Blog Archives

Summary #1 - 10 Trails We Should Build Before We Worry about Converting Rails to Trails

12/18/2012

To see the introductory Blog Post to this series and the other trail suggestions click HERE

Sorry I haven't followed up on my ten trails blog posts but other commitments have kept me from wrapping this series up. I hope to make a few more entries on the topic before things are complete. (At least for the time being.) For tonight I provide you with a map that includes all ten trails plus one major addition (provided by the Village of Saranac Lake Draft Bicycle + Pedestrian Trail Master Plan) and a number of minor additions The major addition is a trail from the Forest Home Road to Lake Colby. Although I have never traveled it, my understanding is that it exists and is used by mountain bikers and others. I propose extending it on the north side of the Forest Home Road to where it could link up with my proposed Lower Saranac Lake trail. Minor additions include:

A couple of spurs along the Saranac River near the upper locks that connect the Lower Lake to Middle Saranac. This route is an old snowmoble trail and could by used by snowmobles and x-c skiers to traverse both lakes in the winter. I've skied it many times.
A number of connecting spurs along the railroad tracks in and near the village that link all the trails together.

The linking of these trails would allow people to leave from their doorstep (home or motel) and travel nearly 100 miles. Imagine if every village in the Adirondack Park developed a similar trail network. We would become the trail mecca of North America.

Jack Drury's Proposed Saranac Lake Area Trails

0 Comments

Trail #10 - 10 Trails We Should Build Before We Worry about Converting Rails to Trails

12/13/2012

6 Comments

To see the introductory Blog Post to this series and the other trail suggestions click HERE

I have had so much interest in this series I thought I would encourage people to submit what trail they think should be built. Let's keep this conversation going and, if you would like, share a trail in the Saranac Lake area that you think might be appropriate for one or more outdoor recreation uses. Once I have completed posting my ten trails I will start posting trails submitted that I think are appropriate. You can make your submissions by sending them to me HERE. Let me hear from you.

Trail # 10 - Black Pond Trail
This trail already exists from the Forest Home Road to Black Pond. I've skied it many times and once bushwhacked on skis from Black Pond to Little Weller Pond, to Middle Saranac Lake and out to the Ampersand Mountain Parking lot. For these purposes I have the trail intersecting my trail #9. This provides a nice second option for those hiking around Lower Saranac Lake.

Stay tuned tomorrow to see how I connect all these trails so you can see how you can access any of the trails from the other.
Thanks for following along.
Jack

Name

10. Black Pond Trial

Access/Description

From the Forest Home Road to Black Pond and then intersecting with the Lower Saranac Lake Trail.
Difficulty:
Hiking is moderate
Skiing is challenging
Mt. Biking is challenging

Distance

>4 miles

Thoughts?Issues

This is Wild Forest so could be a multipurpose year around trail although for a number of reasons it wouldn't be practical for snowmobiles. A hunter/fisherman’s trail already exists to Black Pond.

6 Comments

Trail #9 - 10 Trails We Should Build Before We Worry about Converting Rails to Trails

12/12/2012

4 Comments

To see the introductory Blog Post to this series and the other trail suggestions click HERE

UPDATE
As I prepare to wrap up this series I will be providing at least one or perhaps even a second reflective post after tomorrow's trail. (It depends how long winded I get.) I will also keep sharing trails as long as folks submit them. I have a few already and welcome more.

In sharing tonight's trail I want to make one thing clear. I am an avid sportsman. I love to hunt and fish as well as all the other outdoor activities I pursue. Whatever trails we might end up building and using we must take into account the hunting seasons and the sportsmen and women who have been using these lands for over a century. I think virtually all outdoor recreation pursuits are compatible if common sense prevails. We need to make sure common sense prevails as we develop a trail system for our community.

I have had so much interest in this series I thought I would encourage people to submit what trail they think should be built. Let's keep this conversation going and, if you would like, share a trail in the Saranac Lake area that you think might be appropriate for one or more outdoor recreation uses. Once I have completed posting my ten trails I will start posting trails submitted that I think are appropriate. You can make your submissions by sending them to me HERE. Let me hear from you.

Trail #9 - Lower Saranac Lake Trail
This is probably the most ambitious trail I am suggesting but as with all the trails it has so much potential. It could provide a relatively easy overnight backpacking trip. It could provide campers on the shore of Lower Saranac Lake with a way to get out of camp and get some exercise. It allows travelers to hike into the upper locks and see the locks in action without having to use a boat. It would be a great ski trip. I have skied most of this route (breaking a couple of bones in my right hand one winter many years ago while three miles from the nearest road.) It would make a great mountain bike trail. I have hunted this region for many years. A portion of the route follows an existing hunter's trail from the lake to the Forest Home Road.

Name

9. Lower Saranac Lake Trail

Access/Description

From the Route 3 State Bridge boat launch parking lot around the south end of Lower Saranac Lake crossing the river at the upper locks then proceeding around and eventually heading north to the Forest Home Road.

Distance

~ 9 miles

Thoughts/Issues

This is Wild Forest so could be multipurpose year around trail although for a number of reasons it might not be practical for snowmobiles. It follows a number of existing hunting trails and even a portion of an old snowmobile trail. The main challenge would be building a bridge across the Saranac River near the upper locks. The State Bridge on Route 3 has great potential as a trailhead since a parking lot already exists.

4 Comments

Trail #8 - 10 Trails We Should Build Before We Worry about Converting Rails to Trails

12/11/2012

1 Comment

To see the introductory Blog Post to this series and the other trail suggestions click HERE

I have had so much interest in this series I thought I would encourage people to submit what trail they think should be built. Let's keep this conversation going and, if you would like, share a trail in the Saranac Lake area that you think might be appropriate for one or more outdoor recreation uses. Once I have completed posting my ten trails (and an additional blog post or two wrapping up my thoughts on the topic) I will start posting trails submitted that I think are appropriate. You can make your submissions by sending them to me HERE. Let me hear from you.

Trail #8 - Scarface Mountain Loop
This is another simple addition that would extend the hike up Scarface Mt. so you could ascend and descend via different routes. It would require about 2 miles of new trail. Descending the east side provides some great views of the High Peaks Wilderness Area. I've hiked, snowshoed, and skied this route and variations of it numerous times. It is a fun one.

Name

8. Scarface Mountain Loop

Access/Description

From the existing trail on the summit of Scarface Mt. around the eastern ridge down to Ray Brook across the tracks out the access road on the NE side of Scarface to Route 86.
Difficulty:
Challenging

Distance

~6.5 miles

(2 miles of new trail)

Thoughts/Issues

I've bushwacked this route and variations of it numerous times on foot, snowshoes, and skis. This could be used as a year around non-mechanized trail. (i.e., not snowmobile, or bicycle)

1 Comment

Trail #7 - 10 Trails We Should Build Before We Worry about Converting Rails to Trails

12/10/2012

0 Comments

To see the introductory Blog Post to this series and the other trail suggestions click HERE

I have had so much interest in this series I thought I would encourage people to submit what trail they think should be built. Let's keep this conversation going and, if you would like, share a trail in the Saranac Lake area that you think might be appropriate for one or more outdoor recreation uses. Once I have completed posting my ten trails (and an additional blog post or two wrapping up my thoughts on the topic) I will start posting trails submitted that I think are appropriate. You can make your submissions by sending them to me HERE. Let me hear from you.

Trail #7 - Fowler's Crossing Trail Network
This wonderful network of trails right on the edge of the village has wonderful potential. There could be an argument made that it is greater here for cross-country skiing than at Dewey Mountain because the gentle terrain is an ideal location for novice skiers. It is also a great spot for mountain biking. There is additional potential for another trail network across the railroad tracks on the northeast side. If you combine a rail-side trail to Ray Brook linking up to the Scarface Mountain trail you now have a connection to trails #1 and 4 of my series. What opportunity right at our doorstep!

Rough estimate of trails in this area and spur trail to Scarface Mt trail

Name

7. Fowler’s Crossing Trails (Turtle Pond )

Access/Description

From the parking lot by the railroad tracks on route 86 this is a network of trails between Turtle Pond and Oseetah Lake. There are trails on both sides route 86.
Difficulty:
Easy - perfect for novices of all kinds

Distance

~2 miles on the west side of the tracks

~2 miles on the east side of the tracks

~1.75 mile spur to the Scarface Mt trail.

Thoughts/Issues

This network exists. It just needs to be formalized. It could be a multi-purposed year around trail although probably would not be of interest to snowmobiles due to its short length. This would include a new spur to intersect with the Scarface Mt. trail.

0 Comments

Trail #6 - 10 Trails We Should Build Before We Worry about Converting Rails to Trails

12/9/2012

9 Comments

To see the introductory Blog Post to this series and the other trail suggestions click HERE

I have had so much interest in this series I thought I would encourage people to submit what trail they think should be built. Let's keep this conversation going and, if you would like, share a trail in the Saranac Lake area that you think might be appropriate for one or more outdoor recreation uses. Once I have completed posting my ten trails (and an additional blog post or two wrapping up my thoughts on the topic) I will start posting trails submitted that I think are appropriate. You can make your submissions by sending them to me HERE. Let me hear from you.

Trail #6 - Saranac Lake to Mountain View
This is a route recommended by Naj Wikoff in the Adirondack Daily Enterprise August 14th. You can read his piece on it HERE. It makes so much sense to create this as a bicycle trail before we worry about the Adirondack Scenic Rail line. It has virtually all the features of what has been proposed for the Saranac Lake to Old Forge route and it is available now! I have bicycled and X-C skied sections of it. It needs surfacing for bicycles but we could get a 28 mile trip to Mountain View and on to Malone with minimal cost. It is a trail that would be easy biking, hiking, and X-C country skiing. It is already a popular snowmobile line.

Since this is such a long route I have provided three maps. You can click on each one to get a close up view.

Name

6. Saranac Lake to Mt. View

Access/Description

From the Harrietstown Road north of Saranac Lake to Mountain View via the old railroad bed/Power line right of way
Difficulty: Easy

Distance

28 miles

Thoughts/Issues

It already exists as a snowmobile trail and could readily be turned into a multi-purpose year around trail.

9 Comments

Trail #5 - 10 Trails We Should Build Before We Worry about Converting Rails to Trails

12/7/2012

2 Comments

To see the introductory Blog Post to this series and the other trail suggestions click HERE
UPDATE
I have had so much interest in this series I thought I would encourage people to submit what trail they think should be built. Let's keep this conversation going and, if you would like, share a trail in the Saranac Lake area that you think might be appropriate for one or more outdoor recreation uses. Once I have completed posting my ten trails (and an additional blog post or two wrapping up my thoughts on the topic) I will start posting trails submitted that I think are appropriate. You can make your submissions by send them to me HERE. Let me hear from you.

Trail #5 - Saranac Lake to Moose Pond
This trail would be four miles of new trail linking up to my trail described in trail #2 to make a five and a half mile trail to the Moose Pond Road or a five an a half mile trail to route 3. When linked with my trail #3 it would provide a ten mile route from the Mckenzie Pond Road to the Moose Pond Road (or route 3.) If the trail proposed by the Village of Saranac Lake Draft Bicycle + Pedestrian Trail Master Plan from the top of Baker Mountain to the Waste Water Treatment Plant is built it would add another link to this trail system.

Name

5. Saranac River/ Moose Pond

Access/Description

From the Waste Water Treatment Plant to Moose Pond.
Difficulty:
Easy - This would be gentle terrain

Distance

5 1/2 miles

Thoughts/Issues

This would be an all new trail through the McKenzie Wilderness . It should be made accessible by all but snowmobiles. (would need regulatory change to get bicycles)

2 Comments

Trail #4 - 10 Trails We Should Build Before We Worry about Converting Rails to Trails

12/6/2012

1 Comment

To see the introductory Blog Post to this series and the other trail suggestions click HERE

Scarface to Pine Pond
This route only requires 1.6 miles of new trail but will provide you a nearly six mile hike, bike, or ski to Pine Pond. It would link to the Saranac River - Pine Pond Trail that was my first recommendation providing a 12 mile route. It could also be taken back out to Averyville. This short new trail would provide multiple options.

Name

4. Scarface to Pine Pond

Access/Description

From the Scarface mountain trail head on the Ray Brook Road following an access road to private property with a new trail over to Pine Pond.
Difficulty:
This is hard to determine. The trip from Ray Brook all the way to route 3 is relatively long but mostly downhill. The terrain is easy but the distance makes it more challenging.

Distance

5.75 miles

Thoughts/Issues

Much of this trail already exists. This trail and #1 would provide access to the existing trail to Averyville. It could be a multi-use year around trail. It require only 1.6 miles of new trail. The rest already exists

1 Comment

Trail #3 - 10 Trails We Should Build Before We Worry about Converting Rails to Trails

12/5/2012

3 Comments

To see the introductory Blog Post to this series and the other trail suggestions click HERE

McKenzie Pond Trail
This trail is pretty straight forward. The recently released Village of Saranac Lake Draft Bicycle + Pedestrian Trail Master Plan recommends a trail from the summit of Baker Mountain to the waster water treatment plant. I think that would be an excellent trail but I like this one for one major reason. While the Mt. Baker trail would be a great hiker's or snowshoer's trail this trail would be more multi-use and easier for most folks. People could hike, ski, and snowshoe it. It could conceivably even be a mountain bike trail in the future.
The waste water treatment plant could become a trailhead for a number of additional trail options.

Name

3. McKenzie Pond Trail

Access/Description

From the Jack Rabbit trailhead on the McKenzie Pond road to the Waste Water Treatment Plan
Difficulty: For most uses I would consider that a moderate trail.

Distance

5 miles

Thoughts/Issues

From McKenzie pond to the Water Treatment Plan would be a new trail through a Wilderness Area. It should be made accessible by all but snowmobiles. (would need regulatory change to get bicycles)

3 Comments

Trail #2 - 10 Trails We Should Build Before We Worry about Converting Rails to Trails

12/4/2012

10 Comments

To see the introductory Blog Post to this series and the other trail suggestions click HERE
UPDATE

The response from these entries has been great. Thank you to everyone who has commented, emailed, and telephoned. Keep the comments coming.

As a result of these blog posts I ended up having a meeting with a representative of the Barkeater Trail Alliance (BETA) today to compare their proposal for trails and what my suggestions are. It was gratifying if not surprising to see how similar they are.

I also attended an unrelated meeting that brought up a topic that is very germane to my suggested trails. The meeting was about rock climbing and the practice of bolting or putting in permanent protection on rock climbing routes in Wilderness Areas. I asked some of the veteran rock climbers if they consider whether they are in a Wilderness Area or Wild Forest Area when they make a decision to place a bolt. The response was "no" but they do consider whether they are close to the road or in a more remote setting. I asked the state representatives in attendance if the State Land Master Plan can make that type of differentiation within a specific land classification and I got, what I thought was, a fascinating response. The individual said that the state is exploring the recognition and application of what is called the Wilderness Recreation Opportunity Spectrum. (WROS) The simplest explanation of the WROS is that it recognizes that there is a range of wilderness from not so wild (an example might be the Giant Mountain Wilderness Area along the route 73 Chapel Pond corridor) to the extremely wild. (In the Adirondacks that might be exemplified by the Cold River region in the High Peaks Wilderness Area) The meeting’s discussion focused on rock climbing bolts but I asked that if it applied to rock climbing bolts might it also recognize that mountain biking could be appropriate in wilderness areas along the periphery of wilderness areas given that the definition of Wilderness limits motorized uses but does not specifically limit mechanized uses. I did not get an outright “no.”

The conversation is relevant to these blog entries because I will be recommending some trails within Wilderness Areas (including yesterday’s and today's) that I think would be appropriate for mountain biking because they are on the periphery of the Wilderness Area. I thought the discussion opened a tiny window to the potential of opening certain regions of certain Wilderness Areas to activities such as mountain biking. I think it is something that should be lobbied for in the High Peaks and McKenzie Wilderness Areas around the Village of Saranac Lake.

Trail #2 - Moose Pond Trail

The trail already exists into Moose Pond from Route 3. I am suggesting the formal continuation of the trail around Moose Pond. This would allow for two access points (a second at the end of the Moose Pond Road) and provide a loop trail for hikers, bikers, snowshoers, and cross-country skiers. People love loop trails because they don't have to retrace their steps.

In a future post I will show how we can interconnect this trail with the others I am proposing.

Name

2. Moose Pond Trail

Access/Description

From the Route 3 trailhead north of the village to Moose Pond and then around Moose Pond.

Difficulty
Most activities - Easy
Mountain Biking -Moderate

Distance

4 miles

Thoughts/Issues

The trail from Route 3 to the pond exists. This trail in the McKenzie Wilderness should be made accessible by all but snowmobiles. (would need regulatory change to get bicycles)

10 Comments

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