then have ’Smores by the fire. Remember to bring extra mittens for the kids. We have Íloaner” snowshoes. Jointly with Indian Creek Nature Center. Contact Ann Spencer 315-379-1383.

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