Adirondacks High Peaks

We left for Keene Valley, NY last Friday to hike the low trails in search

of some late winter/early spring landscape photographs, and to  start learning the area for future nature shoot trips. After a 5 1/2 hour ride we checked in at our inn, then drove several miles to the ADK lodge at much higher elevation. Although it was partly sunny in the valley, the clouds were low with steady snow at the lodge.  There, we learned that we could not hike most of the trails of the High Peaks, due to the “8 inch rule.” This requires show shoes, even if the snow is 8 inches packed. Somewhat discouraged, we drove back down to the valley along route 73 and shot the following photograph of the Ausable River.

Later, we drove further south to the Adirondack Mountain Reserve Club. Although this is

private property which extends all the way to the Upper Ausable Lake, there is public parking and the public can hike the club’s trails. We drove the loop road, reading the signs, so we would know where to park and start hiking the following morning. The next morning we arrived at the parking lot at first light. We hiked up the loop road, signed in at the head of the West Lake Trail, put on our microspikes, and went in.  Most of the trail kept us within easy view of the Ausable River, where I took the second photograph. Given that we could not climb to get better views I couldn’t shoot a wide variety of scenes.

Further down the trail we crossed the river to the east side and out to Lake Road. Walking

back, I photographed Giant Mountain from the AMR Club’s golf course.  Many hikers were climbing this mountain at the time, as evidenced by its parking lot, located across route 73 near where we parked, which was full. Giant is infamous for its massive dirt and rock slide in the early sixties which shut down route 73 and trapped several cars and their occupants.

So while I didn’t get a wide variety of shots, we now know where we want to go on our next trip–we hope later this month.  Then, we will hike directly down Lake Road to photograph the dam at the Lower Ausable Lake very shortly after sunrise, and return via Rainbow Falls.

If you have hiked this area, do let me know.

Author: Stephen Fielding Images

I'm a retired medical sociologist from the University of Rochester. Climate change is one of the two great challenges facing humanity (the other is nuclear weapons). In writing about the impact of climate change I read reputable books and articles on the topic. So when I make statements about climate change you will see a link taking you to the scientific source(s) of the information I provide. As for my independently published photobooks, each has gone through several layers of editing and peer review for both readability and accuracy. This is not to say that everything I say is accurate. Even the New York Times makes mistakes. So, if you find something that is factually incorrect, let me know. I hope you find reading my blog a positive experience. If you do, please encourage your family and friends to have a look. You can find photos from my other photo work by clicking on the My SmugMug Gallery tab, above. Best wishes, -Steve View all posts by Stephen Fielding Images