Hiking
Hikes within 15 minutes from house
William Blake Pond, The Nature Trail, and the Old Hooper Mine All these trails begin across from Garnet Hill ski shop. Begin on the uphill driveway across from the ski shop adjacent to the tennis courts. Straight up the driveway a turnoff will lead to the Old Hooper Mine. (1 mile roundtrip, easy) The Hooper Mine is a part of Garnet Hill history when the area was mined for Garnets. Old cellar holes, foundations, mine equipment and the Hooper mine itself remain to remind us of the mining era. Look for Garnets while you are there, some still remain! Just before the turnoff for the Hooper Mine is the beginning of the Nature trail, on the right side of the driveway. Follow the Nature Trail to its end and you will be at William Blake Pond. An informal path (marked with a ribbon) leads from the pond back to the old Hooper Mine, making a nice loop.
Balm of Gilead Mt.- (2 miles RT, moderately to easy) This is an exciting hike with one of the best views for the least amount of effort in the area. Begin across from the ski shop the same as the beginning of the Nature Trail. Follow the Nature Trail. Where this trail leads away up to William Blake Pond, continue straight an additional 75 yards past a house on your right. The trail up Balm of Gilead begins left just past a stream crossing.
Peaked Mt. and Peaked Mt. Pond- (5.5 miles Round trip) The trail up Peaked can begin at the state beach, hiking along the lake shore to where the trail ascends up Peaked brook. The trail will first come to Peaked Pond, a popular fishing destination.. To continue up to the summit, walk to your right along the lakeshore. There are beautiful views which extend 360 degrees, with views of the High Peaks, Ruby Mt. and Gore Mt. as well.
Siamese Ponds Wilderness: Hour Pond, Puffer Pond ( 3 miles roundtrip, moderate), Sacandaga River, and Siamese Ponds-Distance (round trip): 13.2 miles, Vertical rise: 600 rise, Hiking time: 7 hours.
The main trailhead which leads into this wilderness area is the starting point for many trails. It begins at the end of The Old Farm Road just past the Garnet Hill Beach road. These are all popular fishing or hiking destinations. Topographic maps of the entire area are available
The Siamese Ponds Wilderness is characterized by a broad expanse of low mountains; only the occasional wetland area may be considered truly "level." Elevations range from a low of 1,280 feet above sea level along the East Branch of the Sacandaga River near Griffin to 3,472 feet on the summit of Puffer Mountain.
Within the area and along its perimeter there are 36 ponds and lakes including Siamese Ponds, Hour Pond, Puffer Pond, Kings Flow, Round Pond, and Thirteenth Lake. The Kunjamuk River and the East Branch of the Sacandaga River originate here.
Hikes within 1/2 hours from house
Chimney Mountain-Distance (round trip) 2.8 miles, easy. Vertical rise: 900 feet, Hiking time 4 Hours.
This is a very interesting hike to an unusual geological chimney formation and broad views over the wilderness area. Use caution around the maze of caves and crevices near the summit. Expert spelunkers will find this area a delight to explore.
Drive south on NY 30 from Indian Lake Village for 0.6 miles to Big Brook Road, on the left and continue southeast on Big Brook Road across the Abanakee causeway. At 1.5 miles, turn right, south, continuing on Big Brook Road. There is a second, unmarked right turn about 2.2 miles farther. Continue 2.5 miles from that fork to the end of of the road at Kings Flow, by a former Scout camp
Crane Mt.- Distance (around loop): 4.8 miles. moderately difficult. Vertical rise: 1300 feet. Hiking time: 4-5 hours. This is one of the most interesting hikes in the Southern Adirondacks. There is a pond near the summit, a succession of ladders up cliff faces and and the opportunity to make a loop, climbing up one trail to the peak and down another from the pond. The trailhead is off the South Johnsburg Road near Thurman. To reach the trailhead go south on Rt.28 to Wevertown and turn right on Rt.8. Go about a mile into the South Johnsburg Road. Look for a right hand turn after about 4 miles directing you to the trailhead parking. This is a great day hike which covers a wide variety of terrain
Goodnow Mountain (3.4 miles round trip. Hiking time 2 1/2 hours vertical rise: 1030. The trailhead is off NY 28N-(3.8 miles RT, moderate) Enjoy excellent views of the High Peaks from this restored fire tower and partially open summit. Over 20 major peaks are visible. A nature trail brochure, available at the trailhead, provides information at numbered stops along the trail and benches provide a comfortable place to rest.
While in the area you can also Adirondack Park Agency Visitor Interpretive Centers http://www.northnet.org/adirondackvic/ There are three trails that traverse a variety of environments. A boardwalk crosses a marsh area and you'll see old growth hemlocks, glacial erratics, a large beaver dam, a log dam and lake views. One of the trails is designed especially for people with disabilities; it includes a bridge and access to several very nice lake views. Interpretive exhibits, slide presentations, visitor information, restrooms, special events and workshops are found in the main building. 518-582-2000.
Santanoni Preserve (9 miles RT, easy Hiking time 4 hours) You can walk, bike or pay a small fee to ride on a horse-drawn wagon into the partially restored Great Camp Santanoni. The dirt road starts near an old gatehouse and passes an old farmsite on the way. On the shore of Newcomb Lake is a boathouse and several buildings in addition to the main building with its extensive porches. You can also cross country ski along trail
For more information on hikeing in the area please visit websites below
http://adk.com/recreation/z-hike.htm