IMPORTANT UPDATE FOR 2023 SEASON
We will begin accepting reservations starting January 15th
Sit back, relax, and discover the Adirondacks with us at Northwood Cabins. Located one mile east of Tupper Lake on Route 30 we are your gateway to the Western High Peaks. Enjoy the fresh Adirondack breezes from your own front porch or a peaceful early morning paddle from one of the many boat launches located near us.
Our Adirondack cabins provide a nostalgic experience with all the modern amenities. The cabins sleep 2-4 people, have their own private bathroom and all linens are provided. Also all of our cabins are equipped with AC/heat, refrigerators, SMART TV’s and Wi-Fi access. Two cabins offer full kitchens and a separate bedroom.
Follow Us on Facebook!
Well we finally did it. We finished the Saranac 6 Hiking Challenge. While some of us had done most of them already we needed to do a couple of "Redos" so we could all finish together. So this year we did Scarface, St Regis, and Ampersand to set up the big finish on McKenzie this morning.![]()
![]()
We did all the "McKenzies". We went in from Whiteface Inn Rd, so we took the Jack Rabbit Ski Trail to the McKenzie Mt Trail. On this route you will encounter a number of false summits. So many we started to name them "South McKenzie", "First Middle McKenzie", "McKenzie Philips", "Second Middle McKenzie" ," William Lyon McKenzie King" (for our Canadian followers) and finally after 3.6 miles and nearly 2000ft of elevation gain we summited the true McKenzie Mt.. We know this only because there was a sign. ![]()
![]()
We had an early lunch on the rock ledge enjoying the views to the north and west.![]()
![]()
When we finished we packed up and headed down, but this time we left all the McKenzies behind and took the Shore Owners Association Trail (SOA) instead. This allowed us to avoid all the ups/downs we encountered coming up without adding any extra time or distance. This turned out to be a quite nice decent. We enjoyed the views at Bartlett Pond as well as walk along Two Brook. The only problem is this trail is not well marked or maintained and can be hard to follow at times. The other issue is it can be confusing at the start as it has been rerouted to avoid private property.![]()
![]()
The difference between the two approaches is striking. The McKenzie Mt. Trail is steep, gaining over 1000ft in about .5 miles. You will also encounter a number of rock scrambles and ledges to over come. You will also have to go up and then down a number of intervening summits before you reach the true top. While the SOA trail is a more gradual decent covering the same elevation in well over a mile with no large rocks or ledges to navigate. ![]()
![]()
It added up to 7.2 miles and 2000ft of gain. If we had a bit more time...and ambition we could have added Moose Mt as well for only an extra 3 miles. Kind of like adding Hot Apple Pie to your order at McDonalds. Without the 3rd degree burns to the roof of your mouth I might add. You just have to decide if it's worth the effort.![]()
![]()
For now we will wait to receive our patches/decals proving we are worthy of claiming the title of Saranac 6'er.
Well if you have been waiting for a sign that Fall has arrived here it is. ![]()
![]()
The extended forecast for the next 10 days shows highs in the upper 60s, lows in the 40s. Mostly sun with rain only on Sunday. Absolutely the best time to be in the Adirondacks.![]()
We took a little trip yesterday to scout out the changing colors. Right now it's just starting, next weekend should be nearing peak but I think absent rain the colors should hold till Columbus Day. ![]()
![]()
We did Ampersand yesterday. It's 8 miles from our front door, but plan to get started early. It's a very popular climb with 10 cars in the lot on a Thursday morning in September, and over 20 when we returned in the afternoon![]()
![]()
5.2 miles RT with nearly 2000ft of gain. Don't be fooled by this one. It may not be a 46er but it certainly feels like it is. Ampersand lures you in. The first mile or so is a very nice walk through the woods. Well constructed boardwalks to cross the wet sections and no real elevation change to mention. Then you arrive at the site of the old Rangers Cabin. Take sometime to explore and catch your breath because from here on in the climb is continuous. 1500ft of gain in less then a mile, with many steep sections ending with a nice rock scramble at the very top. ![]()
![]()
For the effort you are rewarded with views that rival any of the High Peaks. An open rock summit with unobstructed views in all directions. Just don't expect to be alone, it is a very popular summit.![]()
![]()
We had lunch on top before we headed back down. We did stop to explore a little bit as Ampersand has a few secrets if you know where to look.![]()
![]()
3:50 total time, about 40 minutes slower then last time but age will do that to you.![]()
![]()
We are booked up for the remaining weekends but midweek there is availability so if your schedule allows come on up for a visit.