LOCALadk Magazine

Fall 2014 3 LOCALadk Outdoor Recreation in the Essex Chain Lakes A Message from the New York State DEC The Essex Chain Lakes Complex is well on its way to becoming the next premiere outdoor recreation destination in the Adirondacks. Whatever your paddling ability, or desired paddling activity, you will find a paddling opportunity somewhere on these waters. Just one carry and you are on Deer Pond. One more carry brings you to Third Lake which connects directly to Second, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth and Seventh Lakes. A short carry from Second Lake brings you to First Lake and with one more carry, you can reach Grassy Pond. The scenery includes Vanderwhacker Mountain, Dun Brook Mountain, the Fishing Brook Range and the other hills and mountains in the area. Loons, ducks and herons are commonly seen. Deer, black bear, beaver and otters have been sighted as well, and moose are known to inhabit the general area. The nearly 12-mile stretch of Hudson River between Route 28N in Newcomb and the confluence with the Indian River provides a variety of paddling experiences. Open, flat water stretches are found downstream of Route 28N in Newcomb, and above and below the Iron Bridge. The Hudson River also contains numerous rapids with ratings from Class 1 to Class 3 depending on water levels. A remote flat water section of the Cedar River is well worth the 2.6 mile carry. You can fish for trout and landlocked salmon in the Essex Chain Lakes and three other waters. The Cedar and Hudson Rivers below also contain trout. Smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, walleye, northern pike and pan fish are found in the flat water sections of the Hudson River. If you'd rather camp there are twenty-two designated tent sites currently available. Thirteen shoreline sites require a free permit between May 15 and October 15 which can be obtained by calling the Adirondack Interpretive Center (AIC) in Newcomb, NY at 518-582- 2000. Seven tent sites are located just a short walk from a parking sites along the seasonal access roads. Two tent sites on First Lake and one on Pine Lake are reserved for float plane customers only. Float planes provide a great opportunity for those with mobility disabilities or anyone else to access a remote Adirondack lake to fish or camp. The large network of former woods roads provides an opportunity for families and others to enjoy a relaxing day walking in the woods. These same roadways are excellent cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails in the winter. The Essex Chain Lakes Complex will continue to improve as an outdoor recreation destination. Improved access, horse and bike trails, more campsites and carries, and accessible features are all planned or proposed for the future. Visit the Essex Chain Lakes Complex web page (http://www.dec. ny.gov/lands/91888.html) for more details. John DiGiacomo John DiGiacomo

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