On a cold November day I hiked up St. Regis Mountain with a couple of friends, Rich and Bill. The forecast was for clear skies through early afternoon and below freezing temperatures all day. A 9:00 AM start seemed right to let the temperatures rise a little and to still get up top before the clouds drifted in. Being back on Standard Time also meant that a late start would not be too wise.
It had been snowing above 2000’ for a few days, so we
knew there would be ice and snow on the trail. I’m old school when it comes to being prepared in the woods. We all brought the usual stuff. Food, water, a couple extra layers, map, compass, flashlight, first aid, emergency kit, etc…, you get the picture. We also brought traction devices for the ice we knew would
be on the trail. Rich had heavy duty STABILicers, Bill and I had instep crampons. The crampons work well, but they are cumbersome to put on and take some getting used to. I am planning to buy a pair of Microspikes this season; they have excellent reviews. I believe that at this time of year it is irresponsible and down right dangerous to hike on icy trails without some type
of traction device. The safety concerns are obvious, but there are also environmental considerations. Without these devices hikers need to detour around icy spots. This causes damage to plants and soils on the edges of the trail and widens the path.
knew there would be ice and snow on the trail. I’m old school when it comes to being prepared in the woods. We all brought the usual stuff. Food, water, a couple extra layers, map, compass, flashlight, first aid, emergency kit, etc…, you get the picture. We also brought traction devices for the ice we knew would
be on the trail. Rich had heavy duty STABILicers, Bill and I had instep crampons. The crampons work well, but they are cumbersome to put on and take some getting used to. I am planning to buy a pair of Microspikes this season; they have excellent reviews. I believe that at this time of year it is irresponsible and down right dangerous to hike on icy trails without some type
of traction device. The safety concerns are obvious, but there are also environmental considerations. Without these devices hikers need to detour around icy spots. This causes damage to plants and soils on the edges of the trail and widens the path.
 Instep crampons |  STABILicers |
Icy trail conditions
On our way up we were passed by a couple of trail
runners; two women in their 20s. They were in good shape and were headed back down long before we reached the summit. While I admired their ability to accomplish this feat, I couldn’t help but notice that they were not very well prepared to be in the backcountry under the conditions of the day. One of the runners had a small belt pack and the other didn’t appear to have anything extra. I wondered if they had traction devices. One slip on the icy trail and they would be in serious trouble, as the cold temperatures would quickly take over their light running cloths if their activity level decreased. Hypothermia would certainly set in if the unexpected happened. Likely other trail runners would disagree with me and possibly rationalize their actions, but I felt that this was a dangerous situation.
runners; two women in their 20s. They were in good shape and were headed back down long before we reached the summit. While I admired their ability to accomplish this feat, I couldn’t help but notice that they were not very well prepared to be in the backcountry under the conditions of the day. One of the runners had a small belt pack and the other didn’t appear to have anything extra. I wondered if they had traction devices. One slip on the icy trail and they would be in serious trouble, as the cold temperatures would quickly take over their light running cloths if their activity level decreased. Hypothermia would certainly set in if the unexpected happened. Likely other trail runners would disagree with me and possibly rationalize their actions, but I felt that this was a dangerous situation.
When our group reached the summit we had it all to
ourselves. Although it was a bit overcast we could see for miles. We bundled up, had some lunch and enjoyed the view. The entire Canoe Area lay at our feet, with Upper Saranac Lake leading our eyes south to the Western High Peaks, slightly to the east we could see the whole Great Range and due east was beautiful Whiteface Mountain totally cloaked in brilliant white. We hiked around the top to get views to the north and west. Only from the top of the fire tower can you get a 360 degree view and it is closed to the public until it can be rehabilitated and made safe again.
ourselves. Although it was a bit overcast we could see for miles. We bundled up, had some lunch and enjoyed the view. The entire Canoe Area lay at our feet, with Upper Saranac Lake leading our eyes south to the Western High Peaks, slightly to the east we could see the whole Great Range and due east was beautiful Whiteface Mountain totally cloaked in brilliant white. We hiked around the top to get views to the north and west. Only from the top of the fire tower can you get a 360 degree view and it is closed to the public until it can be rehabilitated and made safe again.
St. Regis Pond & Upper Saranac Lake
Mandatory group shot
After spending all the time we wanted on the top, we strapped on our foot gear and headed down. I appreciate the support of hiking poles on the downhill run and with the ice they really came in handy. By the time we reached the site of the former fire observer’s cabin it was time to take the crampons off. Not long afterwards we spotted a large area that had been scraped up, with the saplings in the circle all rubbed up. The Whitetail rut must be on. This will make the hunters happy. By the way, I rarely get concerned about hiking during hunting season. I usually wear some red or orange clothing and of course I don’t wear anything white. All the hunters I know are responsible people and are very safety conscious.
Back at the trailhead, there was time for a celebratory beverage and some final banter before heading home to a warm fire and a cup of hot tea. It was a wonderful day to be in the woods and on the top of a mountain with good friends. Don’t let the cold weather keep you from getting out there or you’ll miss the joy. Be safe and have fun.
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