Backpacking in the Adirondacks

[Clark White]

My friend and I packed up the 4Runner and headed up to the High Peaks region of the Adirondacks for a some backpacking. We started from the free trail head West of Adirondack Loj and hiked South. We got a real late start the first day, so we camped at Marcy Dam (only 3 miles in). The next day we hiked over Avalanche pass, and down to Lake Calden and Flowed Lakes. We stayed the night there, taking the afternoon to fish and relax. The next morning we awoke and day hiked up Mt. Marcy and back. Matt was in better shape then me (I pulled something in my knee and was really dragging but on the way back), so he also hiked Mt. Calden while I hobbled back to camp with the dog. The 4th day we returned to the vehicle. Matt went over Algonquin Peak, while I hobbled back over Avalanche Pass and past Marcy Dam to the vehicle. 5th day we spent most of the day at an adventure park East of the Catskills, finishing up the day with dinner in NYC and sleep in our seats at a rest stop in NJ. The 6th day we made it to DC by mid morning so that we could go through the Natural History Museum (we've both been to them all, but Natural History is Matts favorite). We had a late lunch at my Great Aunt and Uncles in Bethesda, and then returned home to Elizabeth City.

Getting ready...

Coming down Avalanche pass towards Avalanche Lake.

Avalanche Lake

The hike around Avalanche Lake involves lots of bolder hopping, suspended walk ways, ladders, and many other things that 50lb dogs do not enjoy :elkgrin:

 

[Clark White]

Despite Carters best efforts against it, we all made it around the lake in one peace.

Looking up Lake Calden towards Avalanche Lake/Pass.

Looking south from our camp site towards Flowed Lakes.

Carter settled in for the night. It was much colder then the weather folk had predicted, so I wrapped him up in my jacket at night.

Next morning getting up for My. Marcy.

 

[upcruiser]

Nice! I was just there last week and we camped at Marcy Dam and hiked Algonquin. I need to post my shots up. Small world. What lean-to were you guys in at Marcie Dam? We stayed in #2 right by the trail back down to the Loj parking lot. Awesome pics!

 

[Clark White]

Water fall along the trail to Lake Tears of the Clouds.

A few nice shots along the trail.

Some shots from the south face of Mt. Marcy. The peak was socked in, so I don't have many pictures from up there. These were taken below cloud levil, about 50' below timber line.

USGS marker at the top of Marcy (about the only thing not too obscured by clouds to photograph.

 

[Clark White]

Matt climbing the ladder from the trail to Flowed Lakes to the Calden Damn.

Another shot looking towards Avalanche Lake/Pass from Calden Damn.

Avalanche Lake from my return trip.

A self portrait coming down Avalanche Pass to Marcy Damn.

Looking across the pond at Marcy Damn

Clark White
Looking over Marcy Damn down the creek.

Leatherback Turtle at the Natural History Museum.

 

[Clark White]

Nice! I was just there last week and we camped at Marcy Dam and hiked Algonquin. I need to post my shots up. Small world. What lean-to were you guys in at Marcie Dam? We stayed in #2 right by the trail back down to the Loj parking lot. Awesome pics!

Thanks! I don't know what number we were in, but we were further around the west side of the pond. Second one around the west side I think? You would actually see it from the damn, kinda sorta after a fashion anyway. It was awesome! I really wish we could have spent a lot more time there, and I really wish I would have kept in backpacking shape so that I could have pushed harder while I was there.

Clark

 

[ttora4runner]

Nice.

 

[Scott39]

Nice pics, I have read alittle bit about this place, It would be great to canoe out there.

 

[KSJeep]

Nice Pics and report, beautiful area. Love the old school external frame packs.

 

[Haggis]

Thanks for sharing your trip and the great photos! It makes me remember why we use to spend a bit of time in Adirondacks canoeing and hiking. We haven't been up that way for about five years, might need to run up there some weekend before the snow flies. Speaking of flies, I hope the black flies were all but done when you were there. They can be down right nasty in the summer months.

 

[scarysharkface]

Beautiful! I love the dog too. Looks like good company. :camping:

 

[Clark White]

It was beautiful! We got one or two mosquito bites the first day, but after that we didn't have ANY bug problems :wings:

Carter is the perfect camping dog, he likes to be near, but isn't at your feet, he comes when hes called, he doesn't bark...hes awesome!

Clark

 

[jeepmedic46]

Pictures are beautiful and he does look like a great camping dog. May I ask what type of camera you used?:ylsmoke:

 

[Clark White]

Pictures are beautiful and he does look like a great camping dog. May I ask what type of camera you used?:ylsmoke:

I used a Nikon D40x with either the kit 18-135 or the Nikkor 70-300VR. The camera is for sale if your interested! I just purchased a D200 and new lense, so I'm hoping to sell the D40x to help pay for them.

Clark