Who’s counting peaks?
During my hikes with my kids, I’ve urged them to look around and enjoy nature. We identify trees and admire bark patterns and observe how moss grows. We leave only footprints, take only pictures.
hiking
All Stories
New Cascade trail may not open until 2021
By Tim Rowland
The project is taking longer than expected because of the care needed to construct a trail that must stand up to so many hikers.
New hiker shuttle to start next week
By Mike Lynch
A new hiker shuttle will run between Lake Placid and Wilmington this fall as part of the continuing effort to divert people from popular High Peaks.
Mosquitoes with a view at new Wolf Pond trail and lean-to
With DEET on our clothes and nets over our heads, we would have forgotten about the mosquitoes if not for our dog's suffering.
Drawn to Nippletop and Dial
By Lisa Ballard
Nippletop (4,620 feet), the 13th-highest peak in the Adirondack Park, especially intrigued me. A prominent landmark as one drives up the Northway from the south, this silent sentinel always welcomed me back to the High Peaks from trips to Albany and beyond.
Stakeholders discuss High Peaks issues
By Sara Ruberg
The Department of Environmental Conservation and about 60 stakeholders met to talk about the problems of high traffic that have plagued the high peaks region for the past several years.
A quiet hike up Cook Mountain
By Mike Lynch
Located at the northern end of Lake George, Cook Mountain Preserve is one of the 11 preserves owned by the Conservancy. The preserve was originally established in 1990, when the Delano family donated 176 acres. It was expanded another 18 acres by a donation from the Boyles five years later.
Should smartphones be an essential item for backcountry users?
Intern Amy Harff looks at whether smartphones should be an essential item for backcountry users, given how commonly they are used by people who recreate.
DEC commissioner defends current ranger staffing
Scott van Laer, a ranger in the High Peaks Wilderness and a union representative, urged legislators to add staffing. There are 106 field rangers statewide and some supervisors, and 50 permanent rangers who patrol 2.6 million acres in the Adirondacks. That compares to 330 federal rangers who patrol the Yellowstone National Park’s 2.2 million acres, he said.
Adirondack Explorer stories of the year: No. 6
As we head into a new year, the Adirondack Explorer looks back at the most popular online stories of 2018. Hikers love a patch challenge and the Saranac 6ers is a favorite. The Explorer republished a 2013 story about the challenge and it became one of the most-read of the year. Hikers who climb all six peaks…