Trail Log

Backpacking Avalanche Pass to Lake Colden

From Heart Lake, you’ll stroll through aromatic pine forests, travel past Marcy Dam, clamber over wooden planks along Avalanche Pass, stroll next to expansive Lake Colden, and eventually pitch a tent along the Opalescent Brook. Overall it’s a circa 12-14 mile round-trip out-and-back, with some different routes returning around Lake Colden.

XC-Skiing to Camp Santanoni

For years Evan and I have been wanting to get back to the Great Camp Santanoni and we were finally able to make that happen! Camp Santanoni, now a 32-acre National Historic Landmark, was established in the late 19th century by Robert C. and Anna Pruyn. As an escape from life in Albany, Camp Santanoni was a place to entertain guests and explore the Adirondack Forest Preserve.

The Wakely Mountain Excursion

On Saturday morning, we met up with our Fountain Square Outfitters comrades (and long-time friends) and their four-legged best friend at the Stewarts inIndian Lake before making our way to the Wakely Mountain trailhead.

A Wilderness Wedding

In picking our mountain for the ceremony, we both agreed that it didn’t necessarily need to be a high peak. All we really cared about was an incredible view and having some of our closest friends in attendance. This made Mt. Van Hoevenberg the perfect fit.

Ice Climbing Experience in Panther Gorge

Ice climbing is a strange thing. It looks like this mechanical vertical progression with sharpened steel tools, relying on power and strength to claw up a giant icicle. Yet at the same time, it possesses elegance and beauty. The movement of climbing is beautiful, in its own way.

10 Days on the Northville-Placid Trail

You learn a lot when you spend 10 consecutive days hiking through the woods. As an Eagle Scout, I’ve spent a lot of time in the woods, but never a trip of this magnitude. One of the most important things I learned or at least was reminded of is to appreciate the little things.

Becoming an ADK 46er: Brecka Coonradt

For this installation of PureADK Perspectives, we welcome Brecka Coonradt, who shares her experience hiking the 46 Adirondack High Peaks. Enjoy following along below as she shares her stories and lessons learned throughout her journey.

KOA Campground Winter Weekend Adventure

The Lake Placid region in winter is a beautiful place full of activities covering a broad range of interests. From skiing and snowboarding to snowshoeing and ice skating, winter recreation opportunities are a great way to explore a different side of the Adirondack Mountains.

10 Awesome Camping Spots in the Adirondacks

From campgrounds to primitive campsites, there are endless amounts of camping options in the Adirondack Park. We thought it'd be fun to share a brief list of some awesome spots throughout the park, so here's the list!

Two Brothers & Their Journey on the Northern Forest Canoe Trail (Part 1)

While flipping through a Canoe and Kayak Magazine I discovered a paddling trail called the Northern Forest Canoe Trail traveling 740 miles from New York to Maine, and my planning immediately began. I enlisted my brother, Colby, and we opted to take on section 1 of the trail, Old Forge to Long Lake.

Girls Weekend & 1st High Peak Experience

I asked a girlfriend of mine to join me on an adventure. I wanted to drive to Lake Placid and hike in the Adirondacks, and if I was going to make the 7-hour drive, then I was going to hike the highest peak! Sara said she would love to join me, so we started making our plans. Sara and Tara, ready for adventure!

Gray Peak, Mount Skylight and Mount Marcy

This incredible loop hike takes you up three high peaks in one day, including Mount Marcy, the highest peak in New York. This is completely doable as a day hike, however, there are plenty of lean-to’s and campsites along the way should you want to make this an overnight trip.

Experiences