CHAPTER ACTIVITIES 

PARTICIPANTS’ RESPONSIBILITIES

FITNESS:  Know your level of fitness and limitations.  The trip leader will ask questions about your experience, fitness, equipment, medical condition, expectations, etc.  Be Honest!

DEPARTURE:  Unless otherwise stated, please sign up with the leader for all Chapter activities.  Do not simply show up at the designated meeting place.  Arrive at the car pooling site before the stated departure time.  Please pay the driver to offset the costs of driving.

PETS:  Do not bring a pet unless the trip leader agrees that it is okay.  Bring a leash.

ETIQUETTE:  Please stay with the group or ask to proceed and stop at the first intersection and wait for the entire group to re-assemble.

EQUIPMENT:  You are expected to carry your own and adequate equipment, water and food.  If in doubt about what to bring, ask the trip leader!

Suggestions for all seasons:  water: 2 - 3 quarts, layered clothing (NO cotton), extra socks, hat, shell (wind & rain), extra sweater or jacket, headlamp, gloves, sturdy boots, sun glasses/screen (SPF 15), first aid kit, food, map & compass.

Winter add-ons: skis or snowshoes, crampons, ski pole or ice axe.

Backpack add-ons:  tent, stove, fuel, change of clothes, cook pot & utensils, sleeping bag & pad, water filter.

CANCELLATIONS: Let the trail Leader know as soon as possible if you are unable to attend your planned activity.  Most have waiting lists.

CALLS: Most Leaders appreciate being called before 9:00 p.m. unless otherwise specified.

CELL PHONES:  It is common courtesy to keep cell phones turned off when traveling in a car or on the trail with a group.

DIRECTIONS TO NORTHWAY EXIT 9 PARK & RIDE:

From the south (Albany) driving north on the Northway get off at Exit 9 and take the ramp to the red light on Rt. 146. Directly across you will see the Park & Ride on the left side of the road and a USA gas station on the right. Proceed straight across Rt. 146 onto Fire Rd. turn left into the Park & Ride.

From the north (Saratoga) driving south on the Northway get off at Exit 9E. At the end of the ramp go right by merging onto Rt.146 heading east.

Move to the left outside lane under the Northway bridge to take a left onto Fire Rd. You will see the Park & Ride on your left and a USA gas station across the road.  Take a left into the Park & Ride.

Not all trips fit cleanly into one of these categories.  Some leaders may use A- or B- designations.  Whenever you are unclear about a rating for a trip, leaders will be happy to explain what their designated rating means.

Note to trip leaders: liability release form may be downloaded here and the echo form can be downloaded here.

ACTIVITIES SCHEDULE - August - September 2008

Detailed descriptions of the activities can be found below the schedule.  
 

ACTIVITIES DESCRIPTIONS

August - September 2008

General Information for Evening Paddling Trips:

On most Tuesday evenings from May thru October the ADK Albany Chapter paddles various waterways in the Capital District area. There are at least two groups. The slow group ("Lily-Dippers") goes as slow as the slowest paddler and may be best for short wide boats or less skilled paddlers. The moderate group is for most everyone else. If there is enough interest, a fast group will be formed. Expect to paddle for about two hours. Scheduled trips launch rain or shine. It is suggested that you obtain a good roadmap of the Capital District or use www.mapquest.com for directions to the launch site locations. It is customary, after the paddle, for the group Leader to pick a nearby restaurant and convene the Paddlers Committee Meeting (PCM) to socialize, plan future trips and enjoy a meal with old and new friends. Everyone who paddles is automatically a Committee Member and is invited to participate. The following are the Albany Chapter guidelines to participate in the Evening Paddles:

1) Respect Other Users of the Waterways -- Steer clear of fishermen. Don’t forget their fishing lines go well out into the water. Stay close to shore when motorboats are out. The Red and Green Buoys mark the deep water channels; stay between the buoys and shore. Paddle in a tight group when crossing large bodies of water.

2) Launch on Time -- Please be in your boats on the water and congregated near shore before the launch time. People launching after start time are not officially with the group. The leaders will conduct a short On-the-Water Meeting with the group to discuss the water, weather conditions and plans for the paddle.

3) Duty of the Paddler -- It is the responsibility of the paddler to stay with the group and know who the leaders are. If you don’t know, ask someone.

4) Leaving the Group -- The leaders take a headcount at the On-the-Water Meeting. Therefore, please notify one of the leaders if you need to leave the group for any reason. ADK is not responsible for paddlers who choose not to paddle with the group.

5) Required Gear -- All paddlers must bring along a white light (a headlamp is good), a whistle (a pealess one is best) and must wear a PFD (Personal Floatation Device aka life jacket). There are no exceptions to these requirements. It is also a good idea to bring raingear, water, bug-dope (mosquitoes are quite active in summer at dusk) and an extra set of clothes in the car.

6) Clothing -- Other than in July and August all paddlers should not wear cotton clothing - if you must wear cotton, bring along a full change of clothing in a dry bag. Expect to have your feet in the water when launching. Some of the launch spots are slippery and have underwater debris. Waterproof footwear (most experienced paddlers use neoprene booties or mukluks) is highly recommended.

7) Guests - You may bring a guest. He/she is your responsibility and must adhere to all of the Evening Paddle Guidelines.

Aug 26 (Tue) EVENING PADDLE - HUDSON RIVER CHAMPLAIN CANAL (B/C)
Be on the water at Lock 1 Park by 6:00 p.m. We will paddle up toward Lock 2 and back. Take Route 4 north from Broadway in Waterford approx. 2.5 miles to Lock 1 Road, turn right and follow to end with boat ramp/launch area on the left. 
Leaders: Ellen Luchsinger, 235-5526, kayakerl<at>yahoo<dot>com; Sally Dewes, 346-1761.

Aug 27 (Wed) LITTLE'S LAKE PICNIC
Join ADK members at Little's Lake for a summer potluck at 6:00 p.m. and bring a favorite dish to share. Call to sign up by 9:30 p.m. the Monday prior to the picnic. 
Helen Menz, 463-3036.

Aug 27 (Wed) NEW & PROSPECTIVE TRIP LEADERS WORKSHOP
Leading trips is easy and fun-you can pick your favorite places to share with others! Come join us for a casual gathering to find out what leading ADK trips entails. We will have a few seasoned outings leaders with us to share their experiences, guidelines for being a trip leader, time to brainstorm ideas and concerns, and refreshments. Meet 7:00 p.m., location to be announced.
Leader: Virginia Boyle Traver, Outings Chair, 489-5758, virginiabt28<at>hotmail<dot>com.

Aug 30 (Sat) COUCHSACHRAGA & PANTHER (A+)
We'll hike these two peaks in the Santanoni Range. It will be fifteen miles total with seven miles on rugged herd paths. Elevation gain is 3900 feet. Meet: 4:00 a.m. Northway Exit 9 Park & Ride. 
Leader: Tim Kase 766-4264, evenings between 6:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.

Aug 31 (Sun) SUSQUEHANNA SOJOURN (C+)
As another attempt of the Susquehanna River Sojourn near Cooperstown, NY, surely this time it'll happen! We will explore "Leatherstocking Country" made famous by James Fenimore Cooper, the first American novelist. It's a leisurely 7 mile paddle on a flatwater section of the river. Call for trip details and to sign up.
Leader: Ellen Luchsinger, 235-5526.

Sep 3 (Wed) EVENING PADDLE - MOHAWK RIVER (B/C)
Be on the water at Aqueduct Park by 6:00 p.m. We could paddle upstream then go up the Alplaus Kill or go downstream toward Lock 7. Aqueduct Park is off Aqueduct Rd in Niskayuna, just southwest of the Rexford Bridge off Balltown Rd/Rt.146. 
Leaders: Celia Murray, 225-9902 celiaam<at>aol<dot>com; Sally Dewes, 346-1761.

Sep 4 (Thu) BLACK MOUNTAIN (B)
Black Mtn. is always a favorite on the East side of Lake George. We will climb 1400 ft for the great views from the top. 5.6 mi round trip. Could be a late summer hike, or there could be fall color. Meet 8:00 a.m. at Northway Exit 9 Park & Ride.
Leader: Katie Henrikson. 439-4308 or 494-7405 khenriks<at>nycap<dot>rr<dot>com.

Sep 4 (Thu) HADLEY MOUNTAIN (B)
With the passing of Labor Day weekend, the vacationers will have left and we can enjoy a quiet hike on this popular mountain. Hadley offers exceptional views so we will hope for a crisp early fall day. 3.6 miles round trip, 1500' elevation gain. Meet 9:00 a.m. at the Northway Exit 9 Park & ride.
Leader: Virginia Boyle Traver, 489-5758, virginiabt28<at>hotmail<dot>com.

Sep 5 (Fri) INDIAN LAKE PADDLE (B+)
Indian Lake is a classic Adirondack lake with plenty of islands, camp sites, beaches, picnic areas and great views. Wonderfully popular during the season, it becomes a wilderness experience for paddlers after the summer ends. With consideration of the winds, since the lake can be difficult and even dangerous with strong winds, we will launch from the state boat launch from the south. We expect to follow the east shore heading north. We will find an island for lunch and return, paddling between the various islands. Expect to paddle about 12 miles round trip. Meet 7:30 a.m. Northway Exit 9 Park & Ride.
Leader: Bill Valentino, 439-9686.

Sep 6 (Sat) COLDEN SLIDE & TABLETOP (A+)
This is one of the most beautiful slides in the Adirondacks! We approach it from the east, and it leads us right to the summit. Previous slide experience recommended. We will head down toward Lake Arnold and on over to Tabletop. Approximately 15 miles and 3900 feet elevation gain. Meet 4:00 a.m. at the Clifton Park Park & Ride, Exit 9 of the Northway. 
Leader: Claudia Warren, 731-6446, cldwr<at>hotmail<dot>com.

Sep 7 (Sun) MOUNT GREYLOCK (B)
We'll go up the Roaring Brook Trail, off of Rte. 7, for an 8-mile round trip moderate climb. Greylock's summit is just under 3500 ft, and we'll climb somewhere between 1500 and 2000 ft. There's a nice spot to stop when we cross the road at a campground, and the top should be splendid. Weather at this time of the year should be pleasant, and the tower and AMC lodge should be open on the summit. Please bring the usual accoutrements for a day trip: food, water, personal emergency items, and rain gear. The latter may just assure us a sunny day! Meet: 8:00 a.m. at the Defreestville Park & Ride, Rtes. 4 & 43, off Exit 8 of I-90. 
Leader: Nola Royce, 439-0491, nola.royce<at>mindspring<dot>com.

Sep 9 (Tue) EVENING PADDLE - HUDSON & MOHAWK RIVERS (B/C)
Be on the water by 5:30 p.m. We could paddle the shores and waterfall of Peebles Island, go up the Hudson to Campbell's Island or go downstream. In Waterford from Broadway turn South on to First Street and drive to the end at the boat launch, or launch from Lansingburgh at the end of 123rd Street off of Second Ave/Route 4. No need to sign up - just show up. See also General Info for Evening Paddling Trips. 
Leader: Rich Macha, 346-3180w.

Sep 9 (Tue) NORTHVILLE-PLACID TRAIL (B)
Last fall we hiked from Benson up to Silver Lake. Today let's start from the Whitehouse and see if we can hike down past Mud Lake and make it to Canary Pond. A 12.8 mile hike through one of the best woods walks in the Adirondacks. Meet 7:00 a.m. at Penney's, at Crossgates. 
Leader:John Antonio, 462-2765.

Sep 10 (Wed) TREADWAY MOUNTAIN (B)
We'll do the loop trail hike from Putnam Pond to Treadway Mt. (Elev. 2240'). Return is via Rock and Clear Ponds. Nice views all around! Distance is about 10 miles, with 1,200' of ascent. Meet 7:30 a.m. at the Northway Exit 9 Park & Ride lot. 
Leader: Jim Schaller, 861-7452, jims2999<at>yahoo<dot>com.

Sep 13 (Sat) *FULL MOONER HIKE* SARATOGA BATTLEFIELD (C+)
This is a multi-group outing, monthly event and a rare opportunity to enjoy this National Park during the off-hours. Come one, come all to the full moon walk through the Saratoga Battlefield. We'll walk 6-8 miles along the Tour Road to the Nielsen Farmhouse and some trails. Dress appropriately in layers, walking shoes, gloves, w/h20 and flashlight, etc. Bring $1 per person to pay for the night permit. For those who are interested, we can have a drink or snack afterwards. In the event of rain or inclement weather, we will do an indoor activity like bowling, laser tag, etc. Reminder: there are limited facilities, i.e. port-a-potty, on the tour road/trails since the visitor center is closed. Please, no calls or emails after 9:00 p.m. Friday, Aug.15th. For more information on the Battlefield including directions, Park's website is http://www.nps.gov/sara/.
Leaders: Aileen Genett, 482-9101, solice212<at>yahoo<dot>com, Randy Caldwell, 274-5737, rth960<at>aol<dot>com.

Sep 13 (Sat) WOMEN'S HIGH PEAK HIKE (A)
I haven't led a women's hike in a few years. We'll do one of the high peaks with a view. Which peak will depend upon the preferences and capabilities of the participants, but we'll stay away from the really long hikes. It's probably too early for the fall colors but the bugs should be gone by then. If you've been wanting to try a high peak this might be the hike for you. The pace will average around one (1) mph, including breaks.
For leader information, contact chapter via phone at 899-2725 or via e-mail at albhike<at>yahoo<dot>com.

Sep 13 (Sat) ALLEN MOUNTAIN (A+)
Well, I haven't done this one in a few years, so I guess I'm due. Come join the long walk to one of the most remote summits in the high peaks. It's always interesting to see the re-growth of the forest in this area that was devastated by Hurricane Floyd. The route follows a maintained trail for the first several miles then an established herd path to the summit. Round trip is approximately 18 miles. 
Leader: Skip Young, 356-2621, skye46<at>verizon<net>.

Sep 16 (Tue) EVENING PADDLE - ROUND LAKE (C)
Be on the water by 6:00 p.m. at the Rt.9 launching area. We will watch the 7:03 p.m. sunset from the Anthony Kill and the 7:22 p.m. moonrise from somewhere on the lake. 
Leaders: Pete Devitt 434-0370, Bill Smollin.

Sep 17 (Wed) LITTLE'S LAKE PICNIC
Join fellow ADK members at Little's Lake for a summer potluck at 6:00 p.m. and bring a favorite dish to share. Call to sign up by 9:30 p.m. the Monday prior to the picnic.
Leader: Helen Menz, 463-3036.

Sep 17 (Wed) CORNER MOUNTAIN (C+)
This will be about 5 miles with an ascent of about 1000 ft. to this small mountain with great views from its cliffs. Be prepared to wade the East Branch of the Sacandaga.
Leader: Walt Hayes, 399-7482.

Sep 20 (Sat) NUN-DA-GA-O RIDGE & WESTON MOUNTAIN (B)
Also called the Soda Range, this hike is a series of ledges with a variety of great views along the ridge to Weston Mt. This is a loop trail of 5.8 miles with about 1500 ft. of ascent. Our return will be via Lost Pond with a stop at the Walter Biesemeyer Memorial Lean-to and back to the parking lot. Heavy rain cancels.
Leader: Phil Seward, 527-1851, pseward<at>nycap<dot>rr<dot>com.

Sep 20 (Sat) LOWER WOLF JAW, UPPER WOLF JAW, ARMSTRONG & GOTHICS (A+)
Benny's Brook Slide is a fun approach to Lower Wolf Jaw. From Lower Wolf Jaw, we will continue over Armstrong and Gothics and return via the Ore Bed Brook trail. Approximately 14.5 miles and 4150 feet elevation gain.  Meet 4:00 a.m. at the Clifton Park & Ride, Exit 9 of the Northway.
Leader: Claudia Warren, 731-6446 cldwr<at>hotmail<dot>com.

Sep 21/22 (Sun/Mon) HENDERSON LAKE, PRESTON PONDS, DUCK HOLE CANOE(B+)
Join us for super High Peaks views, early fall color (red maples), 2 miles of carries each day, and backcountry camping.
Rich Macha 346-3180w.

Sep 23 (Tue) EVENING PADDLE - HUDSON RIVER BETHLEHEM (B/C)
Be on the water by 5:15 p.m . We will paddle downstream and keep a keen eye out for bald eagles - low tide is about 6:30 p.m.. Directions: NY Thruway to Exit 22, left (N) on Rt. 144 for about a mile, right on Barent Winnie Road to boat launch next to Henry Hudson Park. No need to sign up - just show up. See General Info for Evening Paddling Trips. 
Leaders: Celia Murray, 225-9902, celiaam<at>aol<dot>com; Rich Macha, 346-3180w.

Sep 26 (Fri) ROSS, WHORTLEBERRY & BIG BAD LUCK PONDS (C+)
Our last trip in was Nov 9, 2004. All in the group just raved about the beauty of these small bodies of water. Let's revisit them. Probably about 4 or 5 hours of hiking. Meet 7:00 a.m. Northway Exit 9 Park & Ride.
Leader: John Antonio, 462-2765.

Sep 27 (Sat) OVERLOOK MOUNTAIN (C)
Near the artsy village of Woodstock, NY, this trail follows an old jeep road to the summit of Overlook Mountain with a restored firetower in just 5 miles round-trip (about 3 hours hiking time according to the guide) and 1400 feet of ascent. There are reportedly great views of the Hudson Valley and the Ashokan Reservoir, and also the ruins of an old hotel. There may be an option to hike further on to Echo Lake and return to make it an 8-mile hike, or we could explore the village a bit. Meet 9:00 a.m. at the state employee commuter parking lot on McCarty Ave.
Leader: Gene Reilly, 281-7796, techvalleytrekker<at>yahoo<dot>com.

Sep 27 (Sat) HADLEY MOUNTAIN (B-)
This 4-mile round trip, with 1550 ft. elevation gain, offers very nice views. With a leisurely pace, we will spend time exploring the ridge at the top. Meet 8:30 a.m. at Exit 9 Park & Ride Lot.
Leader: Arthur Fontijn 477-7992.

Sep 27 (Sat) HAYSTACK (A+)
This trip will take us to one of the finest summits in the Adirondacks. We will go via the Phelps Trail and Slant Rock. Round trip mileage is about 18 miles; ascent from DEC Interior Outpost is approximately 2800 feet. Plan on an early start. For reservations call by 9:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 25th.
Leader: Carl Klinowski, 274-8410 (h),, 457-9836 (w).

Sep 27 (Sat) CLIFF (A+)
From the Upper Works trailhead, we'll follow Calamity Brook, hike past the Flowed Lands, cross the Lake Colden Dam and climb up to Uphill Lean-to. We'll then leave the trail and follow the herd path, scrambling up the steep cliffs to the summit. Plan on 2400 feet of climbing and 17 miles. Meet 4:00 a.m. Northway Exit 9 Park & Ride.
Leader: Tim Kase 766-4264, evenings between 6:00 and 10:00 p.m.

Sep 28 (Sun) BEN WOOD & FOURTH LAKE OVERLOOK (C)
This will be a great fall adventure in Warren County. We'll hike under 4 miles with great views and still have time to rest. Meet 9:45 a.m. Northway Exit 9 Park & Ride.
For leader information, contact chapter via phone at 899-2725 or via e-mail at albhike<at>yahoo<dot>com.

Sep 28 (Sun) BALDFACE MOUNTAIN (C+)
Baldface Mountain is a trailed peak that's supposed to have great views of Indian Lake. The reason I haven't climbed it before is that the trailhead is accessible only by water. I don't have a canoe but I do have feet so we'll bushwhack from the north along Jerry Pond to the trailhead. It should be about a 1.5 mile bushwhack to the state trail at Norman's Cove, then 1.1 miles on the state trail to the summit. If we get a particularly warm day--or you're a member of the Polar Bear Club--Norman's Cove is supposed to have excellent swimming. Ice cream in North Creek or Indian Lake to follow. We'll go roughly 5 plus miles with 850 feet of gain.
Leader: Herb Terns, 372-8478, trailhed<at>verizon<net>.

Sep 28 (Sun) UPPER & LOWER ST. REGIS, SPITFIRE LAKES PADDLE (B+)
Put-in above outlet dam on Keese Mill Rd and paddle up the 2-mile long west arm (Main Branch of St. Regis River) of Lower St. Regis Lake. This is a very scenic section to start and end the trip. A wide channel with boggy shores leads into Spitfire Lake. St. Regis Mtn. stands clearly to the west. Passing Rabbit Island (site of a Trudeau TB experiment), a short channel leads into Upper St. Regis Lake. Many fancy camps exist along the way-the boathouses are full of old wooden motorboats, guide boats, wood, canvas canoes, and wood sailboats. At the west end of Upper St. Regis is Camp Topridge with its two boathouses and Adirondack-style bent branch architecture, a must see. There is some light motorboat traffic, since most camps are water access only. 12-15 miles. 
Rich Macha 346-3180w.

Sep 29 (Mon) QUEBEC BROOK TO MADAWASKA FLOW CANOE (B+)
Quebec Brook is a scenic brook west of Paul Smiths. We have three short carries (in each direction), with possibly some beaver dams and obstructions. Roundtrip of at least 12 miles. Expect a good chance of seeing otter, beaver, and hawks. 
Rich Macha 346-3180w.

Sep 30 (Tue) EVENING PADDLE-MOHAWK RIVER (B/C)
Be on the water at Freddie's Park by 5:00 p.m. We will explore the islands and Town Park upstream. From the Latham Circle drive north on Rt.9 and take a right just before the Crescent Bridge onto Albany Marine Service Lane. No need to sign up - just show up. See also General Info for Evening Paddling Trips. 
Leaders: Celia Murray, 225-9902, celiaam<at>aol<dot>com; Ellen Luchsinger 235-5526, kayakerl<at>yahoo<dot>com.

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