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Saturday, April 9, 2016

1786' Mountain - Hammond Pond Wild Forest - 4/9/16

For an afternoon hike today, I was passing through North Hudson and I pulled over on Route 9 at an unmarked parking area on state land on the east side of Route 9 (just south of the Schroon River Cemetery).  The goal was to wander on the east side and climb the un-named 1786' peak about a mile to the east.  

The forest was a mix of white pine and hardwoods.  The trees in the pine stand were quite large and really pretty.  I didn't think to snap any pictures.

As I climbed, I decided to veer east of north to gain the lower ridge and then follow the ridgeline to the true summit.  The ridge was somewhat nondescript, and still a mix of hard and soft wood.     


The summit of 1786' mountain 
There were a few spots along the ridge that offered views west to the ridgeline of Hoffman Mountain and Blue Ridge Mountain.


The Hoffman Mountain ridgeline.

At the summit I continued on the ridge, descending the SW ridge and hooking back around to the east to make a circle.  In a nice hardwood hollow was a brand new beaver pond, dam, and house.  It was obviously extremely new and I don't think I've ever seen one so intriguing.  It was a pretty spot.  My dog Rev waded around the water looking for the beaver but of course the beaver wasn't going to show with my dog around.
  

One of many fresh cuts





Rev... looking for action.

This felt like the kind of spot I could have just sat for awhile and watched for the beaver.


I crossed on the new dam.


The beaver lodge.




After passing through some more stands of large white pine on the way back I was back at the car.  A second hike of the day with no views, but still a satisfying walk.


Hike Stats:
Hike Distance:  3.1 miles
Hike Time:  2 hours
Total Vertical Gain:  ~850'  


The route (click image to enlarge)

The Nat. Geo map

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