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.
Located in the Jessup River Wild Forest, North of Spectulator, offers great views of West Canada Wilderness, Cedar River Flow, Moose River Plains, Spectulator Tree Farm, Siamese Pond Wilderness. Should be close to peak foliage now. Consider camping at the roadside/tent campsites along Mason Lake to the North on Jessup River Road / NY 30. Take NY 30 to Jessup River Road to Military Road to Parking Area to get there. You may want to park at the start of Military Road if you have a low-clearance vehicle.
Located near Stony Creek, NY, it offers some great views of the Wilcox Lake Wild Forest and the Great Scanadaga Lake. I’ve never been there in the fall, but I suspect it offers many great views this time of year, with peak foliage being not far away.
Buck Mountain (West Shore Lake George, Adirondacks)
This is one of my most recent hikes, but definately offers really good views of Lake George and elsewheres, especially now that the fall colors are starting to set on in. One of the more difficult hikes on the list, it’s not really that difficult, but if you go from Pilot Knob, expect a 3.1 mile hike, and gaining around 2,100 feet in elevation. Regardless, a very nice hike.
Located near the North South Lake Campground, offers great views of the Clove, Hunter Mountain, Palenville, Hudson River, and farms and other lands near Catskill. Park on Scutt Road for free, which is last right before campground. Take Escarpment Trail all the way around to the Catskill Mountain House Ruins, then walk past North-South Lake.
Located on the ledge between Slide Mountain and Panther Mountain, a relatively easy hike, with a relatively brief but not scary scramble onto the ledge that runs for 3/4 mile. Colorful views of vast Woodland Valley with Mount Tremper and other mountains in the distance, along with good views of Slide Mountain, Cornell Mountain, and other hike peaks.
* Slide Mountain Road was severely damaged by Irene. Area may be temporarily be closed due to Irene.
