Santanoni Range
The ADK Forum has a few recent Trip Reports (TR) about the Santanoni Range but, naturally, I'll plug my own report first:
Santanoni Range.
My TR is almost a year old but nothing much has changed.
I hiked up via Panther Brook herd-path and descended via the Santanoni Express trail (a.k.a. New/Old Trail). The herd-path zigs zags in and out of Panther Brook. At the last zag, I did precisely what Eddie recommended and filled a spare 2 liter hydration bladder. I stashed it under a fir tree at Times Square and it was much appreciated upon my return from Couchsachraga.
All trail/herd-paths junctions are well-marked with cairns whereas herd-path junctions are fairly obvious except for the upper terminus of the Express trail. Dailey7779's photo sums it up. If you read my TR you'll find the same photo and a detailed description.
Herald Square is first. Turn right and, in < 20 min., you'll get to Panther. Turn left and, in < 5 min., you get to Times Square. Just past the log, turn right and the herd-path leads to Couch. Turn left and it leads to Santanoni (see Slideshow photos in my TR).
The infamous mud wallow is in the col en route to Couch. Try not to step into it because it will keep your boots as souvenirs. Hiking poles are a big help for balance and to probe the muck for submerged deadfall.
The Express trail features a steep slab of rock with a dangling rope. Don't bother with the rope (can't imagine it gets better with age) and just follow the herd-path that skirts along the slab's northern side.
There's a beaver bog at the base of the Express trail that can be skirted by following its southern shore.
It took me 11 hours to complete the loop last August. I plan to re-hike them soon as part of my second round of the 46ers.
Allen
I hiked Allen, with several other folks, on June 27th. Here's
my trip report with many photos. It had rained the night before and that made fording the Hudson a mid-thigh to crotch-deep experience. Fording the Opalescent was easier. I suspect the water levels are much lower now but don't expect to be able to rock-hop across; bring sport-sandals/water shoes/old running shoes/whatever.
Video of crossing the Hudson:
Return from Allen.
All trail junctions and herd-paths are well-marked. The Opalescent crossing features a yellow marker-disc with faded lettering indicating "Temporary Crossing"; it's been 'temporary' for awhile. When you get to the sand pit (just an open sandy area), cross it and you'll spot a cairn that marks where to re-enter the woods.
The herd-path up Allen brook crosses several wet slabs (basically it goes up the brook). Beware of reddish slabs because they are slippery (Allen's infamous 'red slime'). You'll get to an open slab (Allen's slide) and the herd path will follow along the right. Part way up, be sure to cross over to the left and follow the lefthand herd path. If you head along the right (read my TR), as some in our party did, you'll get deadended and be forced to bushwhack to the left.
Good luck!
