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The new Upper Works trailhead

Upper Works Trailhead
Hikers arriving at the Upper Works Trailhead in the southern High Peaks this summer from mid-June on found the 10-mile road slightly shorter than it used to be. That's because the Open Space Institute, which owns 200-plus acres near the trailhead, moved the old parking lot a short walk down the road. Photo by Mike Lynch
upper works trailhead
Because the parking lot was moved, hikers must now walk through the historic 19th century mining village of Adirondac on the way to the trailhead and sign-in register. The historic area is part of 200-plus acres that OSI owns at Upper Works. OSI purchased 10,000 acres there in 2003, selling most of that to the state for inclusion in the forest preserve. Photo by Mike Lynch
Upper Works Trailhead
The new parking lot can hold 60-vehicles, which is more than the old one. OSI contracted with the town of Newcomb to make the improvements. People who park there can hike to places in the High Peaks Wilderness, including Duck Hole, Indian Pass, Lake Colden and Mount Marcy. There are also other shorter hikes along the Hudson River. Photo by Mike Lynch
Upper works trailhead
Next to the new parking lot is the MacNaughton Cottage. The building is the most prominent of the remaining structures and is famous because in September 1901 Vice President Theodore Roosevelt was staying there when he received the news that President McKinley had been struck by an assassin’s bullet and was dying in Buffalo. From there, Roosevelt took a wagon to the North Creek Train Station. Photo by Mike Lynch
adirondack history sign
The other visible buildings along the walk from the parking lot to the trailhead have been removed except for some foundations, fire places, and chimneys. Structures have interpretive signs in front of them explaining their historical significance. Photo by Mike Lynch
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Mike Lynch

Mike Lynch

Mike Lynch is a multimedia reporter for the Adirondack Explorer. He can be reached at mike@adirondackexplorer.org. Sign up for Mike’s newsletter

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