The 2014 AMC Adirondack Adventure was enjoyed by all
Lake Lila
There were five participants plus AMC Hike Leader, Leo Kelly and Broadwing Adventures Guide Doug. The trip featured five days of paddling and four mountain hikes, plus ACA certified paddling instruction. Everyone enjoyed the experience and staying at White Pine Camp.
Upper St. Regis Lake
Details of the trip are posted below and left on this page so you can get an idea of what we did. As time permits we will post more pictures and possibly blog about the experience.
If you would like to join us next year for the 3rd Annual - AMC Adirondack Adventure it will be happening June 13-20, 2015. Look for complete details around the end of October.
If you would like to join us next year for the 3rd Annual - AMC Adirondack Adventure it will be happening June 13-20, 2015. Look for complete details around the end of October.
Feedback from the participants
Doug,
Great pictures - it brings back great memories of a fantastic week. Thanks again. - J
Thanks Doug!
I have been bragging to everyone about our spectacular adventure! I keep thinking about what a great time we had, and am so appreciative of all you and Leo did to plan this trip.
Hoping that next year's trip is another paddling/hiking adventure! - D
THANK YOU SO MUCH, Doug.!!!
Waking up back in frontcountry....Great Adventure.all your planing made all work well...
..thanks - L
Thanks for the best vacation !!!! S.... @ I had a great time. - S
Great pictures - it brings back great memories of a fantastic week. Thanks again. - J
Thanks Doug!
I have been bragging to everyone about our spectacular adventure! I keep thinking about what a great time we had, and am so appreciative of all you and Leo did to plan this trip.
Hoping that next year's trip is another paddling/hiking adventure! - D
THANK YOU SO MUCH, Doug.!!!
Waking up back in frontcountry....Great Adventure.all your planing made all work well...
..thanks - L
Thanks for the best vacation !!!! S.... @ I had a great time. - S
2014 - Slideshow
AMC Adirondack Adventure Trip - June 15-21, 2014
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Join the CT Chapter of the Appalachian Mountain Club and Broadwing Adventures for the Adirondack Adventure Trip;
a unique offering that combines the beauty of paddling and hiking in the Adirondacks Mountains while staying at White Pine Camp, one of the Great Camps of the Adirondacks built over 100 years ago. |
White Pine Camp
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Combine Hiking & Paddling
Explore a beautiful corner of the Adirondacks by hiking five mountains, all of which include paddling to and from the trailhead. On this guided exploration, participants will learn about the history, ecology and conservation of the area.
The group will paddle and hike each morning, enjoy lunch on the trail and return to White Pine Camp in the mid to late afternoon for relaxation and independent exploration. Dinner will be prepared by the group and there will be a few optional evening activities. Meals provided.
Dates: One week, June 15-21, 2014
Arrival: Sunday, June 15 @ 1:30 PM at White Pine Camp
Departure: Saturday, June 21 @ 11:00 AM
Lodging: White Pine Camp, Paul Smiths, NY
Cost: $750 AMC & ADK members, $800 non-members, (5 % discount for couples)
Bring your own kayak or canoe or rent one from Broadwing Adventures for $75 additional
Limit: 6
Leader: AMC Trip Leader, Leo Kelly
Support by Adirondack Guide, Doug Fitzgerald - Broadwing Adventures
Arrival: Sunday, June 15 @ 1:30 PM at White Pine Camp
Departure: Saturday, June 21 @ 11:00 AM
Lodging: White Pine Camp, Paul Smiths, NY
Cost: $750 AMC & ADK members, $800 non-members, (5 % discount for couples)
Bring your own kayak or canoe or rent one from Broadwing Adventures for $75 additional
Limit: 6
Leader: AMC Trip Leader, Leo Kelly
Support by Adirondack Guide, Doug Fitzgerald - Broadwing Adventures
Activity Level – Moderate
Each day, the group will travel to the starting point, then paddle to a trailhead and climb a mountain. All of the hikes are easy to
moderate in difficulty, but each involves paddling and some have short portages involved. Participants must be in good physical condition and motivated to paddle, portage and hike in changing weather conditions and with the ever-present Black Fly.
Package Includes:
* Paddling instruction and orientation on the day of arrival.
* Guided paddling and hiking of Bog River to Lows Ridge, Long Pond to Long Pond Mountain, Lake Lila
to Frederica Mountain, Mud Pond and McRorie Lake to Mud Pond Mountain and the St. Regis Chain of Lakes to St. Regis Mountain.
* Lodging at White Pine Camp on beautiful Osgood Pond. The group will be staying in the Gate House Cottage. Click here to see a description.
* Meals include 5 dinners, 5 trail lunches and 6 breakfasts. There will be one evening where participants will have dinner on their own. Participants will prepare their own breakfast and trail lunch. The group will assist in the preparation and clean-up of dinner.
* Daily transportation from White Pine Camp to the paddling put-in and return.
* Leadership by veteran AMC Trip Leader, Leo Kelly with local knowledge and logistical support from NYS guide Doug Fitzgerald of Broadwing Adventures
* Time for daily relaxation and independent discovery.
* Optional evening activities.
* An optional short bushwhack hike to see the tallest trees in NY
* Guided paddling and hiking of Bog River to Lows Ridge, Long Pond to Long Pond Mountain, Lake Lila
to Frederica Mountain, Mud Pond and McRorie Lake to Mud Pond Mountain and the St. Regis Chain of Lakes to St. Regis Mountain.
* Lodging at White Pine Camp on beautiful Osgood Pond. The group will be staying in the Gate House Cottage. Click here to see a description.
* Meals include 5 dinners, 5 trail lunches and 6 breakfasts. There will be one evening where participants will have dinner on their own. Participants will prepare their own breakfast and trail lunch. The group will assist in the preparation and clean-up of dinner.
* Daily transportation from White Pine Camp to the paddling put-in and return.
* Leadership by veteran AMC Trip Leader, Leo Kelly with local knowledge and logistical support from NYS guide Doug Fitzgerald of Broadwing Adventures
* Time for daily relaxation and independent discovery.
* Optional evening activities.
* An optional short bushwhack hike to see the tallest trees in NY
To register or for more information contact:
Proposed Itinerary
Sunday, June 15
Arrive at White Pine Camp by 1:30 PM. We will meet at the Gatehouse. After introductions we will change into paddling clothes and move to the boathouse for an on the water orientation and paddling instruction by Doug,
an American Canoe Association Instructor. After the paddle, we will enjoy light refreshments at the boathouse and talk about the week ahead. Dinner will be a barbeque, followed by an evening campfire where we will get to know each other better. If you would like, bring a musical instrument or a story to share.
an American Canoe Association Instructor. After the paddle, we will enjoy light refreshments at the boathouse and talk about the week ahead. Dinner will be a barbeque, followed by an evening campfire where we will get to know each other better. If you would like, bring a musical instrument or a story to share.
Note – The itinerary for Monday through Friday is designed for optimum enjoyment of the group. After the group meets on Sunday we will review the plan and the weather forecast and discuss with the group any modifications that may improve the experience.
Monday, June 16
The kitchen opens for breakfast preparation at 6:30 AM. At 8:15 AM we will meet to discuss the day’s hike and drive to the put-in on the Bog River at Lows Lower Dam. We will paddle 3 miles up the river to Hitchins Pond. The river is backed up on this section by the Lower Dam so there is no discernible current, making for a very pleasant paddle. At the end of Hitchins Pond we will leave our boats and hike 1.1 miles and ascend 400 feet to the top of Lows Ridge. From here we will look down directly on the route we have just paddled and on a clear day see distant views of the High Peaks and Whiteface Mountain with miles of wild land stretching out before us. We will retrace our steps, hiking down the same trail and paddling back to Lows Lower Dam.
Upon our return to “The Pine” we will relax and prepare for dinner. An evening program will be offered after clean up.
Upon our return to “The Pine” we will relax and prepare for dinner. An evening program will be offered after clean up.
Tuesday, June 17
Long Pond Mountain is our destination for day two. We will drive for 25 minutes on paved roads then leave the pavement for 3 miles on a well maintained gravel road to the parking
area for Long Pond. The adventure today will start with a 0.25 mile carry (portage) to the sandy shore of the pond. We will then paddle 2.3 miles to the trailhead for Mountain Pond. We will leave our boats here, change into hiking boots and walk to the pond. Mountain Pond is a beautiful gem tucked into the base of Long Pond Mountain. At the pond we will begin hiking the 1.4 miles trail ascending 900 feet to the summit. From here we will look out onto a sea of green dotted with ponds, lakes and mountains. Upon returning to our boats we will either paddle back to parking lot or take an alternate route involving three beautiful ponds that include one small carry. The group will discuss these options the night before.
No evening program will be offered. Relax and enjoy the camp.
area for Long Pond. The adventure today will start with a 0.25 mile carry (portage) to the sandy shore of the pond. We will then paddle 2.3 miles to the trailhead for Mountain Pond. We will leave our boats here, change into hiking boots and walk to the pond. Mountain Pond is a beautiful gem tucked into the base of Long Pond Mountain. At the pond we will begin hiking the 1.4 miles trail ascending 900 feet to the summit. From here we will look out onto a sea of green dotted with ponds, lakes and mountains. Upon returning to our boats we will either paddle back to parking lot or take an alternate route involving three beautiful ponds that include one small carry. The group will discuss these options the night before.
No evening program will be offered. Relax and enjoy the camp.
Wednesday, June 18
We will plan to meet at 8 AM this morning as our drive to the Adirondack crossroads town of Long Lake is 50 miles to the south. Our destination is a little known corner of the Adirondacks locally referred to as Cedarlands. The trip will include a 0.6 mile carry from the parking area to Mud Pond, portage wheels can easily be used for this carry. After a 0.5 mile paddle across the pond we will take a 0.3 mile undeveloped carry to McRorie Lake. You should expect to get your feet wet. It is a 1.0 mile paddle to the trailhead for Mud Pond Mountain. Here you will put your hiking boots on for the 0.8 mile hike to the lookout. This is a relatively short hike, but it is steep and slippery is places. Weather permitting we will eat lunch at the overlook while enjoying the panoramic views of a portion of the Adirondacks seldom seen by others. After the hike we will return to our boats and explore as much of McRorie Lake as time and conditions permits. This is a quiet, secluded lake with wonderful opportunities for discovery.
Depending on our time and how we feel we may opt to go into the tiny, but busy village of Long Lake. There is an eclectic country store worth a visit, two ice cream stands and the Adirondack Hotel which offers a unique, no frills dining experience.
No dinner will be provided at White Pine this evening, so we will talk about other options.
Depending on our time and how we feel we may opt to go into the tiny, but busy village of Long Lake. There is an eclectic country store worth a visit, two ice cream stands and the Adirondack Hotel which offers a unique, no frills dining experience.
No dinner will be provided at White Pine this evening, so we will talk about other options.
Thursday, June 19
Lake Lila and Frederica Mountain is not as far away as Cedarlands, but the last 5.5 miles of rough dirt road takes some time to travel, so we will again plan to start our day at 8 AM. Once we arrive at the Lake Lila parking lot we will carry our boats 0.3 miles to the beautiful sand shore of the lake. From here we will paddle 2.4 miles across this Adirondack gem to the trailhead for Federica Mountain. The views of the lake and beyond were once reserved for the privileged guests of Forest Lodge, a rustic palace built on the shores of Lake Lila which was once the private estate of railroad tycoon William Seward Webb. The lodge has been gone for 20 years, but the views and beauty of this place have not changed. Time permitting we will explore the lake a little before returning to the parking lot. There are some nice sandy shorelines and if it is warm enough a swim may even be in order.
We will dine back at White Pine Camp. Weather permitting, an evening campfire will be offered.
We will dine back at White Pine Camp. Weather permitting, an evening campfire will be offered.
Friday, June 20
As far as Leo and Doug are concerned we have saved the best for last. St. Regis Mountain is the crown jewel of the Paul Smiths area. We have been hiking on its slopes for 40 years. We will paddle 4 miles from Paul Smith’s College on Lower St. Regis Lake, pass thru Spitfire Lake and into Upper St. Regis Lake to Spring Bay were the little known TR (Teddy
Roosevelt) Trail leaves the lake. After about a mile of pleasant hiking this spur connects to the main trail with more moderate grades and a steep final pitch. There is a fire tower on the summit, but it is not in safe condition to climb. No matter, because the views are great without the added height. To the south we will see the entire
St. Regis Canoe Wilderness Area and beautiful Upper Saranac Lake with the High Peaks in the distance. To the east and northeast we will see the St. Regis Chain of Lakes and Paul Smith’s College, with Osgood Pond and “The Pine” in the distance.
Back at camp we will enjoy appetizers at the boathouse before our final dinner together. We’ll top off the evening with a campfire to honor our accomplishments and reflect on the fun we had together.
Roosevelt) Trail leaves the lake. After about a mile of pleasant hiking this spur connects to the main trail with more moderate grades and a steep final pitch. There is a fire tower on the summit, but it is not in safe condition to climb. No matter, because the views are great without the added height. To the south we will see the entire
St. Regis Canoe Wilderness Area and beautiful Upper Saranac Lake with the High Peaks in the distance. To the east and northeast we will see the St. Regis Chain of Lakes and Paul Smith’s College, with Osgood Pond and “The Pine” in the distance.
Back at camp we will enjoy appetizers at the boathouse before our final dinner together. We’ll top off the evening with a campfire to honor our accomplishments and reflect on the fun we had together.
Saturday, June 21
After our final breakfast together we will check out of our
accommodations. For those in the group that haven’t had enough adventure, Doug and Leo will lead an optional short bushwhack to see the tallest trees in New York State. This hike is a special addition to the Adirondack Adventure Trip for those that have a couple of hours to spend before heading home. There are no trails to the Elders Grove so few people disturb the area around these trees that are well over 300 years old.
We will say our goodbyes at White Pine Camp to those not hiking.
accommodations. For those in the group that haven’t had enough adventure, Doug and Leo will lead an optional short bushwhack to see the tallest trees in New York State. This hike is a special addition to the Adirondack Adventure Trip for those that have a couple of hours to spend before heading home. There are no trails to the Elders Grove so few people disturb the area around these trees that are well over 300 years old.
We will say our goodbyes at White Pine Camp to those not hiking.
We look forward to sharing a week of grand adventure with you in a beautiful location. This is a perfect opportunity to discover the Adirondacks and sample a little of what the
area has to offer, all at a price that is hard to beat.
area has to offer, all at a price that is hard to beat.
More information
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Adirondack Adventure Fact Sheet
View, download or print the basic information about this trip. |
Menu for the Adirondack Adventure
View, download or print the proposed menu for this trip. The ingredients for meals will be provided with some prep work completed in advance. Group members will setup, prepare and serve the meals then clean up afterwards. Vegetarian entrees available with advanced request. |
Information for Day Hikers - What to Bring and Wear
Be prepared - research your trip. Hike with a map and compass and know how to use them. Consider bringing a GPS if available. Carry a cell phone for emergencies, but don't rely on it as some location do not have signal and remember cell phone use can annoy other hikers. Bring water and extra clothes.
Be prepared - research your trip. Hike with a map and compass and know how to use them. Consider bringing a GPS if available. Carry a cell phone for emergencies, but don't rely on it as some location do not have signal and remember cell phone use can annoy other hikers. Bring water and extra clothes.
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AMC Adirondack Adventure Trip - Meeting Place
June 15, 2014 - 1:30 PM White Pine Camp White Pine Road Paul Smiths, NY 12970 @44.458134,-74.22898 Driving From Albany, NY Take I-87 (Adirondack Northway) north to Exit 30. Follow Route 9 north to Route 73, west to Route 86, and west to Saranac Lake.. Follow Route 86 into Paul Smiths. Look for White Pine Camp's sign on the right hand side. Driving From Syracuse & points West Follow I-81 north to Watertown, then take Route 3 east towards Saranac Lake., to Route 30 towards Malone. Then take a right onto Route 86. At 0.6 of a mile on the left is White Pine Camp's sign. |
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Promotional Poster for the Adirondack Adventure
Download a copy of poster advertising this event. |
Slideshow of the areas to be explored during the 2014 Adirondack Adventure
Last Year
The 2013 AMC Adirondack Adventure was a huge success
AMC group after ringing the 6er bell
There were six participants plus AMC Hike Leader, Leo Kelly and Broadwing Adventures Guide Doug. Six of the hikers achieved the goal of completing all of the Saranac Lake 6 and one hiker set many personal firsts, highest and best records. Everyone had a fantastic time hiking, staying at White Pine Camp and enjoying home cooked meals by Doug.
