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pmclemore · 05-10-2011, 02:03 PM

Earlier I posted that Page and I were going to head to Lake Superior after Alumapalooza. We changed our minds and decided to head East instead and camp in Adirondack Park.

I see that there are several parks with sites close to or on a lake; does anyone have any reason NOT for us to camp at Seventh Lake, Forked Lake or Cranberry Lake? Or suggest another favorite? It is dry camping but we're dry too, until cocktail hour.

Thanks - Pat

polarlyse · 05-10-2011, 02:40 PM

Adirondacks are probably my most favorite place. If you're going early spring beware of the black flies. Vicious biters. There are some repellants that will help. Later on they're gone but then again the misquitoes are out. I guess the bugs like it there too. You're looking more toward the western side of the park. I'm more familiar with the more eastern areas. If you have a rainey day, or even if you don't, make a point of visiting the Adirondack Museum in Blue Mtn. Lake. Not cheap but you won't be sorry. There's another attraction nearby but I've not been there so not sure of it's theme. You used to be able to take a gondola ride up Gore Mtn. in the summer. Never did it in summer only in winter for skiing. Also nearby Gore Mtn. was a Garnet mine. They blast and extract garnet for industrial abrasives and it used to be open to the public. Lake George is a tourist trap but a lot of interesting history in that area. Bring a canoe/Kayak if you have one or rent one if you don't. Lots and lots of good water to enjoy. The other year I went to one of the old camps that is open to the public. Nice to see how the " rich folk" lived back in the day. Quite a place to see. Sagamore on Raquett Lake is the one we went to but there are others I think.

Have a great time there. But don't tell too many people when you get back home. Don't want it to get around.

mistral blue · 05-10-2011, 02:54 PM

A favorite of ours is Fish Creek Pond.

The Adirondack Museum is a super destination as are any of the Great Camps.

Have fun!

Caryl · 05-10-2011, 04:54 PM

Jerry and I used to own a camp near 13th Lake between Indian Lake and North Creek off Route 28 and spend every moment we could there for 10 years. Wow, there are so many areas to explore in the Adirondacks. For the central Adirondacks, look at Lewey Lake or the Indian Lake Islands near Indian Lake for camping. Run by the State DEC, it is large and likely no hook ups, but I am not sure about that. There is a surprisingly good Mexican Restaurant in Indian Lake and a old fashion one projector movie theater open on the weekends. There are also some nearby arts workshops at Blue Mountain Lake. From there you are able to climb Blue Mountain, visit the museum at Blue Mountain Lake, hike the Siamese Ponds Wilderness, head to the North Creek deli for the Sunday afternoon bluegrass jam. Chimney Rocks is a good hike for views and seeing some small ice caves.

Check for tours of the Great Camps. Sagamore near Raquette Lake is a good tour. You can see how the Vanderbilt's camped during the Gilded Age. This would be easy to do from Lewey Lake. There is another great camp that the State of New York owns and is renovating--Santanoni outside of Minerva. You can either walk for 5 miles to get there, bike in or hire a horse, driver and cart. No cars allowed. It's an easy hike. It is beautiful and was owned by an Albany lumber baron. You can also see the train station at North Creek where Teddy Roosevelt learned he was President after the assignation of McKinley.

For the High Peaks area, head to Fish Creek Ponds for camping near Saranac Lake. So much to do there. Bring your canoe. Best wilderness canoeing east of the Boundary Waters. Lake Placid is near and is a great laid back resort town. Shop, eat, and tour the Olympic facilities. You can watch the ski jumpers practicing on the high towers and those skiers that flip around in the air practicing and landing in a swimming pool. The bobsled run is open for tourists for a real big thrill. There are some electric and water commercial campgrounds near Schroon Lake and maybe Lake Placid, but I really don't know anything about them. From fish Creek Ponds, you can canoe a chain of lakes with only short portages. The High Peaks in the Saranac/Placid area have wonderful hikes.

From any campground you can just sit and listen to the loons and watch the deer drink from the lake. So wonderful.

I left my heart in the Adirondacks when we moved to the Chicago area and only recovered it when we bought our Airstream. When we go back for a visit we stay with friends, so I only have driven through the campgrounds and can't vouch for them for camping. I know many people who swear by both Lewey Lake and Fish Creek Ponds. Get reservations.

The Adirondacks do attract folks from NYC and New England, so there can be more people than you may be used to in a wilderness area using the park. For a ticky tack resort town with some areas with upscale homes go to Lake George.

You might want to pick up a guide book to the region.

We had to cancel Alumapalooza because of my cataract surgery or I would talk your arm off about your trip. I will shut up now, but ask me a question and you may get a dissertation.

All the Best, Caryl

pmclemore · 05-10-2011, 05:34 PM

Thanks, guys - I'll be making reservations this week.

Caryl, I hope you find your cataract surgery as easy and successful as mine. And much more relaxing than a trip to the dentist!

Pat

Scott553 · 05-16-2011, 10:48 PM

We are looking forward to a trip to the Adirondacks in the future, along with the Finger Lakes!

Amy & Scott (AKA Kate & Spence)

mistral blue · 05-17-2011, 05:04 PM

Fish Creek Pond, April 2009 (click to enlarge)

pmclemore · 05-17-2011, 06:07 PM

By golly - is that the "Blue" that "Mistral" is all about?

We are pumped and think we have found a real gem (friend as well as campsite).

Pat

mistral blue · 05-17-2011, 07:10 PM

Yup.
And there'll be a cold one waiting for you inside at the Birthday Bash.

ROBERT CROSS · 05-17-2011, 07:43 PM

Pat;

Can't go wrong Doc'n in the Dacks, this is Piseco off rt.8, southeast of Speculator. Been go'n there for years.

Make reservations, lot of State grounds are partially closed.

If you have time.....Adirondack Museum - History is in our nature.....Adirondack Museum | Local Area Information

Our First Stream at Piseco.....

CanoeStream · 05-17-2011, 08:03 PM

We did the Lake Superior Circle Tour last fall -- the whole trip is a destination in itself. And that is after we pretty much use a third of the circumference on regular frequent trips. Sleeping Giant is so fine. Lake Superior Provincial Park is complex and is worth of the time it takes to digest the hikes & road tours availabe there -- it was our favorite last fall.

Never ignore the UP, Bayfield, Duluth or the Minnesota northshore. Got 3 weeks to do the whole Circle Tour?

Seems 'bout right.