Events

Events, 2016

Fri, Jan 1: New Year's Day at Clarkson Our annual New Year’s Day potluck will take place once again at the Adirondack Lodge at Clarkson University. There are no cooking facilities, so hors d’oeuvres and similar items that don’t require cooking or heating are standard. There will be short, easy walking, snowshoeing, or skiing tours on the scenic trails of the campus. Outdoor activities start by 2:00 and continue all afternoon until dark, snacks about 4:00 PM. Clarkson asks no pets indoors. Contact Tom Wheeler, 315-386-2482 or northflow@gmail.com.

Fri, Jan 8: Rescheduled from Dec 30 Ski to Grassy Pond A 3 hour outing, with lunch at the lean-to overlooking Grassy Pond. Trail crosses the Osgood River and features a beautiful mature pine forest for about 3 miles. Meet in Nicholville at 10:00 AM or at the Hayes Brook trailhead off SH 30 at 10:45am. Contact Lois and Duncan Cutter, 315-328-4675 for further information.

Fri, Jan 8: Rescheduled from Jan 9 Night hike at Robert Moses State Park, Massena. Get a different view of the Nature Center trails by trying them after dark. Depending on the amount of snow cover, we may not even need snowshoes. 3.6 miles of trails to explore. Level 1-2. Contact: John Barron, johnbarron@sympatico.ca, 613-828-2296.

Sat, Jan 9: Rescheduled to Jan 8 Night hike at Robert Moses State Park, Massena. Get a different view of the Nature Center trails by trying them after dark. Depending on the amount of snow cover, we may not even need snowshoes. 3.6 miles of trails to explore. Level 1-2. Contact: Jeanna Matthews, jeanna.matthews@gmail.com, (315) 250-0566.

Tue, Jan 12 - Wed, Jan 13: Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour View a selection of the best films of the Festival at the Bytown Cinema in Ottawa. Starts about 7 PM Tuesday. Optional supper in the Byward Market area beforehand. Option to stay overnight and go skiing on Wednesday in Gatineau Park. Participants welcome for films, skiing, or both. Contact: John Barron, johnbarron@sympatico.ca, 613-828-2296 as early as possible, preferably by December 1 so tickets can be obtained (they go fast). Members only.

Sat, Jan 16: Bear Mountain Hike (or Snowshoe) We start south from RT 3 in the Cranberry Lake region on a snowmobile trail, veer off onto a foot trail, ascend Bear Mountain, gaining nice views of Cranberry Lake, then hike out through the campground to our cars parked near the highway. A one-way trip, shuttling cars. Moderately difficult, with 7.25 miles of walking and 700 feet elevation gain. Level 3. Contact: John or Susan Omohundro, omohunjt@northnet.org, (315) 265-8365. Members only.

Sun, Jan 17: Avalanche Survival: A First-Hand Account (Outdoors-Indoors) On April 11, 2009, Dan Zucker and Tim Finocchio were about to top-out on a feature of Mt. Washington (NH) called Dodge’s Drop. The snowpack collapsed and the two were carried down an 800 foot fall. Both Zucker and Finocchio not only survived, but were able to completely debrief forest service personnel who have almost no first-hand accounts of such events (for obvious reasons). Dan’s talk will include both the details of the experience, but also details of the conditions on that fateful day and descriptions of the theory vs. practice of avalanche survival. 7 - 8 p.m. in the Potsdam Civic Center Community Room (handicapped-accessible). Refreshments will be served.

Sat, Feb 6: Cascade Mountain Cascade is known as being one of the more accessible of the 46 High Peaks, and has great views from the summit. 5 miles round trip with a 2000 foot vertical climb. Possible extension to include Porter Mountain if group desires. Strenuous. Level 5. Contact: Tom Ortmeyer, tortmeye@gmail.com, (315) 265-8219.

Sun, Feb 7: Rescheduled to Feb 28 ADK Canoe Classic "The 90-Miler" (Outdoors-Indoors) Eileen Visser will share her 8 years of experience pit crewing and paddling this tour of ADK waters from Old Forge to Saranac Lake. Every September since 1983, recreational boaters as well as racers have competed and cheered their way along early settler and guide routes through lakes, rivers and portages, enjoying the scenery, camaraderie and muscle burn along the way. 7 - 8 p.m. in the Potsdam Civic Center Community Room (handicapped-accessible). Refreshments will be served.

Sat, Feb 13: Stone Valley Snowshoe/Hike Snowshoe/hike with crampons Stone Valley’s east side trail. Meet at the trailhead at 9 a.m. for this lovely local 3 plus mile outing. The ice formations associated with the river’s numerous waterfalls should be spectacular! For those interested lunch at the Hide-Away Café in Colton will follow the outing. Level 2. Contact: Gene & Carolyn Kaczka, gckaczka@twcny.rr.com, (315) 265-4806.

Sat, Feb 13: Cancelled Haystack Mountain Snowshoe Mount Haystack is one of the Saranac Lake 6ers peaks near Lake Placid. Nice 180 degree views of Whiteface Mountain and the Saranac Lake chain. 6.6 miles round trip with 1300 foot elevation gain. Moderate pace. Level 4. Contact: Adam Gonyeau (518) 338-7207, gonyeaa196@potsdam.edu; or Eli Smith smither198@potsdam.edu, (315) 418-0693.

Sat, Feb 20: Postponed to Sun Feb 21 Snowshoe Mt. Arab This trail to the top is 1 mile long and gains about 700 feet in elevation. It is usually easier in winter than in summer! 2 miles RT. Level 2-3. Contact: Blair Madore, madorebf@potsdam.edu, (315) 261 0751.

Sun, Feb 21: Postponed from Sat Feb 20 Snowshoe Mt. Arab This trail to the top is 1 mile long and gains about 700 feet in elevation. It is usually easier in winter than in summer! 2 miles RT. Level 2-3. Contact: Blair Madore, madorebf@potsdam.edu, (315) 261 0751.

Sat, Feb 27: Updated Paul Smiths VIC Ground conditions will preclude skiing, but the weather forecast looks good. Skiing will be replaced by short hiking loops on the nature trails. Hiking boots and traction devices (e.g. microspikes) may be best, or snowshoes. Level 2-3. There will be a chili-tasting event put on by the culinary students of Paul Smiths College (nominal charge). Contact: John Barron, (613) 828-2296, johnbarron@sympatico.ca.

Sun, Feb 28: Rescheduled from Feb 7 ADK Canoe Classic "The 90-Miler" (Outdoors-Indoors) Eileen Visser will share her 8 years of experience pit crewing and paddling this tour of ADK waters from Old Forge to Saranac Lake. Every September since 1983, recreational boaters as well as racers have competed and cheered their way along early settler and guide routes through lakes, rivers and portages, enjoying the scenery, camaraderie and muscle burn along the way. 7 - 8 p.m. in the Potsdam Civic Center Community Room (handicapped-accessible). Refreshments will be served.

Sat, Mar 5: Cancelled Snowshoe up Goodman Mt. near Tupper Lake Suitable for beginner snowshoers. The trail was constructed last year and honors slain civil rights activist Andrew Goodman. There are good views of nearby Coney Mt. from the summit. 3.2 miles RT, 570 foot elevation gain. Level 2-3. Contact: Eileen & Tom Wheeler, (315) 386-2482.

Sun, Mar 13: The Surprising Aquatic Life of Bogs (Outdoors-Indoors) Bogs have weird, interesting plant life that is adapted to conditions too challenging for most terrestrial vegetation. Many bogs also include pond-size aquatic environments that are too extreme for fish, and yet other creatures seem to flourish there. Join St. Lawrence University Biologist Brad Baldwin as he discusses who these creatures are and how they seem to do what fish cannot. 7 - 8 p.m. in the Potsdam Civic Center Community Room (handicapped-accessible). Refreshments will be served.

Sat, Mar 19: Snowshoeing The Pinnacle This small mountain near Santa Clara gives a feel of the mountains for a minimal investment in driving. 5 miles RT, 500 foot elevation gain. Level 3. Contact: John Barron, johnbarron@sympatico.ca, (613) 828-2296.

Fri, Mar 25: New St. Regis Mountain & Fire Tower Moderate. We’ll hike 6.6 miles round trip to the St. Regis Mountain Fire Tower to celebrate the beginning of Spring. This will be a relaxed pace. If you’re working on Fire Towers or the Saranac 6, this mountain is on both lists. Cross posted with the Northville-Placid Trail Chapter. For more details and to sign up please contact trip leader Felicia Neahr at felicia.neahr@gmail.com or (518) 321-4956.

Sat, Mar 26: Hike or Snowshoe Wellesley Island State Park The Park’s trails offer a variety of woodland, wetlands and river view walks. Deer, birds and other critters abound. We will explore the trails and visit the Minna Anthony Common Nature Center to warm up. Bring lunch and binoculars. 3-6 miles RT depending on the will of the group. Level 2-3. Contact: Marianne Hebert, hebertm@potsdam.edu, (315-265-0756)

Sat, Apr 9: Bear Mountain Hike This 2,200 ft. mountain offers excellent views of Cranberry Lake and the Five Ponds Wilderness area. Start at the campground gate, make a loop back, for 4.0 miles and 1500 feet elevation gain. This replaces the climb we had to skip last winter. Moderate difficulty due to climb, but leisurely pace. Limit 10. Cross-listed with North Woods chapter. Chapter members only. Leaders: John and Susan Omohundro, 315-244-9131, omohunjt@northnet.org.

Sun, Apr 17: 8000 Miles from Home (Outdoors-Indoors) Our left turn in Texas was a good decision! Join Dick Mooers as he brings us along on the journey he and Peggy took to many great national parks and monuments along a route to California, the Oregon coast, Washington, Montana, Wyoming, and North Dakota, with a side trip to Alaska. 7 - 8 p.m. in the Potsdam Civic Center Community Room (handicapped-accessible). Refreshments will be served.

Wed, Apr 20: Pitchoff Mountain Climb This ridge defines the north side of the Cascade Lakes Pass. The views are frequent and impressive. We’ll go one way, northeast from Cascade parking to the Pitchoff parking, for 5.2 miles. If weather is poor, we’ll turn around at Balancing Rocks, for a 3.2 mile RT. Moderately strenuous because of all the ups and downs (at least 1900 feet total elevation gain). Pace will be moderate, for photos and nature appreciation. Cross listed with the North Woods chapter. Chapter members only. Limit 10. Leaders: John and Susan Omohundro, 315-244-9131, omohunjt@northnet.org.

Sun, Apr 24: Tooley Pond Road Waterfalls visit multiple waterfalls during spring runoff for astounding views and photos. A total 2-3 miles of walking split over several trails. Contact Blair Madore 315 261 0751 or madorebf@potsdam.edu for details. Level 1.

Sun, Apr 24: Spring Potluck Community Room, First Presbyterian Church, Potsdam. Arrive between 5 and 5:30 PM, supper at 5:45 PM. Bring a dish to share and your own tableware. Supper will be followed by a presentation: Sandy Hildreth (well known Adirondack artist) will speak on “Wildlife in Plein Air art in the Adirondacks.” Contact Tom Wheeler at (315) 386-2482 or northflow@gmail.com.

Sat, Apr 30: Everton Falls Annual Clean-up Meet at Duncan and Lois Cutter’s house in Nicholville (28 Port Kent Road) at 10:00 with a sack lunch and one or two plastic grocery bags for collecting roadside trash. Lunch on the rock ledges beside the falls after roadside clean-up and trail maintenance. Canoeing if water level is not too rambunctious (call ahead for recommendations 328-4675).

Sun, May 1: Spring Wildflower Walk in the Clarkson Woods We’ll take an afternoon walk looking at the wildflowers on May Day. Level 1: Easy. Contact Tom Ortmeyer (315-265-8219, tortmeye@gmail.com) for details.

Sat, May 7: Phelps Mountain Nine miles round trip with 1982 feet elevation gain. Very strenuous. Level 5. Contact: Eileen & Tom Wheeler, (315) 386-2482.

Sun, May 8: Frontenac Provincial Park Hike Located north of Kingston, Ontario in the Frontenac Arch Bioshere Reserve. We will hike Big Salmon Lake loop, which circumnavigates the largest lake in the park. There is a parking fee, but we’ll carpool so the cost per person is minimal. 10 miles of rolling terrain mostly in mature forest. Level 4. Strenuous for distance, but the terrain is moderate. Contact: Toni Towle and Peter Blood, blackrapids@gmail.com, 613-387-2829.

Sat, May 14: Cycling in Ottawa The tulips should be in bloom. We will view many of the scenic highlights of the city during a 25 mile RT tour on bike paths. Level 3. Contact John Barron, (613) 828-2296 or johnbarron@sympatico.ca.

Sat, May 21: Lampson Falls Clean-up Meeting mid-morning, we’ll hike into the falls to participate in the Chapter’s annual clean-up activities. Bring trash bags and lunch. Call for details. Contact Gene & Carolyn Kaczka at 315-265-4806 or gckaczka@twcny.rr.com.

Sat, May 28: Colden Much trail rehabilitation work occurred on this High Peak last year, and we’ll admire the results. 12 miles RT, 3000 ft of gain. Very strenuous, but pace will be slow. Level 5. Contact John Barron, (613) 828-2296 or johnbarron@sympatico.ca.

Sat, May 28: Easy Stone Valley Hike along the magical Raquette River. Meet at the trailhead, 10:30 AM, bringing lunch. We’ll break for lunch midway, and continue to an area about a half mile beyond the tubs. Level 1. Contact Lila and Charlie Hunnewell, (315) 854-8000.

Sat, Jun 4: Robert Moses State Park Bike and Hike, Massena We will explore the park on our bicycles and a quick pass on foot for the Nature Center trails and new Nature Center building. We will try to see a ship going through Eisenhower Lock and the Hawkins Point Visitor Center. We will bike ~10 miles around the park and walk 1-2 miles on the Nature Center trails. Relatively flat easy terrain. If there is interest, we could consider going to the beach that afternoon and/or camping that evening. Family friendly event. Level 2, Moderate. Contact Jeanna Matthews, jeanna.matthews@gmail.com.

Sat, Jun 11: Paddle/Sail Carry Falls Reservoir (Canoes only) We’ll paddle from Jamestown falls north to the Carry Falls Dam (about 5 miles). We’ll bring tarps/ropes and poles to rig temporary sails if wind conditions permit. Direction of travel may also reverse depending on wind. Expect a great day of play and exploration on this large body of water. Contact Blair Madore 315 261 0751 or madorebf@potsdam.edu for details. Level 3.

Sat, Jun 18: Wolf Lake State Park Hike A 5.2-mile loop over undulating terrain to three attractive glacial lakes, each with a lean-to, in a state forest near Edwards. Level 2. Contact Neal Burdick, 386-4648 or nealburdick@gmail.com.

Sun, Jun 19: Coney Mountain Beginner’s Hike 2.2 miles round trip, 570 feet elevation gain. The Coney Mountain Trail is a gradual looping trail leading to an open rock summit. Level 2: Fairly Easy. Contact Tom Ortmeyer (315-265-8219, tortmeye@gmail.com) for details.

Sat, Jun 25: Cathedral Rocks, Bear Run and Pyramid Falls Come explore the trails of the Adirondack Mountain Reserve near St. Huberts. We will visit cliff walls and interesting rock formations. Expect great views of the High Peaks. Very steep in some sections and includes a bit of scrambling. 5 miles RT miles, 300 foot elevation gain. Level 3, moderate. Contact Marianne Hebert, hebertm@potsdam.edu or 315 265-0756.

Sat, Jul 20: Paddling, Tupper Lake to the Wild Center On the Raquette River. Exploratory. 5 miles RT, Level 2-3 depending on wind. Boat rentals available. Options include swimming and/or supper afterward. Contact John Barron, (613) 828-2296 or johnbarron@sympatico.ca

Sat, Jul 27: Paddle Upper Chateauguay Lake We’ll launch at the Narrows and head up the west side of the lake about 4 miles to the South Inlet wetlands, have lunch, look for a place to swim, and tour the lake on the way back. PFD’s must be worn. Moderate to Strenuous. Contact Tom Ortmeyer (315-265-8219, tortmeye@gmail.com) for details.

Sat, Aug 3: Moxham Mountain We will explore the trail to this rocky ridge summit near Minerva, NY. We will encounter several overlooks along the way with scenic views of Gore Mountain. There are steep cliffs on the summit, so beware! 5.4 miles RT, elevation gain 1152. Level 3. Contact Marianne Hebert, hebertm@potsdam.edu (315) 265-0756.

Sat, Aug 17: Trip Leader Training Hike We’ll walk and talk at Lampson Falls for a couple of hours. Pick up some tips for selecting, describing, and leading a hike for ADK. Being a trip leader is not only a valuable service to the chapter, it gives you the choice of what to do and where to go! Easy. Level 1. Members only. John Omohundro, 315-244-9131.

Sat, Aug 24: Climb St. Regis Mountain 7 miles round trip, 1300 feet vertical gain. This is a pleasant mid-range hike perfect for a lazy August day, with great views of the lakes and mountains from the summit. Moderate to Strenuous. Contact Tom Ortmeyer (315-265-8219, tortmeye@gmail.com) for details.

Sat, Sep 14: rescheduled to Sun, Sept 11 Tetsmine Lake Loop, Frontenac Park In Ontario, 1.5 hours from Ogdensburg Bridge. Features dramatic Moulton Gorge. Possible swimming. Rough terrain in places. 8 miles RT, Level 3. Contact John Barron, (613) 828-2296 or johnbarron@sympatico.ca

Sun, Sep 15: rescheduled from Sat, Sept 10 Tetsmine Lake Loop, Frontenac Park In Ontario, 1.5 hours from Ogdensburg Bridge. Features dramatic Moulton Gorge. Possible swimming. Rough terrain in places. 8 miles RT, Level 3. Contact John Barron, (613) 828-2296 or johnbarron@sympatico.ca

Sat, Sep 21: Paddling, South Creek (Middle Saranac Lake access) to Ampersand Bay (Lower Saranac Lake) This is a 9 mile version of the usual “14 Miler” run most Septembers by the chapter. Level 3, open water. Meet at South Creek parking area at 9 AM to spot cars, with launch at 10 AM. Bring lunch or snack, dining locally after the paddle. Participants must contact leader Dick Mooers, rmooers@twcny.rr.com, 315-854-4186.

Sat, Sep 28: Tooley Pond Bike and Hike We will explore the lovely Tooley Pond waterfalls with biking from falls to falls. The plan is to leave one car down by the bridge near Sinclair falls and then start the biking from Copper Rock Falls (after hiking in to see that falls). There should be roughly 8 miles of biking and 3-4 miles of walking. Biking will be mostly downhill, but not exclusively and walking will be relatively easy trails. We should hit at least 5 gorgeous waterfalls - big payoff for not a huge amount of effort. Level 2. Contact Jeanna Matthews (jeanna.matthews@gmail.com) or Marianne Hebert (hebertm@potsdam.edu)

date:Sat, Oct 1, 2016 icons:hike title:Lows Ridge Hike

Sun, Oct 2: cancelled Kate Mountain Off-trail hike to this small mountain near Onchiota. Great views and, it is reported, ravens. 5 miles RT, 1200 feet gain but extra effort in bushwhacking. Level 4. Contact John Barron, (613) 828-2296 or johnbarron@sympatico.ca

Sat, Oct 8: Postponed to Sun Oct 9 Lyon Mountain "Hike and Dine" Need a peak to complete your fire-tower challenge? The new trail up Lyon Mt. sports 11+ switchbacks which make for an easier grade and a more pleasant climb. At 3,820 feet, the summit is the highest peak in the North Country, but is a bit short of qualifying for a “high peak.” There are 360 degree views from the fire tower, with great views of Lake Champlain, Vermont and Montreal. A little known side trail on the summit leads to a secluded overlook with views of the southern Adirondacks. Optional early dinner in Malone. Relaxed pace. 6.5 miles RT, 1900 feet elevation gain. Level 4/5. Contact Marianne Hebert (315) 265-0756 or hebertm@potsdam.edu

Sun, Oct 9: Postponed from Sat Oct 8 Lyon Mountain "Hike and Dine" Need a peak to complete your fire-tower challenge? The new trail up Lyon Mt. sports 11+ switchbacks which make for an easier grade and a more pleasant climb. At 3,820 feet, the summit is the highest peak in the North Country, but is a bit short of qualifying for a “high peak.” There are 360 degree views from the fire tower, with great views of Lake Champlain, Vermont and Montreal. A little known side trail on the summit leads to a secluded overlook with views of the southern Adirondacks. Optional early dinner in Malone. Relaxed pace. 6.5 miles RT, 1900 feet elevation gain. Level 4/5. Contact Marianne Hebert (315) 265-0756 or hebertm@potsdam.edu

Sat, Oct 15: ADK Fall Trails Day Help the Club with trail maintenance in the High Peaks. Free breakfast, free camping. For more information, visit the Club's Fall Trails Day Page. To register call 518-523-3441 or register online.

Fri, Oct 21 - Sun, Oct 23: Stone Valley Trail Work Trail work will consist of trail maintenance and some new construction.  Beginners and experienced trail workers alike are encouraged to help with building and maintaining trails.  Difficulty level will depend on which project that you are involved in; some projects will be very strenuous, other projects such as installing trail markers are easy.  Call Mark Simon 315-262-2571 or simonm@potsdam.edu

Sun, Oct 23: Red Sandstone Trail Work Trail work will consist of trail maintenance and some new construction. Beginners and experienced trail workers alike are encouraged to help with building and maintaining trails. Level 2/3 Contact Blair Madore 315 261 0751 or madorebf@potsdam.edu for details.

Sat, Nov 5: Map and Compass Class Bought a compass but not sure how to use it? Lack of practice made you rusty? Totally lost and want to be found? Here’s the solution: attend this basic M and C course. We’ll practice map-to-compass and vice versa, concluding with a short bushwhack, probably at Higley State Park. Bring compass and a snack, you’ll be home for late lunch (we hope!). Members only. Easy. John Omohundro, 315-244-9131.

Sat, Nov 12: postponed to Nov 19 Azure Mountain “Hike and Dine” We’ll do a late season climb of Azure Mountain, followed by a late lunch at a local restaurant.  Depending on conditions, microspikes or similar footwear may be required.  2 miles RT, 944 elevation gain. Level 2. Contact Tom Ortmeyer (315-265-8219, tortmeye@gmail.com) for details.

Sun, Nov 13: Annual Meeting and Fall Pot Luck at the First Presbyterian Church on the Park, 17 Park St., Canton. Bring a dish to share and your own tableware. Arrive at 5:00 PM for supper to start promptly at 5:30. Photo contest results will be announced. Guest speaker Pete Hickey, head Trailmaster of the Adirondack 46ers, will describe their trail construction and maintenance program.

Sat, Nov 19: postponed from Nov 12 Azure Mountain “Hike and Dine” We’ll do a late season climb of Azure Mountain, followed by a late lunch at a local restaurant.  Depending on conditions, microspikes or similar footwear may be required.  2 miles RT, 944 elevation gain. Level 2. Contact Tom Ortmeyer (315-265-8219, tortmeye@gmail.com) for details.

Sat, Dec 3: Cooper Marsh Conservation Area “Hike and Dine” On the Ontario side of the St. Lawrence, thirty minutes east of Cornwall. A couple of hours of easy walking on trails and boardwalks through wetlands. Level 1. Hiking or snowshoeing depending on surface conditions. Children welcome. Optional late lunch/early supper at Truffles Burger Bar in Cornwall. Contact John Barron at (613) 828-2296 or johnbarron@sympatico.ca

Sat, Dec 10: Early Winter Hike/Ski/Snowshoe at Higley Flow State Park We’ll walk/ski/snowshoe as conditions permit for about 2 miles and finish off with a campfire at the Beaver Pond Lean-To. Hot dogs and marshmallows provided. You bring the kids, their grandparents and the dogs (leashed of course). Contact Blair Madore 315 265 0602 or email madorebf@potsdam.edu.

Sun, Dec 11: Indian Creek Nature Center An easy afternoon snowshoe (or walk) at the Indian Creek Nature Center, near Rensselaer Falls.  Bring the family and try it out.  Snowshoes to loan for kids and adults.  2-3 miles. Level 1.  Ann Spencer (315) 379-1383.

Events Archive