The only independent, nonprofit news organization solely dedicated to reporting on the Adirondack Park.
Phil Brown edited the Adirondack Explorer from 1999 until his retirement in 2018. He continues to explore the park and to write for the publication and website.
By Phil Brown
Baker Mountain on the edge of the village of Saranac Lake is one of the most popular peaks in the Adirondacks. Like many other local residents, I’ve hiked it countless times and thought I had seen it all. I was wrong. Will Roth recently made the hike to Baker’s summit more interesting for rock climbers:…
By Phil Brown
Last weekend I was returning from Nubble Cliff in the Giant Mountain Wilderness when I passed a tent on the southeast shore of the Giant’s Washbowl and heard someone breaking branches or dead trees, presumably gathering wood for a campfire. Campfires are an Adirondack tradition. Who doesn’t like a fire when sleeping under the stars?…
By Phil Brown
Seneca Rocks in West Virginia is billed as the only peak in the eastern United States that can’t be summited by a mere hike. You need (or should have) ropes, helmets, and other rock-climbing gear. If you ever have the chance to see Seneca Rocks close up, you’ll see why. Seneca actually has two peaks,…
By Phil Brown
Seneca Rocks in West Virginia is billed as the only peak in the eastern United States that can’t be summited by a mere hike. You need (or should have) ropes, helmets, and other rock-climbing gear. If you ever have the chance to see Seneca Rocks close up, you’ll see why. Seneca actually has two peaks,…
By Phil Brown
The famed surveyor Verplanck Colvin built the first tower on Stillwater Mountain way back in 1882. The hole that once held his copper marker is still visible on the summit bedrock. Colvin’s tower is long gone, but a steel fire tower built in 1919 still stands, and last week the state nominated the structure—along with…
By Phil Brown
Lake George, N.Y.—ADK has released the fifth edition of its Adirondack Mountain Club Northville-Placid Trail in time for the Northville-Placid Trail’s 95th anniversary. The newest edition in ADK’s Forest Preserve Series of Adirondack and Catskill guides, this volume marks the relaunch of the series. Edited by Jeff and Donna Case of Mattydale, N. Y., the…
By Phil Brown
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) will reopen Lake George (AKA Million Dollar) Beach today, Saturday, June 17, after test results showed that the beach is safe for swimming. The beach will be open extended hours this evening. Test results from samples collected on Friday show levels of E. coli below the…
By Phil Brown
DEC DELAYS OPENING OF LAKE GEORGE “MILLION DOLLAR” BEACH The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced today that due to the high E.coli levels associated with last week’s rain event – and in an abundance of caution – DEC is delaying the opening of the Lake George (aka “Million Dollar”) Beach on…
By Phil Brown
The trail to one of the most popular small mountains in the High Peaks region is now closed on weekends because of problems with parking and hikers. Owls Head in Keene has long been a favorite with families and people looking for a short hike with a great view. The trail to the summit is…
By Phil Brown
Hull Falls is on the East Branch of the Ausable River in Keene in the Adirondack Park.