LOCALadk Magazine

Summer 2018 LOCALadk Magazine 5 LOCALadk Trails Less Traveled A message from the Department of Environmental Conservation Trails in the Adirondacks have seen increased use in the past few years. However, there are still many wonderful places you can hike without encountering lots of people. This summer, avoid the usual places and explore some less popu- lar but equally enjoyable hikes. Split Rock Mountain Trail System (Split Rock Mountain Wild Forest, Town of Westport, Essex Co.) This trail system has 11.5 miles of trails that provide access to many scenic locations including the shores of Lake Champlain. The trails travel through a variety of easy to moderate terrain and of- fer a unique opportunity to experience the "wild side" of the Lake Champlain Valley. There are views of Vermont, Lake Champlain, and the High Peaks of the Adirondacks from sev- eral overlooks along this easy-to-follow trail system. Location: Lewis Clearing Bay Trailhead Parking Area, located on the east side of Lake Shore Road (N 44.2340°, W 73.3825°). Black Bear Mountain (Moose River Plains Wild Forest, Town of Inlet, Hamilton Co.) This moderate 2.2-mile hike ends with a rewarding and scenic view of the surrounding area. The trail follows an old road for much of the hike, but does have a moderate grade and is steeper up top. Trail can be accessed from multiple points or done as a loop. Location: Rocky Mountain / Black Bear Mountain Trailhead Parking, located off State Route 28 (43.7645°N, 74.7938° W). The East Mill Flow / Round Pond Trail (Hammond Pond Wild Forest, Town of North Hudson, Essex Co.) This rolling trail is 5.3 miles, with no major elevation climbs. The trail passes by Trout Pond, Round Pond, East Mill Flow, and the Schroon River. The trail is not much used but is ver y scenic. DEC Sharp Bridge Campground is another little-known gem and pro- vides a pleasant camping and hiking opportunity. Location: East Mill Flow Trailhead, located in the camp- ground (day use fee required) off US Route 9 (44.0430°N, 73.6777° W). Round Pond Trailhead Parking Area, locat- ed along Ensign Pond Road (Co. Route 4) off US Route 9 (44.0239°N, 73.6234° W). Northville-Placid Trail (NPT) Mud Lake Section (Shaker Mountain Wild Forest, Town of Northampton, Fulton Co.) Al- though the NPT is best known for its long thru-hike, this is one of many day trip opportunities. The Mud Lake section is a scenic spot along the newly built southern section. From the trailhead, the trail is 1.6 miles to an open scenic view of Mud Lake. The new trail is well built and of moderate difficulty due to some hills, but switchbacks help navigate the terrain. It's family friendly for kids above the toddler age. Location: NPT Collins- Gifford Valley Road Trailhead Park- ing Area, located at the end of 0.1-mile seasonal access road off Collins- Gifford Valley Road (43.2126°N, 74.2061° W). Long Pond Trail (Whitehill Wild Forest, Town of Parish- ville, St. Lawrence Co.) is 3.9 miles between its trailhead on the Goldmine Conser vation Easement Tract and the Clear Pond Parking area. The trail passes Lilypad Pond, Long Pond, and Little Rock Pond before reaching Clear Pond. The trail ascends 300 feet in the first 0.6 mile and then descends the same distance in the next mile. The remainder of the trail consists of small ascents and descents. A designated tent site is located on the shores of Lilypad Pond and Long Pond. Take the Clear Pond Loop Trail to extend your hike anoth- er 1.1 miles. Four designated tent sites and one accessible campsite are located on the shore of Clear Pond. Location: Lilypad Pond Trailhead Parking Area is located along Goldmine Road, a seasonal access road off Joe Indian Road (44.5260°N, 74.7411° W). Clear Pond Parking Area is lo- cated at the end of the Clear Pond Road, a seasonal access road off White Hill Road (44.5588°N, 74.7720° W). Mud Lake by Russ Byer

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