Things to do / Travel Guide
With many roads around northern New York sparsely traveled, and with so much space naturally preserved, visitors can fancy themselves adventurers of roads less traveled. Visitors to these untouched and quiet areas may feel they are one of the first to discover a northern New York stunning shoreline, lake, cliff, or view, or the first to rediscover an abandoned old campsite.
Ausable Chasm
Ausable Chasm in the Champlain Valley is a stunning attraction in northern New York, open to the public since 1870. The chasm is an enormous gorge carved out over hundreds of millions of years by the Ausable River. The gorge itself spans over a mile and a half, is 20-50 feet wide, and 100-200 feet deep. Inside you'll find stunning rock formations and caves, as well as waterfalls and rapids. A trail winds its way through the gorge to Table Rock, where you can continue on in guided rafts. Buses shuttle visitors back to the parking lot. Ausable Chasm is located off of State Road 9 and is open from Memorial Day-Columbus Day.
Natural Stone Bridge and Caves in Northern New York
In the town of Pottersville at the southern end of Schroon Lake sits the Natural Stone Bridge and Caves in their natural glory. This geological park features stunning and odd formations carved out by the Ausable River. The park also includes waterfalls, a gorge, and enormous potholes. Fishing and picnicking are common on the premises. Located on Stone Bridge Road off of State Road 9, the bridge and caves are open from Memorial Day-Columbus Day.
Elk Lake Lodge
For total seclusion, stay at the Elk Lake Lodge north of the town of North Hudson, described by National Geographic as the “jewel of the Adirondacks.” The lodge is tucked into the mountains on the shores of its own private lake, in the middle of a 12,000-acre preserve. The 600-acre Elk Lake is ideal for boating and fishing adventures around its many bays and islands.
Giant Mountain
For hikers in the High Peaks of the Adirondacks, the trails up Giant Mountain (also called Giant of the Valley) are lovely, secluded stretches. Hiking this summit not only offers up stunning views of the High Peaks and Keene Valley, but also allows hikers to avoid the foot traffic usually clogging nearby trails. Note though that the hikes are challenging, and meant for people in good physical shape; though they require no special equipment. Three ascents take hikers up Giant Mountain (elevation 4,627 feet), with the least traveled beginning from the east, near the town of New Russia in the Champlain Valley, which climbs Bald Peak, then Rocky Peak Ridge, and finally the Giant Mountain summit.
Moose River Recreation Area
Located near the town of Inlet as well as Indian Lake in the central Adirondacks, the Moose River Recreation Area is a large block of remote public land that offers numerous recreational activities to its visitors. The terrain in this area ranges from flat plains along the Moose River and Red River, to rolling forested ridges and mountains. Paddlers can enjoy slow journeys along Moose River as well as adventures in whitewater rafting. The www.dec.state.ny.usDEC keeps around 40 miles of roads, nearly 30 miles of trails, and around 140 primitive tent sites in working condition. The public campground at Limekiln Lake features camping and picnic areas as well as sanitary facilities. Numerous hiking trails wind around the forests, ponds, and lakes within the Moose River Recreation Area. The trails are marked clearly, with different colors designating difficulty levels, as well as snowmobile trails. A great deal of wildlife can be seen, including deer, bear, and otter, and it is also a popular area for bird-watching and fishing.
Siamese Ponds Wilderness Area
Bound by State Road 28 to the north, State Road 30 to the west and south, and State Road 8 to the east, and within the boundaries of the Adirondack Park, the Siamese Ponds Wilderness Area covers around 112,000 acres of dense forests, clear ponds and lakes, and quiet mountains. It is the perfect destination for travelers looking for a “true wilderness experience.” Over 30 miles of hiking trails are marked for visitors, with numerous other unmarked trails as well. In the winter these trails make excellent cross-country skiing routes. With a wealth of wildlife, birds, and fish living there, the area is popular for animal lovers, bird-watchers, and fishermen. Regulated hunting and trapping is also permitted in the area.
|
|
|