Eh, it’s really not that savage, rather nice actually. We had never done this climb and thought it would make an easy weekend overnight trip. I don’t really like to do the High Peaks during Summer because I have a slight allergy to people when I head into the woods. This one is off the beaten path and definitely sees less traffic. Probably, the day-use fee also deters folks as most of the people we saw were staying in the campground.
From the Meacham Lake Campground trailhead, it is 3.7 miles to the summit. Just before the really steep final ascent, there is a rather worn Lean-to where we spent the night.
If you are planning to recreate in the Adirondacks this Victoria Day weekend, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation asks you to please remember the following:
HIGH USAGE LEVELS: Visitors to the Eastern High Peaks Wilderness should be aware that trailhead parking lots and interior campsites will often fill to capacity on Victoria Day weekend. Please plan accordingly and seek backcountry recreation opportunities in other areas of the Adirondack Forest Preserve.
Wednesday’s meeting at the Saranac Town Hall was at full-capacity. I think every chair in the building was being used for this informational meeting introducing the NYS DEC’s Interim Recreation Management Plan for the Sable Highlands conservation easement Public Use Areas and Linear Recreation Corridors. Simply put, NYS has purchased conservation easements on privately owned land and is charged with the implementation and management of public recreational use.
Public Invited to Offer Input at May 6 Meeting in Saranac
A new draft plan for recreational uses of the Sable Highlands in the northeastern Adirondacks includes proposals to construct camping sites, improve old and create new hiking trails, enhance fishing access and open two new mountain biking routes, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Regional Director Betsy Lowe announced today.
The Sable Highlands Conservation Easement Lands consist of approximately 84,000 acres of land in the towns of Ellenburg and Saranac in Clinton County, and Bellmont and Franklin in Franklin County.
“The plan outlines extensive and varied recreational opportunities, including motorized recreation, on the Sable Highlands Conservation Easement Lands,” said Regional Director Lowe. “DEC is pleased to have worked with Chateaugay Woodlands and the Nature Conservancy in developing public access on these lands, while protecting the natural resources and retaining timber management jobs.”
"In the late 1970s, Woody Cole was also the executive director of the New York State Sports and Winter Olympics Commission for the 1980 Lake Placid Winter Olympics, serving under then-Secretary of State Cuomo."
"Prior to taking her current position in July 2008, Martino, was Executive Director of the Adirondack North Country Association, one of the major co-sponsors for the APRAP."
"For the sake of the town, the uniqueness of the location, I would like to see something within zoning there." - Why bother with those pesky zoning rules?
"The Obama administration will accept no more public input for a federal strategy that could prohibit U.S. citizens from fishing the nation's oceans, coastal areas, Great Lakes, and even inland waters. "
"If there's one thing I truly hope comes out of this medal, I hope more kids and more people get out and try these sports that we love to do here in the North Country."
"The problem is the United States has the reputation of being among one of the most unfriendly countries when it comes to international visitors, so this almost seems like one more way we are unwelcoming."
"The fee element of the plan is controversial as some business travel organizations argue that imposing a fee would dissuade, rather than promote, inbound travel."