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New York's Adirondack State Park,
at about 6 million acres in size is the largest park in the
lower 48 states. In fact, it is larger than some states!
Despite their hefty girth, the Adirondacks are surprisingly
unknown by most folks outside of the Northeast. This is a
real shame. The Adirondack wilderness is as wild, rugged,
and untamed as they get. With countless shimmering lakes,
roaring waterfalls, jagged granite-clad peaks, and
spectacular autumn foliage, the 'Daks are a fantastic
shooting destination.
The High Peaks area surrounding Lake
Placid (home of two Winter Olympics) is the crown-jewel of
the entire Park. With hundreds of miles of backcountry
trails, there are plenty of places to explore. The High Peaks
are not for the timid, however: these mountains are rugged,
having relentlessly steep climbs with vertical elevation
gains as much as several thousand feet. Bad weather can
sneak up on you anytime of year, with especially punishing
conditions during the winter months. It is not a place to
haul a lot of gear unless you are in good physical
condition.
May through July is peak blackfly
season; avoid the backcountry this time of year. August,
September, and October are the best times to visit, with
peak fall color usually coming in the first week of October.
Winter is a great time to shoot as well, although be prepared for
brutal backcountry conditions. At any time of year, unless
you are willing to climb or descend in the dark, most of
your photography opportunities at sunrise or sunset will be
in the valleys and along the many lakes in the region. If
you do choose to shoot sunrises or sunsets from the high
mountain peaks, be prepared for long steep climbs or
descents in total darkness; a powerful headlamp with spare
batteries is a must, as well as excellent backcountry skills
and a fair dose of courage. Many of the climbs pass steep
cliffs and other dangers, so don't try it unless you have
absolute confidence in your abilities.
If you are up for the challenge, here are
some of my favorite places to shoot:
Algonquin Peak Circuit
This challenging hike takes you up New
York's second highest mountain, Algonquin peak, and visits
some of its slightly smaller cousins: Wright, Boundary, and
Iroquois Peaks. This is an extremely challenging hike, so be
prepared. Start at the ADK Loj (the Loj's founder was a
champion of phonetic spelling). The trail goes up
and over Algonquin Peak, with side trails leading to the
other three. All four summits offer stunning views of the
surrounding High Peaks wilderness. A steep trail takes you
down the backside of Algonquin through the thoroughly
remarkable Avalanche Pass—the remnants of a recent landslide
will leave no mystery as to how the pass got its name. For
those wishing to be on the summit for sunrise or sunset,
there is a camping area between Wright and Algonquin Peaks
(although it is still about an hour away from either summit).
Alpine garden at dusk, Wright Peak
Flowed Lands and Lake Colden
These two beautiful lakes are
surrounded by 4000 and 5000 ft. peaks, and are great places
to camp (though they can get a little crowded on summer
weekends). Hike five miles to the Flowed Lands from the High
Peaks' southern entrance near Tahawus. Lake Colden is two
more miles past. Take a side-trip to 80-ft. Hanging Spear
Falls on the Opalescent River.
Night exposure, Lake Colden
Adirondack Mountain Reserve
If any place in the 'Daks screams "Rivendell,"
this is it. Although much of this hike is on private
property, the state has a permanent hiker's easement. The
Adirondack Mountain Reserve is owned by a "backcountry" club
for the very wealthy, the Ausable Club. Starting at the
state trailhead near St. Huberts, you hike up the road past
the main "clubhouse"—an enormous and opulent building—and
several club member cottages. Once past all the club
buildings, your hike begins in earnest along the Ausuable
River. You pass two beautiful waterfalls on your way to
tranquil Lower Ausable Lake. For a scenic overlook of the
lake and the massive Great Range rising above, take a short
jaunt up to the top of Indian Head Cliff, coming down its
backside to photograph mossy Gill Brook.
Hanging Spear Falls
Cascade Mountain
With lofty views but a
somewhat more "gentle" (and I use the term loosely) approach than some of the other
High Peaks, Cascade Mountain is a very popular place.
You access the trailhead from Route 73 near the top
of stunning Cascade Pass (make sure to visit the
nearby roadside Cascade Lakes before or after
this hike). A relatively short hike (less than three
miles) takes you to the bald summit with great views
in all directions. A side trip to Porter Mountain
offers some different photographic opportunities.
Rising mist, Cascade Mountain
summit
Whiteface Mountain
For a somewhat tamer
Adirondack High Peaks experience, the area around
Whiteface Mountain off of Routwee 86 is a good bet.
Mighty Whiteface is the only peak in the 'Daks with
a road up to the top (well, most of the way to the
top)—pay the modest fee and treat yourself to some high mountain scenery. The
rocky top of Whiteface, above tree line, offers
stunning views in all directions. Below Whiteface,
you can drive almost to the shore of scenic Connery
Pond, with a great sunrise view of Whiteface. Along
Route 86 runs the Ausable River, including its
dramatic descent through High Falls Gorge (which,
being in private hands, you have to pay to see).
Autumn reflections, Ausable River
Round Pond and Beyond
This short hike, accessible
from Route 73 south of St. Huberts, is also the
gateway to the Dix Mountain Wilderness. Round Pond
is a nice spot to camp and to photograph. For the
more adventurous, hike on to Round or Noonmark
Mountains for great views, or take the more
strenuous path along the Boquet River up Dix
Mountain.
Round Pond |
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