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

Washburn Ridge - Hoffman Notch Wilderness - 4/9/16

For a hike on this Saturday morning, I chose a trip Washburn ridge in the Hoffman Notch Wilderness. I drove to North Hudson and took the Blue Ridge Road west to the northern terminus of the Hoffman Notch Trail.  There is a sign there and a small parking lot.

My first 2.4 miles were on the Hoffman Notch Trail heading south up into the notch.  A 0.9 miles there is extensive beaver activity and flooding.  A few logs are often strategically placed to assist the hiker to negotiate the submerged trail.   I managed to cross today. 

The nose of this old car greets you early on in the hike.

No problem with this crossing.

This crossing is often the problem.

A nice small cascade

At the location where I left the trail, there is a large headwall.  It was still covered in ice on this day, although some large chunks came thundering down.  I saw a couple small cairns as I started out, but no indication of human presence after that. 

I climbed up to the left of this ice flow.

I kept a wall of cliffs on my right for perhaps a half mile until they ended.

Looking back towards Hornet Cobbles

 

... and a little higher with snow.

As I got up to around 2000' the ground became snow covered and a little slippery for climbing.

Big Marsh in the distance below.

 Higher up the grade tapered for a bit and with the open hardwoods, it was really easy climbing.

Really open hardwoods just below the summit. 

Alas, all good things must come to an end.  The pine and spruce closed in and I had to paw my way through the wet snowy branches.  At least it was only for a quarter mile.

 

The summit ridge.

The view...

The summit

I reached the summit and found no view were to be had.  Earlier I had thought about continuing over to Sand Pond Mountain, but now it just didn't feel like it, so I retraced my steps in the snow back to the trail and out.  I would find a different hike for the afternoon.

Coming back down and looking back up at the cliff wall.

A last look at the icy headwall.

Hike Stats:

Hike Distance:  7 miles

Hike Time:  4.25 hours

Total Vertical Gain:  ~2000' 

The route (click image to enlarge)

The Nat. Geo. map