State acquisition of Essex Chain Lakes Tract from the Nature Conservancy opens up Blackwell Stillwater to flatwater paddlers. By Phil Brown IN THE LAST ISSUE of the Explorer, I wrote about paddling a stretch of the upper Hudson River newly … [Read more...] about The Hudson’s mellow side
Outdoor Recreation
Brandreths appeal ruling
By Kenneth Aaron The first time Dave Cilley encountered the no-trespassing cable across Shingle Shanty Brook, it was in the late 1970s or 1980s, shortly after the state purchased land around Lake Lila and he was exploring the area. He … [Read more...] about Brandreths appeal ruling
Upper Hudson River opens to public
Canoeists explore stretch of upper Hudson recently acquired by state. By Phil Brown Some say the upper Hudson River below Newcomb has always been open for paddling, and they’re right—assuming you’re capable of shooting class IV rapids in the Hudson … [Read more...] about Upper Hudson River opens to public
Pioneers of rock
Climbers put up more than a hundred new routes on huge cliffs opened to the public after the purchase of IP timberlands. By Phil Brown Over the past two decades, the state has purchased conservation easements on some 750,000 acres in the Adirondack … [Read more...] about Pioneers of rock
High spirits on Lows Lake
Two paddlers explore one of the Adirondacks’ largest motor-free lakes, discovering tranquility, beautiful scenery, and a few loons. By Ethan Rouen Sitting in a canoe surrounded by nine miles of water always feels dramatic, but sharing … [Read more...] about High spirits on Lows Lake
A victory for paddlers
Judge rules that ‘Explorer’ editor did not trespass when he paddled through private property, but the landowners plan to appeal. By Kenneth Aaron The owners of a scenic, remote Adirondack waterway plan to appeal a judge’s decision declaring that … [Read more...] about A victory for paddlers