Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

Winter Camping Suggestions Please

Collapse
X
 
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts

  • Winter Camping Suggestions Please

    Hello,

    I'm looking for some advice and or suggestions. I'm thinking about heading up to the Adirondacks for a 2 or 3 night winter camping trip, around December 28-30/31. Right now I'm leaning towards checking out the Pharaoh Lake area probably approaching from the south up the Pharaoh Lake Trail. If I am reading my maps right, this looks to be about 3 mostly flat miles from the parking area to the lake.

    If I go I may be alone and I am looking for a trip that won't involve a lot of elevation or be too strenuous for me. I would probably hike to an area and setup a basecamp and then explore around the area a bit. I've read that the area gets heavy use so I'm re-thinking my location.

    Does anyone have any other ideas that might fit the bill for a relatively short flat hike in to experience some scenic Winter camping in the Adirondacks? I'm an intermediate camper/backpacker with winter camping experience in Harriman and the Catskills, but those were normally one night trips. I plan to pull my gear on a pulk and have the gear to be warm in temps below 0F.

    Thanks for any suggestions.

  • #2
    There isn't likely to be heavy use at Pharaoh in late December so don't let that keep you away. What might be an issue is the flooding at Mill Brook. When I was there in late October the boardwalk was not entirely above water and listing considerably. If that's still the case and the ice isn't solid you will have a very tough crossing, someone else will surely have more to say about that.
    Other spots matching your descriptions are Stephens Pond via Rt. 30 with parking at the east end of Lake Durant and Cascade or Queer Lakes north of Eagle Bay on Rt. 28.
    You will get more specific suggestions if you specify what you're looking for such as a lean to, a mountain to climb while there, a lake/pond to explore, and most importantly, what part of the Adirondacks you're looking to go to. Many spots in the west fit your bill but I inferred you're coming from the southeast.

    Comment


    • #3
      Some of my favorite winter campsites have been out in the middle of the woods, out in the middle of nowhere in particular....one of the benefits of winter camping imho.

      Comment


      • #4
        Going alone is probably not a good idea. I would read up on winter mountaineering/camping. ADK used to have a good book on it by Danielson; don't know if it's still in print. You should bring the proper amount of clothing food and fuel; you may to to melt snow for water.

        Pharaoh is a good area as there are lots of side trails and other pond to explore.

        Comment


        • #5
          Hello Banjoe,

          Thanks for the information on the Mill Brook crossing. I'll keep that in mind. I'm looking to avoid climbing mountains alone in winter. I'm looking for a more relaxing traditional winter camping experience rather than mountaineering or even winter backpacking. Exploring the shores or a pond or lake would be nice. I'm a hammock camper so I don't need a lean-to although they're a bonus to hang out around if available and unoccupied.

          I'm mainly looking for a place to hike in a short distance and camp to test out some winter gear and see how I like solo winter camping. I'd like to be close enough to the car where if there's a problem I don't need to trek 6 o 7 miles out through snow. My biggest fear is boredom over the long night.

          Geoff

          Comment


          • #6
            Geoff, one option would be the area around the Adirondack Loj. There are campsites there and and you can base camp near your car and then also venture out into the wilderness for a night or two. It just so happens that Coldfeet will be base camp, hot tenting there from the 26th to the 29th with some day hikes. I may get up there for a night or two. I will be trying out some hammock gear, including the top quilt that you sold me. I am waiting on my winter bottom quilt right now, but I am good if it doesn't get here in time. My time frame may be the latter part of the week.
            Bruce

            Comment


            • #7
              Bass Lake near the town of North Hudson is a fun & fairly easy winter backpacking destination... https://youtu.be/l1Fz6N4kZMk

              Comment


              • #8
                ...or maybe try the new trail to the new lean-to at Wolf Pond, also off exit 29... https://youtu.be/TFvoKNiO3N8

                Comment


                • #9
                  Puffer Pond is fun also... https://youtu.be/gBApjceA5As

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Originally posted by electbc View Post
                    Geoff, one option would be the area around the Adirondack Loj. There are campsites there and and you can base camp near your car and then also venture out into the wilderness for a night or two. It just so happens that Coldfeet will be base camp, hot tenting there from the 26th to the 29th with some day hikes. I may get up there for a night or two. I will be trying out some hammock gear, including the top quilt that you sold me. I am waiting on my winter bottom quilt right now, but I am good if it doesn't get here in time. My time frame may be the latter part of the week.
                    Bruce
                    Hey Bruce. Hopefully you have something else to supplement that quilt you bought from me. I think it's better for September! I don't think I can get out till the 28th. Let me know if you go to up that way. Maybe I'll find you guys.

                    Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Originally posted by Justin View Post
                      Puffer Pond is fun also... https://youtu.be/gBApjceA5As
                      Hi Justin. Thanks for the suggestions. I'll check out the videos tonight. I've seen a few of your before and already subscribe to your channel. Always enjoy them.

                      Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Oh sure I do. I have zero degree Loco Libre, and another Down 40 degree. Good news too, Brandon at Warbonnet says the UQ may ship tomorrow or Friday.
                        I already had your TQ in the 20s along with the Loco Libre. I guess a good set of sleeping fleece is needed for the ratings which these are advertised as. I am trying a setup in the backyard tonight.

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Goodluck, Dexter, and Spectacle Lake all are fairly easy hikes, and all have campsites. Stay at one, and your day hikes can be to the other 2, plus Goodluck Cliffs, if you are so inclined.

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            I second Puffer Pond. From the Chimney Mountain trailhead is just over two miles to the first lean to. Was just there a couple of weeks back and didn't see anyone else.

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              Thanks MoodyBlues. Those looks like great suggestions. I'll look into them.

                              Originally posted by MoodyBlues View Post
                              Goodluck, Dexter, and Spectacle Lake all are fairly easy hikes, and all have campsites. Stay at one, and your day hikes can be to the other 2, plus Goodluck Cliffs, if you are so inclined.

                              Comment

                              Working...
                              X