Recently, my roommate and I went on
a short day hike in the southwestern part of the Adirondacks. On the hike, as
always, I was reminded just how relaxing a day in the Adirondacks can be. My
roommate and I covered roughly six miles in around two hours, and were prepared
to hike more if we didn’t have obligations back at school to attend to. The
beauty in such succinct hikes is that you have plenty of time to do anything
else that you need or want to do for the rest of the day. Short hikes allow for
a brief hiatus from monotonous routine, and for me, alter my repetitive
schedule enough that I feel recharged. Thus, I encourage everyone to try
something that breaks them out of their rhythm like hiking does for me. I am
going to outline some of my favorite day hikes in the Adirondacks with the hope
that others will follow this path and take part in something that is not only
beneficial for one’s physical, but also mental health.
Black Mountain: This 6.7-mile loop overlooks Lake George
and provides spectacular views of the entire lake. Black Mountain is the
highest peak in the Lake George area and the summit has one of the few
remaining fire towers (albeit out of service). Ponds can be seen throughout the
hike that hikers take advantage of in the warmer months as a way of cooling off
after the summit. This is one of the best ‘bang for your buck’ hikes in the
entire park.
Cascade Mountain: This is one of the 46 peaks, but don’t
let that dissuade you if you are just looking for a day hike; it is only 4.8
miles to the summit and back. This mountain is known for its spectacular 360 degree
views and accessibility. Porter Mountain is an easy side trip, and adds only an
extra 1.8 miles. Due to the stunning views, short mileage, and relatively shallow
incline, Cascade Mountain is one of, if not the, most climbed mountains in the
Adirondacks.
Shelving Rock Falls: This 6.5-mile hike takes you to the top
of Shelving Rock Mountain and then around the shoreline of Long Bay and
Shelving Rock Bay. This hike provides gorgeous views of Lake George without a significant
change in elevation, while also providing a plethora of intimate water falls
with swimming holes.
Mount Adams: This high peak is slightly more difficult
then the previous mentioned ones, but the hike up the mountain is highlighted
by quiet streams and a walk along the Hudson River. The trail is not maintained
by the DEC, so it is a little more rugged, but also less populated. At the top
of the mountain sits a fire tower that provides stunning views of the high
peaks. Although the fire tower is currently considered unstable, people are allowed
to climb at their own risk, and the Adirondack Mountain Club has vowed to
restore the fire tower, so hurry and hike this Mountain before it becomes more
popular!
Sources:
Thanks for sharing these hikes! While I'm not as huge a fan of such brief hikes, having gone on month-long and week-long backpacking trips, they're perfect for sustaining one's sanity in the absence of local long hikes and time to complete them. I love sharing these types of hikes with my friends and family who aren't as experienced in the outdoors because it's palpable how excited they get about breathing in fresh non-NYC air.
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