Advice for ADK Trip

[mafogle]

We're planning a 3 day trip to the ADK next weekend. We'll be staying near Gore Mt and would like recommendations for day trips to some of the higher summits.

We've hiked in the Whites for the last few winters, renting gear at EMS and IME, so we'd appreciate any recommendations for gear rental in the ADK - snowshoes, boots and crampons?

Also, can anyone tell us if Tahawus Road to Upper Works is open in winter? What's parking like there? Or the Cedar River Road (?) west from 30/28 towards Wakely Mtn?

Giant, and Gothics have been suggested to us - what are the recommended winter routes?


Thanks in advance!

 

[Oldsmores]

Rentals are available at EMS in Lake Placid and The Mountaineer in Keene Valley.
The most direct route(s) to Giant is from Rt. 28 just south of Keene Valley. Gothics is typically done from The Garden, a parking lot just west of Keene Valley. There are signs at all the major trailheads.

 

[ALGonquin Bob]

A day trip up to Sawteeth and Gothics would offer probably the most spectacular views anytime of year. I've done Gothics from "the Garden" as well as from St. Huberts - go up from the latter: Access is from the public parking area at St. Huberts, across Rt. 73 from the Roaring Brook (Giant) trail head. You'll walk up the "Lake Road" through the private Adirondack Mountain Reserve (called the AMR - No dogs allowed) and follow the trail that begins at the dam on Lower Ausable Lake - the Weld Trail.

Giant is a nice day hike, with the option to add on Rocky Peak Ridge while you're up there. Two trail heads begin from Rt 73 - Roaring Brook (by St. Huberts) and the Zander Scott trail, aka the Ridge Trail.

These hikes begin near Keene Valley, where you can rent gear from the Mountaineer, a great store and outfitter. EMS in Lake Placid also rents equipment, though it's a bit further to drive. BUT if you do head into L. Placid, stop by the Lake Placid Pub and Brewery and sample their micro brews and great food.

The road to Upper Works is open and maintained year-round. There is ample parking, but bring a shovel in case the lot hasn't been plowed recently.

Cedar River Road to Wakely is seasonal, and is now a snowmobile trail until at least April. Have a great trip!

 

[BobK]

Day trip options from N. Creek (Gore Mt.)

In addition to hiking Gore Mtn itself (3,583 trail from the N side) there are several other nice chioces other than the actual high peaks area. Snowy Mtn. at 3,899' has great views including a tower on top and a big ledge just below the summit with great views east including Indian Lake. It is about a 4 mile trip each way (intermediate XC ski for 2 miles then snowshoes). Last bit before view ledge is steep but not dangerous. Trailhead is on Rt. 30 6.9 miles south of Indial Lake Vil. Blue Mt. (3,760') also has a tower but not as challenging. Trailhead 0.1 mi N. of Adk Museum.

Cedar River Rd to Wakely is plowed to a parking lot 4.6 miles from trailhead. Its another 3 miles to the 3,744' summit with tower and great view. This parking area is a big snowmobile area. One other option is Vanderwhacker Mtn. 3,385 again with a tower and a view of probably more high peaks than from any other summit. The winter trailhead is on Rt. 28N where is crosses the Boreas river. You can ski in 4 miles (intermediate) then snowshoe the remaining 1.4 mi. With enough snow, crampons probably won't be needed for any of the above.

You'll find many more people at the Upper Works trailhead which is plowed and has ample parking. Lots of ski (intermediate+) or hiking options from there. Mountain & Bordertown in N. Creek may rent snowshoes. There is a small shop (former church) that may rent in Johnsburg where Rt. 28 meets Rt. 8.

 

[mafogle]

Thanks everyone for the great advice.

Reading the many trip reports it sounds like the snow down low, is old and hard, but softer and deeper higher up. Hopefully the ADK got some snow from this recent storm.

Cheers!