I am hoping to take a weekend trip up to Salmon River Reservior in Oswego County, kayak out to an island on the reservior, and spend a night. Possibly explore Winona State Forest, and then maybe visit Rome Sand Plains on the way back home. This might be a long-weekend trip.
Sand Plains of Western Adirondacks.
I am hoping to spend some more time exploring the Sand Plains of Adirondacks, particularly in the Western Adirondacks and Tug Hill Plateau, around the Black River Valley. The Otter Creek-area, while confusing to the new visitor, is a fascinating mix of sand plains, pine trees, and other open areas. Probably take this trip during the mid-summer.
North Country Trip.
I am hoping to take a North Country trip, visiting Deer River State Forest, Deer River Flow, Brasher Falls State Forest, Lake Bonaparte, and possibly other destinations in the Western Adirondacks such as the afformentioned Sand Plains. I would probably do this mid-summer, possibly part of the Adirondack Sand Plains trip.
Twin Tiers Trip.
I am hoping to take a trip back to the Twin Tiers. Some of the places I would like to visit include the Zoar Valley, East Otto State Forest (for camping), Allgeheny National Forest and Pine Creek Gorge. I might overnight one night at Sugar Hill State Forest. Possibly do this trip in early November, weather depending.
Horseshoe and Lows Lake.
I am hoping to get up to Horseshoe Lake again this year. Things didn’t work out so well last year, and it owuld be nice to explore of the Lows Lake, possibly canoe camping one night there, and spending another night roadside camping at Horseshoe Lake.
Green Mountains.
I am hoping to get back to Green Mountains, hike up Stratton Mountain and spend more time exploring the area around Kelly Stand and the Somerset Reservior. This probably would be just a weekend trip.
This past year, I got up to nine different Adirondack Wild Forests as part of my explorations of the Adirondack Park. Did a lot of hiking, kayaking, and camping. The map below shows the Adirondack Park’s various units.
I camped in Aldrich Pond (1 night), Black River (4), Debar Mountain (3), Ferris Lake (5), Independence River (2), Moose River Plains (3), Taylor Pond (2), Vandwhacker Mountain (1), and Wilcox Lake (4). My preference for certain Wild Forests over others, is not just based on scenic beauty or activities to do, as much as closeness to Albany and compatability with weekend plans.
I saw quite a bit of Adirondack Park for sure.
Aldrich Pond (1 night)
Camped one night on Streeter Lake Road in Aldrich Pond Wild Forest near the hamlet of Oswagatchie. Paddled part of Little River and Streeter Lake.
Black River (4 nights)
Camped two nights at Wolf Lake Landing Road. Paddled around Woodhull Lake, hiked over to Remsen Falls.
Camped two nights at North Lake. Sat down by the lake, enjoyed the moonlight. Explored Atwell and part of South Lake.
Debar Mountain (3 nights)
I camped for two nights at Mountain Pond near Paul Smiths, NY, while visiting the Saint Regis Canoe Area.
Then coming back from North Country, I decided to spend a night at Jones Pond, which is between Rainbow Lake and Paul Smiths.
Ferris Lake (5 nights)
I did two weekend trips up to Ferris Lake Wild Forest. The first was during Memorial Day Weekend, which was pretty wet and rainy for most of the weekend. The second was during the mid-summer on a super oppressive, hot and humid day out. While I explored Edick Roadside Camping, and also Good Luck Lake, both times I roadside camped on Piseco-Powley Road, three nights at PR 9, one night at PR 4, and one night at 11.
Independence River (2 nights)
Camped two nights at Independence River Wild Forest on Smith Road, at field Campsite 1. There are ten campsites on this road, including one with an outhouse. Several of them are located in old logging load pads, that are now mowed as fields for camping. Nothing particularly fancy here.
Moose River Plains (3 nights)
Planned to spend a week at Moose River Plains, brakes failed on third day up there. Still got three days of fall camping in along Cedar River – Limekiln Lake Road. Camped one night at Campsite 24, and two at Campsite 57 this year.
Taylor Pond (2 nights)
Camped up at Union Falls for two nights in the fall, while hiking and exploring several locations in Clinton County and eastern portion of the North Country.
Vandwhacker Mountain (1 nights)
Camped one night at Cheney Pond at the Vanderwhacker Wild Forest.
Wilcox Lake (4 nights)
Camped three nights up off of NY 8 — one at an old Gravel Pit along the East Sacandaga River in April when the snow was still there, two nights at Fox Lair Campsite, and one night at Hope Falls Road, which is off of NY 30, near Northville.
