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April - June, 2010
April 10 (Saturday) - Grasse River Whitewater Paddling
Begin with a half-mile carry to and around Lampson Falls, then to Russell on
the Grasse River. All the difficult rapids at the start of the trip can be carried
so even intermediate canoeists can complete the trip. After the upper rapids,
the trip is Class I and II whitewater. A wet suit is mandatory. Hikers are needed
to ferry vehicles for the take-out. If you would like to paddle--or hike the
shore trail and watch the fun--please contact Brad Pendergraft, (315) 265-3010,
bpendergraft@twcny.rr.com
April 11 (Sunday) - Red Sandstone Trail Workday
Let’s build two bog bridges across seeps on the shore of Sugar Island Flow. We’ll
carry in pre-cut planks and stringers and nail them all together. Contact John
and Susan Omohundro, (315) 265-8365, omohunjt@northnet.org
April 17 (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 thorough refresher.
First part is theory inside at SLU, second part is "hands on" in the
Lampson Falls highlands. Maximum of four participants, so register early. Start
at 8:30 a.m., finish by about 5:00 p.m. Must provide your own "folding mirror" compass,
preferably with declination adjustment. $5 to cover handouts. Contact Cliff and
Gloria Daly, (613) 224-4413, cliff.daly@rogers.com
April 17 (Saturday) - Family-Friendly Tour of Tooley Pond Waterfalls
Bring your kids and their grandparents for a tour of several waterfalls on the
Tooley Pond Road. Distance 2-3 miles. Easy. Contact Blair Madore, (315) 265-0602,
madorebf@potsdam.edu
April 18 (Sunday) - Hike the Rideau Trail in Frontenac Park, Ontario
Hike the Rideau Trail from the eastern park boundary to Flagpole Hill. Return
to start or continue to western boundary with a car shuttle, depending on participants’
wishes. 10 miles, rugged trail. Level 3-4. Trailhead is about 1.5 hours from
Ogdensburg Bridge. Contact John Barron, (613) 828-2296, johnbarron@sympatico.ca
April 24 (Saturday) - Everton Falls Clean-up
Meet at the canoe carry parking lot at 10:00 a.m. With a trash bag in hand, we’ll
patrol the roadside and the two short trails. Brown bag lunch on the ledges by
the falls, followed by canoeing/kayaking up or down the St. Regis River as weather
permits. Contact Lois and Duncan Cutter, (315) 328-4675, dcutter1@twcny.rr.com
April 25 (Sunday) - Spring Wildflowers & Early Migrants
A hike around the grounds of the Indian Creek Nature Center in Canton, where
we’ll check out spring wildflowers and see the first of the season’s returning
birds. Jointly sponsored by ADK and the Audubon Society. Less than 1 mile. Level
1. Contact Peter O’Shea, (315) 848-2178
April 25 (Sunday) - Spring Potluck
We’ll gather at the Potsdam Presbyterian Church Community Center at 5 p.m. to
start supper at 5:30. Bring a dish to pass and your own plates and utensils.
Coffee and tea will be provided. Kate Williams will present a visual tour of
the Northern Forest Canoe Trail, a 740-mile canoe route stretching from Old Forge
to the New Brunswick border. Contact John Barron, (613) 828-2296, johnbarron@sympatico.ca
May 1 (Saturday) - Paddle the Raquette in Potsdam
Celebrate May Day with a beginner-friendly kayak/canoe trip on the Raquette River
in Potsdam. We’ll meet at 4:30 p.m. at the gazebo in Ives Park and will paddle
for 1-2 hours depending on interest. Boats are available for rent through Wear
On Earth. Contact Shannon Fyrberg, shannon.fyrberg@gmail.com
May 8 (Saturday) - Hike to Black Pond (Paul Smiths)
This is a beginner-friendly trip around Black Pond, near the Visitor’s Interpretive
Center in Paul Smiths. We’ll enjoy lunch at the leanto and, if we’re lucky, we
may see a northern loon or two. About 2.5 miles round-trip. Level 1. Contact
Geri Ames, geriames@gmail.com
May 9 (Sunday) - Hike the Pinnacle (Santa Clara)
This will be an afternoon hike to the Pinnacle near Santa Clara. About 2 miles
round trip, we’ll likely see some spring wildflowers on our way up to a nice
view of the St. Regis valley. Level 1. Contact Tom Ortmeyer, (315) 265-8219,
tortmeye@twcny.rr.com
May 15 (Saturday) - O’Malley Brook Falls and The Tubs (Colton)
We start at an opening in the Colton County Forest made by the microburst storm
of 2008, and we walk down through a lovely pine and oak forest to the edge of
the Raquette River where we pick up the Stone Valley trail. Heading upstream,
we cross O’Malley Brook and continue through mature pines and hemlocks up to ‘The
Tubs,’ a very deep and mysteriously quiet portion of the river. We then
continue inland back to the county road, hiking gently downhill all the way.
This is a beautiful and seldom-trekked portion of the Stone Valley trail. 3.5
miles, Level 2. Contact Bill Mueller, (315) 262-2952, b-hutch-m@twcny.rr.com
May 16 (Sunday) - Birding at Indian Creek Nature Center, Canton
Participants will view a wide variety of species on a hike through shrubland,
marsh, wetland, and forest habitats along the Tower and Succession trails. We’ll
use a spotting scope to view birds on Lower Lake from the top of the observation
tower. Jointly sponsored by ADK and the Audubon Society. Bring binoculars! About
2 miles. Level 1. Contact Joan Collins, (315) 261-4246, jecollins@twcny.rr.com
May 22 (Saturday) - Hike up Baldface Mt. (near Debar)
Baldface Mountain is a smaller peak near Meacham Lake, and our route blurs the
line between bushwhack and herd path. There are a few steep places, but the views
from the top are stunning and worth the effort. About 2 miles round-trip, Level
1. Contact Geri Ames at geriames@gmail.com or Brian Baston at (315) 769-3483
May 22 (Saturday) - Birding at Massawepie Mire, Colton
Massawepie Mire is the largest bog (actually a fen!) in New York. We will walk
the old, level railroad bed for about 4 miles round trip to visit the south branch
of the Grasse River. There will also be an optional 2-mile round trip hike on
the Mountaineer trail along scenic Massawepie Lake in the afternoon. Boreal birds,
bog plants, and scenic views will be our focus. Jointly sponsored by ADK and
the Audubon Society. Level 2. Contact Joan Collins, (315) 261-4246, jecollins@twcny.rr.com,
or Eileen Wheeler, (315) 386-2482, eiwheeler@yahoo.com
May 29 (Saturday) - Lampson Falls Cleanup and Bridge Construction
There will be two work activities this year in the Lampson Falls corridor to
help keep it a world-class "museum of riverscapes", as Paul Jamieson
called it. For sure, we need your help! First, a construction party will build
bridges over a few small but steep banked tributaries that disrupt the foot path
running beside the Grasse River, downstream from the falls. Second, we’ll
also conduct a traditional cleanup of garbage and the usual cans and bottles
in the falls’ vicinity—an activity that always appeals to younger hikers.
Both work groups will convene at the Lampson Falls trailhead on county road 27
south of Canton. Bridge party start time is 8:00 a.m. Take a hammer, protective
eyewear, gloves, work clothes, and lunch. Expect to carry planks into the work
sites along the river. Cleanup party start time is 10:00 a.m. Take work gloves,
small plastic garbage bags, usual hiking gear, and lunch. Work on both jobs should
be finished by 2:00 p.m. Afterwards, enjoy refreshments and appetizers at the
home of Dick and Joan Kepes in Canton. Contact Cliff Daly, (613) 224-4413, cliff.daly@rogers.com
June 5 (Saturday) - Paddle the St. Regis from Santa Clara Flow
We’ll put in at the boat launch in Santa Clara hamlet, paddle up-river
a few miles, stop for lunch, and paddle back. Easy. Contact Geri Ames at geriames@gmail.com
or Brian Baston at (315) 769-3483.
June 12 (Saturday) - Climb Loon Mountain
This mountain in Franklin County acquired public access recently through an easement.
There are good views of the NE corner of the Adirondack Park and a fire tower
in poor condition. 6 mi round trip, 1700 feet elevation gain. Upper section is
a rough herdpath. Level 3. Contact John and Susan Omohundro, (315) 265-8365,
omohunjt@northnet.org
June 19 (Saturday) Giant’s Washbowl in Keene Valley
Starting at Roaring Brook Falls, we hike up and down in the shadow of Giant Mountain
to Giant’s Nubble for excellent views of the valley, then loop back, total
about 5 mi and 1500 ft gain. Level 3. Contact Eileen Wheeler, 386-2482, eiwheeler@yahoo.com
June 23 (Wednesday) - Evening Paddle on the Oswegatchie
We’ll paddle and picnic on the Oswegatchie starting near Rensselaer Falls. Distance
depends on who joins us. Contact Tom Ortmeyer, (315) 265-8219, tortmeye@twcny.rr.com
Postponed to June 27 June 26 (Saturday) - Cycling the St. Lawrence/Potsdam/Grasse River
We’ll bicycle from Potsdam to Madrid, then along the Grasse River to the shores
of the St. Lawrence, where we’ll explore some islands. We’ll return along the
Raquette. 50 miles round trip, with the option to do only half the route. Level
3-4. Contact John Barron, (613) 828-2296, johnbarron@sympatico.ca
Postponed from June 26 June 27 (Sunday) - Cycling the St. Lawrence/Potsdam/Grasse River
We’ll bicycle from Potsdam to Madrid, then along the Grasse River to the shores
of the St. Lawrence, where we’ll explore some islands. We’ll return along the
Raquette. 50 miles round trip, with the option to do only half the route. Level
3-4. Contact John Barron, (613) 828-2296, johnbarron@sympatico.ca
June 30 (Wednesday) - Evening Picnic and Paddle at Higley Flow
Launch from Big Rock boat launch at 5 p.m. for the 45-minute paddle to the state
park for picnic supper. Possibility of swimming. Bring bug dope! Return to the
launch at about 7 to 7:30 p.m. Level 1 (beginner). PDF must be worn in the boat.
Contact Dick Mooers, (315) 854-4186, rmooers@twcny.rr.com