The
Ticonderoga region draws thousands of people during the spring,
summer, and fall months who come to enjoy the lakes and mountains
and participate in the unique Fourth of July celebration,
arts and crafts shows, carnivals, Americade Motorcycle Rally,
fishing tournaments, etc. Bicentennial Park offers picnic
areas, riverfront trails, ball fields, lighted walking paths,
tennis courts and a small boat launch. Scenic boat cruises,
seasonal accommodations, campsites, numerous beaches and picnic
areas abound.
In
winter the park is a favorite place for lighted cross country
skiing, skating, snowshoeing, and tobogganing. Ice fishing
and ice boating are popular on Lake George and Lake Champlain
and the Hague Winter Carnival is an annual treat for tourist
and native alike.
Below
are just some of the possibilities for enjoying the life and
activities of the Ticonderoga community.
picture
by Wendy Burroughs
BICYCLING
Cyclists
who ride in the Champlain Valley know it has all the
right ingredients for a premier bicycle touring destination:
peaceful country roads, picturesque villages, breathtaking
scenery, charming B&B's and inns, country stores and farm
stands, bicycle tour outfitters, impressive historic sites
and museums, lovely shoreline parks and campgrounds, convenient
connections to passenger rail lines and ferry crossings, and
access to numerous lakes and rivers.
Bicyclists
are quickly discovering some of the finest cycling in
North America along a 1,300+ mile network
of bicycle routes, known as Lake Champlain Bikeways,
in the Lake Champlain Valley of Vermont, New York, and
Quebec. The network includes a total of 35 loops and
tours ranging from 10 to 60 miles in length, in addition
to the Champlain Bikeway, a 363-mile principal route
around the entire Lake and along the Richelieu River
to Chambly, Québec. Based on a rich array of
natural, cultural, and historic themes, these loops
meander along quiet back roads through extraordinary
mountain and countryside scenery.
With growing national interest in bicycle tourism,
Lake Champlain Bikeways, a public/private partnership,
is quickly expanding its bicycle route network while
serving as the information clearinghouse on bicycling
opportunities in the Champlain Valley.
SAFE
AND ENJOYABLE BICYCLING
It
is important to be prepared for the unexpected, whether road
bicycling or mountain biking.
In New York, the same laws that apply to a driver of a vehicle
apply to bicyclists using the roadways. Bicyclists must obey
all traffic signals, signs and pavement markings, and must
signal for turns. Bicyclists gain the respect of motorists
by obeying traffic laws.
For more
Bicycle Safety information, contact the Governor's Traffic
Safety Committee, 518-474-5111, www.nysgtsc.state.ny.us
Stony
Lonesome - 16.5 miles - Ironville
This spectacular loop is on mostly remote, unpaved, gently-rolling
roads. It's recommended for cyclists in good physical shape
with a cross/mountain bike. Traffic is generally minimal.
A good start/end point is at the Penfield Museum in Ironville.
You can also connect from Ticonderoga via Routes 74 and 2
or off Interstate 87, via Route 2 near North Hudson.
Fort
to Fort - 17 miles - Ticonderoga & Crown Point
This flat, all-paved tour follows the Champlain Bikeway between
Crown Point State Historic Site at the bridge to Vermont and
Fort Ticonderoga in Ticonderoga. Traffic is generally minimal.
A recommended start/end point is at the Lake Champlain Visitors
Center at the bridge. At either end, plan on touring these
world renowned Revolutionary War historic sites. Food, lodging,
and parking are available in both Ticonderoga and Crown Point.
Iron
to Iron - 26.1 miles - Port Henry & Ironville
This hilly ride is for advanced riders looking for a good
work-out. Be prepared for some occasional stretches of unpaved
road surfaces; a cross-bike is recommended. Traffic is generally
minimal. A recommended start/end point is at the Iron Center,
near the Amtrak Station in Port Henry or at the Penfield Museum
in Ironville. Food and lodging are available in the Port Henry/Moriah
area.
Wet
& Wild - 36.3 miles - Port Henry & Moriah
This day-long ride takes in two of the most remote paved roads
in the Adirondacks. Grades become gentle after a hilly climb
out of Moriah Corners and the route winds through woodland
and open marshlands. Traffic is generally minimal. A recommended
start/end point is at the Iron Center, near the Amtrak Station
in Port Henry. Food and lodging are available in the Port
Henry/Moriah area.
Adirondack
Marathon Trail
- 26.2 miles - Schroon Lake
As the name implies, the loop follows the Adirondack Marathon
course established in 1997. It's all-paved and generally flat-to-gently
rolling. You will, however encounter a hilly section between
mile four (4) and mile twelve (12). Traffic is generally minimal.
When you arrive in the hamlet of Adirondack, don't forget
to stop at the General Store for refreshments. A good start/end
point is in downtown Schroon Lake, where food, parking, and
visitor information is available.
The
Adirondack Park is a patchwork of private and public lands,
unlike any other park in the US. So while the back country
is immense-the nation's largest trail system with more than
2,000 miles-so too are the nearby comforts. The day hikes
offer diverse experiences and are rated for various levels
of ability. There are short and/or easy hikes to ponds and
views suitable for families with children, long circuits,
steeper hikes to mountain summits and destination walks to
waterfalls.
From
the High Peaks of the Adirondacks to the shores of Lake Champlain,
The Department of Environmental Conservation own and maintains
2,000 miles of hiking trails throughout the Adirondack Park.
Although
most state-maintained trails are marked, hikers are encouraged
to consult topographical maps or other guides when planning
to venture into the back country.
For
more information, visit the Adirondack Regional Tourism Council
web site at
Hiking
Safely
Safety
is important whether you are day hiking or winter backpacking.
Proper planning, preparation, proper clothing and taking appropriate
gear are essential to safe and enjoyable excursion.
Emergency
Contacts
To
report injuries, accidents or lost hikers in Region5 (Clinton,
Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Hamilton, Saratoga, Warren and Washington
Counties), dial 911 for emergency assistance or phone (518)897-1300
or (518)891-0235.
New
York's campgrounds, educational centers and other facilities
offer many recreational opportunities including camping, picnicking,
fishing and nature viewing for people with disabilities. In
addition, people with disabilities can obtain special hunting
licenses and permits for access to the Forest Preserve. Contact
DEC regional office 5 at (518)897-1300 or (518)891-0235 for
more information.
PUTNAM
POND CAMPGROUND
is a state campsite
that is the trailhead for a number of hiking trails, such
as Bear Pond Loop, which passes a series
of wilderness ponds. Treadway Mountain is
a rewarding hike with outstanding views, and Rock
Pond Mine features the remains of an old graphite
mine. Grizzle Ocean is another picturesque
pond with a lean-to and a trail that circles the pond.
Bear
Pond and Grizzle Ocean are both an easy 5 mile loop, Treadway
Mountain is 7.8 miles RT, moderate, and Rock Pond Mine Trail
is 5.4 miles RT, moderate. Trailhead is at the state campground
at 763 Putts Pond Road. Take Route 74 West from Ticonderoga
and go 4.3 miles. Turn Left on Putts Pond Road, and go 0.7
miles.
BEAR
POND TRAIL
This
blue marked trail makes a loop with the Rock Pond - Clear
Pond Trail from Heart Pond to Bear Pond and back to Rock Pond.
It is 1.0 miles from Heart Pond to Be
ar Pond and 1.5 miles from Rock Pond to Bear Pond.
[ Return to Top ]
ROCK
POND - CLEAR POND TRAIL
This trail is a yellow marked trail 3.25 miles long traveling
past Heart, North, Rock, Little Rock and Clear Ponds. There
are Adirondack lean-tos at Rock, Little Rock and Clear Ponds
and each offers fine trout fishing. The trail leaves Putnam
Pond at the public campground and returns to the pond at the
opposite shore near the channel to North Pond. The hiker may
complete a circuit of Putnam Pond by taking the blue trail
south from Clear Pond, passing Mud Pond, crossing the Treadway
Mountain Trail and then reaching the yellow trail from Grizzle
Ocean to Putnam Pond Public Campground. There is a red trail
from around Rock Pond, east 1.7 miles to Lilypad Pond. One
lean-to is located at this pond.
ROCK
POND MINE
(5.4
miles RT, easy, entrance fee to state campground) The remains
of the mine site include a huge metal steam boiler, a drainage
tunnel, tailings, an open pit mine and stone foundations.
If you choose to walk around Rock Pond, use caution on the
section of trail along the north shore which is narrow, rocky
and difficult to negotiate.
[ Return to Top ]
TREADWAY
MOUNTAIN (7.8
miles RI, moderate, entrance fee to state campground)
This is a rewarding hike with outstanding views along the
way and trees the three knobs that form the open rocky summit.
Options for either a longer or shorter hike include: A return
via Clear, Rock, North and Heart ponds which adds only 1.5
miles to the RI distance; or shorten your hike to 5 miles
RT by paddling across Putnam Pond to a trailhead on the opposite
shore. The canoe option makes for an interesting trip and
requires less effort and time - this is perhaps the best choice
for young hikers.
Trailhead:
starts at a trailhead parking lot in the Putnam Pond State
Campground (entrance fee). Take route 74 west from Ticonderoga
and go 4.3 miles. Turn left on to Putts Pond Road and go 0.7
miles. The first part of the trail round the southwest end
of Putnam Pond leads over rolling terrain 1.8 miles to the
turn-off for Treadway. In the summer if you have a small boat,
you can paddle across Putnam Pond to a short spur trail which
leads up to the trail junction. In the winter, if the ice
is thick enough, you can hike across the lake on snowshoes
to the same spur trial. This will take about 1.2 miles off
of the 7.8 mile round trip as well as same some additional
up and down.
[ Return to Top ]
GRIZZLE
OCEAN
You must pay an entrance fee to the campground, but it is
well worth, when you take this easy walk around the shore
of this very pretty lake.
COOK
MOUNTAIN (2.6 miles RI, moderate, Lake George Basin
Land Conservancy)
There is just one short steep ascent to reach this incredible
view of the Champlain Valley, northern Lake George and the
Adirondacks.
Trailhead:
Approximately 1.0 mi. south of the monument and traffic circle
in Ticonderoga on Rte. 9N, turn E onto Essex Co. Rte. 5. The
Ticonderoga Elementary and Middle School is soon passed on
the right, and a pair of intersections is reached in about
1.2 miles. Lord Howe Road is on the Left and Baldwin Road
on the Right. The trailhead is exactly 1.5 miles South on
Baldwin Road on the right at a gate on an old logging road
with Lake George Basin Land Conservancy signs. Just beyond
on the left is a state historical marker referring to this
area as "Abercrombie's Landing," where 15,000 men landed
to attack Ticonderoga which was successfully defended by Montcalm
in July 1758
Trail
in Winter: With adequate snow cover, this is a great snowshoe,
though rather steep in a few spots. Snowshoe crampons are
recommended. Views are great without leaves on the
DEER
LEAP (1.6 miles minimal elevation change.) Great
for snow-shoeing and picnicking.
The
trail follows an old horse trail, well built up with sizable
stones by the Civilian Conservation Corps. You will reach
the height- of -land for this trek at about 1.0 mile after
climbing 300 feet. The height- of- land defines the transition
from the tall hardwood forests of the western slopes scrubbier
oaks and pines of the eastern slopes. Beyond a intersection
you cross the brow of a small ridge, quickly beginning to
descend 0.16 mile into a valley and wind across it and up
to a ridge at 1.1 miles. Continue across the ridge line for
0.2 miles, passing a faint path right to a small overlook.
For 0.2 mile you descend again, with good views north to the
east west facing fault scrap of Bloomer's cliffs and reach
the partially wooded overlook at 1.6 miles.
Trailhead:
Take NY9N south through Silver Bay to the top of Tongue Mountain
where you will find parking on the right and a few spaces
shortly in the woods to the left.
FIVE
MILE MOUNTAIN(3.6 miles, 1190 foot elevation change)
Great for snowshoeing and camping.
Walk
the first 1.0 mile as for the trail to Deer Leap and at the
intersection turn sharply right, heading south, and continue
on the blue trail. You reach a small overlook summit of Brown
Mountain at the 1.45 mile, a climb from Brown's summit, you
continue walking along the ridge which is mostly level, pleasant
and open, with blueberries, some big red pine, trailing arbutus,
and twisted stalk. At 1.75 miles you cross a three log bridge
to a ledge with a lookout toward Northwest Bay. You climb
again to 2.05 miles than an open patch that leads at 2.45
miles to a lean-to where you can see the range of hills across
Northwest Bay. The views both up and down the lake are lovely,
but from here intervening hills in the range make it impossible
to see the Point of Tongue.
Trailhead:
Take NY9N south through Silver Bay to the top of Tongue Mountain
where you will find parking on the right and a few spaces
in the woods to the left.
BLACK
MOUNTAIN , at 2646 feet, is the highest peak in the
two ranges of mountains that shelter Lake George. It lies
about halfway along the Lake's eastern shore, and views form
summit are more than proportional to its height. One of the
trails to its summit rises steeply from the shore of Lake
George, but it is accessible only by water. Your route on
Black Mountain is a loop that requires a bit less climbing,
but still traverses part of the reputedly more handsome trail
from the lake. This loop also allows you to visit a series
of charming ponds that lie south and east of the summit. There
is a fire tower on Black Mountain, and although you might
appreciate climbing it to identify distant mountains, Black's
summit is mostly o0en rock, so overlooks in every direction
can be found at ground level.
Trailhead:
At Clemons, drive 2.6 miles west toward Huletts Landing on
County Road 6, and then bear south(left) on Pike Brook Road
for 0.8 mile to the trailhead. You will have views of Black
Mountain as well as Knob Hill and Sugarloaf, two unusual small
mountain whose distinctive shapes you will be able to identify
again clearly from Black's summit. Signs at the trailhead
indicate that the Black Mountain Fire Tower is 2.8 miles away,
and that the Lapland Pond Lean-to, which you pass on your
return leg is 2.5 miles distant.
PHARAOH
MOUNTAIN TRAIL
This trail (marked with red trail markers) is approximately
4.7 miles long with an ascent of 1,550 feet. The summit of
the mountain is 2,557 feet above sea level.
Trailhead:
Access is gained by turning east from Route 9 onto Alder Meadow
Road, about 1.5 miles north of Schroon Lake Village. Proceed
eastward for a little more than 2 miles, where Crane Pond
Road continues eastward from the intersection of the East
Shore Road. The new trailhead and parking area is located
at the end of Crane Pond Road, just within the wilderness
boundary. Crane Pond is 1.9 miles from the new trailhead.
At
0.8 miles, the trail to Goose Pond departs southward. Continuing
beyond this intersection, the trail forks at 2.6 miles, with
the blue trail leading to Glidden Marsh, Oxshoe Pond and a
lean-to; continue on the red trail for Pharaoh Mountain. The
hiker using this trail is rewarded with an extensive panorama
of the lake-dotted countryside surrounding Pharaoh and the
high peak country to the north. From the summit, the red trail
continues south and east approximately 1.5 miles to Pharaoh
Lake.
[ Return to Top ]
GOOSE
POND TRAIL
This trail departs from the trail to Crane Pond at a point
0.8 miles from Crane Pond Road trailhead. The yellow marked
trail leads 0.6 miles to the pond.
BERRYMILL
POND TRAIL
This trail is 4.9 miles long and is marked with blue markers.
Trailhead:It
starts at Putnam Pond Public Campground and terminates at
New Hague, approximately 7 miles northwest of Hague. The trail
passes Berrymill Pond which is reported to be very good northern
pike fishing. There is one lean-to at Berrymill Pond.
LOST
POND TRAIL
The Lost Pond Trail is 4.9 miles long and is marked with blue
markers.
Trailhead:The
trail starts just east of the Putnam Pond Public Campground
at the western edge of an old clearing. The pond is stocked
with trout by the department.
OTTER
POND TRAIL
This trail is a blue marked trail slightly more than 0.5 miles
long which starts in the small bay on the east shore of Eagle
Lake. Otter Pond is reported to have excellent trout fishing.
photo by Rebekah White
ARNOLD
POND TRAIL
This trail is a short blue trail just a little more than 0.25
miles long. The climb is steep, but hardly noticeable over
such a short distance.
Trailhead:
The trail leaves NY Route 74 at a point 1.5 miles west
of the Eagle Lake Causeway. The pond is stocked with trout.
[ Return to Top ]
THE
LONG SWING TRAIL
This trail is 12 miles long and passes by Alder Pond, Crane
Pond, Glidden Marsh, Pharaoh Lake and Grizzle Ocean and on
to Putnam Pond.
Trailhead:
It leaves New York Route 74 at a point 0.2 miles west of the
Paradox Lake Public Campground entrance and terminates at
Putnam Pond Public Campground, 3 miles south of Route 74 and
Chilson. The first 3 miles are marked with blue markers, red
markers lead 1 mile south from Crane Pond and for the last
8 miles the trails follow yellow markers. There are four open
camps or lean-tos on or near this trail-one on the south shore
of Oxshoe Pond, two on Pharaoh Lake and one on the north shore
of Grizzle Ocean. The lakes and ponds are reported to have
the following species of fish:
Crane
Pond -Kokanee salmon, lake trout, smallmouth bass,
northern pike.
Glidden
Marsh -brook trout.
Pharaoh
Lake -brook trout, lake trout.
Grizzle
Ocean -brook trout.
Putnam
Pond -smallmouth
and largemouth bass, yellow perch, northern pike.
TONGUE
MOUNTAIN RANGE TRAIL
This trail system contains over 18 miles of foot trails located
for the most part on the high ridges and affording many fine
views of the surrounding territory. The most popular section
of the system follows the ridge of Tongue Mountain 10 miles
from it's point on the lake to Rt. 9N, north of Bolton Landing.
The top of Tongue Mountain is dry, and hikers are advised
to bring canteens. A word of caution is due regarding rattlesnakes.
The situation is not dangerous, if normal precautions are
observed. Located 12 miles north of Bolton Landing, NY
JABE
POND (2
miles RT easy)
The road into Jabe Pond is no longer open to motor vehicles.
Explore along the shore or by canoe for the best views of
the lake. The shortest and best route is Follow Route
9N South past the Town of Hague, turn left onto Split Rock
Road, the fork to Jabe Pond is 1.8 miles up Split Rock Road.
There is a parking area at the intersection. Jabe Pond
Trail heads briefly downhill, than up a scrub forest where
the road is lined with pad leaf orchids in the summer and
a good variety of wildflowers in the spring. Halfway
through the walk the grade gets steep and than levels out
in a beautiful hemlock forest that takes you all the way to
the pond.
The
following ponds are accessed by trailheads that start at Putnam
Pond Campsite
PUTNAM
POND State Public Campground the
172-acre Putnam Pond averages 10.5 feet deep and has a maximum
depth of 34 feet
Directions:
From I-87, take Exit 28, then east on Rte. 74 approximately
9 miles.
From
Ticonderoga, go west on Rte. 74 approximately 6 miles. Follow
signs on roadside of Rte. 74 that will direct you to the campground.
Boating:
Putnam Pond is a very scenic and beautiful pond for boating.
A launch is located on the pond for easy access for all boats.
This launch is very important as it provides the only point
of public access to the pond. Rental of rowboats and canoes
are available right at the launch area. Canoes are allowed
on the ponds in the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness Area (you must
carry your boat at least 1/2 mile to access any of the ponds).
Motor boats are allowed.
Fishing:
Fish in area include: smallmouth bass, yellow perch, northern
pike. The pond is also annually stocked with Tiger Muskellunge
by the Bureau of Fisheries.
Historic
Interest: Locally known as "Putts Pond", this campground
was named after the famous General Putnam. The original construction
of this campground started in 1959-61. In 1990, 9 interior
sites were added to the inventory.
BEAR
POND LOOP
(5 miles, easy, entrance fee to state campground)
This interesting loop passes a series of wilderness ponds
and the remains of a graphite mine operation.
GRIZZLE
OCEAN
(5 miles RT, easy, entrance fee to state campground)
Walk to the lean-to on this picturesque pond and explore its
shores on the trail that circles the pond.
The trail passes Berrymill Pond which is reported to be very
good northern pike fishing. There is one lean-to at Berrymill
Pond.
ROCK
POND
If you choose to walk around Rock Pond, use caution on the
section of trail along the north shore which is narrow, rocky
and difficult to negotiate.
[ Return to Top ]
ROCK
POND - CLEAR POND TRAIL
This trail is a yellow marked trail 3.25 miles long traveling
past Heart, North, Rock, LittleRock
and Clear Ponds. There are Adirondack lean-tos at
Rock, Little Rock and Clear Ponds and each offers fine trout
fishing. The trail leaves Putnam Pond at the public campground
and returns to the pond at the opposite shore near the channel
to North Pond. The hiker may complete a circuit of Putnam
Pond by taking the blue trail south from Clear Pond,
passing Mud Pond, crossing the Treadway Mountain
Trail and then reaching the yellow trail from Grizzle
Ocean to Putnam Pond Public Campground. There is
a red trail from around Rock Pond, east 1.7
miles to Lilypad Pond. One lean-to is located
at this pond.
LOST
POND
The pond is stocked with trout by the department.
PHARAOH
LAKE
(7.2 miles RT to outlet, moderate)
This information is for hiking, snowshoe and cross country
skiing into the lake
The
approach is from NY Route 8 between the hamlets of Brant Lake
and Hague. Turn onto Palisades Road approximately 6 mi northeast
of the hamlet of Brant Lake. At 1.5 mi turn right on Beaver
Pond Road which is the third right off Palisades Road. Go
another 1.0 mi on Beaver Pond Road to Pharaoh Lake Road, which
is now marked with a sign that simply says "Trail."
Pharaoh Lake Road is plowed for 0.1 mi past some private camps
with a small parking area at the end. (This parking area is
really just where the plow turns around, so if it is snowing
or it appears the plow has yet to come to plow a recent storm
you should consider parking on Beaver Pond Road.) From
the end of the plowed road it is easy skiing to the summer
parking area at 1.5 mi. Beyond the bridge over Mill Creek
it is designated wilderness, but there has unfortunately been
some snowmobile trespass in recent years - potentially making
the gentle to moderate 0.5 mi hill beyond Mill Creek more
treacherous on the descent. At 2.0 mi the grade eases and
you reach a bridge across Pharaoh Lake Brook at 2.7 mi. Beyond
is an extensive open marsh on the left of the trail practically
all the way to the outlet of Pharaoh Lake at 4.0 mi. You can
either ski up the lake or along the trail on either shore
to reach one of the six lean-tos clustered around the south
end of the lake. With good surface conditions, it is easy
to ski the 2.2 mi to the lean-to at the north end of the lake.
LAKE
GEORGE "...without comparison, the most beautiful
water I ever saw..." Thomas Jefferson on Lake George, May
1791*
New
York State's beautiful, spring-fed glacial lake is sometimes
referred to as the Queen of American Lakes . Lake
George is renowned for its natural beauty and the important
role it played in early American history.
Lake
George owes its beauty to the surrounding mountains whose
ancient crystalline rocks, carved by glacial ice, thrust straight
up from the water's edge.
The
lake stretches north/south approximately 32 miles in length.
Its crystal clear waters, bordered by steep mountainsides,
vary in width from 1-3 miles in width. The lake is considered
part of the Lake Champlain Basin
because it drains into Lake Champlain down a umber of
waterfalls through a short and narrow stream known as La
Chute at Ticonderoga
, New York.
The
lake, which is fed by mammoth underground springs, includes
109 miles of shoreline, about 300 islands, and covers an approximate
area of 44 square miles. The lake, 320 feet above sea level,
varies in depth from 1 foot to 195 feet. People are amazed
to learn that the mouth of the lake is located at Lake George
Village and that the outlet is to the north at Ticonderoga.
Lake George is in fact, 210 feet higher by sea level than
Lake Champlain located farther north in the Adirondacks. This
is a natural wonder, since the water from Lake George empties
through Ticonderoga's La Chute River into Lake Champlain at
a total fall which surpasses that of Niagara Falls.
Beautiful
Lake Champlain, stretching south from Quebec and dividing
New York and Vermont, has justifiably been called the most
historic body of water in North America. The lake was named
for the French explorer Samual de Champlain, who encountered
it in 1609.
Lake
Champlain has long been part of an important waterway passage
between the St. Lawrence and Hudson Rivers. When
standing on either shore, Lake Champlain's size is somewhat
deceptive. Lake Champlain spans approximately 12 miles at
its widest. It gains its size from its length. Flowing
south to north, the lake stretches some 120 miles from its
beginning at Whitehall,
New York to the Richelieu River in Quebec. The maximum
depth is approximately 400 feet. It contains roughly
80 islands. It
is the sixth-largest natural, freshwater lake in the contiguous
United States, situated in the Champlain
Valley between the Green
Mountains of Vermont
and the Adirondack
Mountains of New
York
One
of the more enduring myths surrounding Lake Champlain is that
of Champ
. Reminiscent of the Loch
Ness monster, Champ is purportedly a giant aquatic animal
that makes the lake its home. Sightings have been sporadic
over time. Regardless, locals and tourists have developed
something of a fondness for the creature and its legend.
Welcome
to winter! We
are glad you can join in the snow season fun. Snowmobiling
is an increasingly popular form of winter recreation, with
over 172,000 snow machines now registered in New York State
. You have
the
opportunity to enjoy thousands of miles of snowmobile trails
in numerous outstanding scenic areas of our state.
The
Adirondacks have hundreds of miles of groomed and backcountry
riding trails that will give you the thrill of a lifetime!
With all the well-known Adirondack hospitality and some of
the best trail systems in the east, you'll be guaranteed to
meet plenty of other snowmobile lovers. So, come ride the
deep snow through pristine backcountry areas, mountains, and
towns and hamlets rich in history. Extensive grooming, sparkling
snow and welcoming accommodations make the Adirondacks the
east's number one destination for snowmobilers.
New
York State has designated carefully surveyed trails within
the State Forest Preserve and State Parks for snowmobile use.
As sportsmen, it is important that snowmobilers recognize
their responsibility for preserving the wildness and beauty
of the land their vehicles enable them to enjoy.
Please
refer to "Snowmobiling in New York State ", published
by DEC, for specific laws and regulations governing the use
of snowmobiles on state land.
Winter
in Ticonderoga – Cross Country Skiing – Downhill
Skiing – Snowshoeing – Snowmobiling – Ice Fishing – Ice Skating
Take
advantage of the many opportunities within a 70 mile radius.
The
Adirondack Mountains offer a range of terrain for every snowshoer,
downhill and cross country skier, from the first timer to
the Olympian. The Adirondacks is the largest state park in
the continental US with over 6 million acres and the highest
peaks in the state.
Downhill
Ski Areas Miles to
Area Lifts
Trails Drop
Gore
Mountain
North Creek , NY
43
miles
11
87
3600
West
Mountain
Glens
Falls , NY
54
miles
5
21
1010
Middlebury
Snow Bowl
Middlebury
, VT
35
miles
3
17
1050
Mad
River Glen,
Waitsfield
, VT
56
miles
5
45
2037
Hickory
Warrensburg
, NY
41
miles
12
1230
Whiteface
Wilmington
, NY
54
miles
10
74
4864
Pico
Killington
, VT
57
Miles
6
50
1967
Sugarbush
Warren
, VT
61
miles
16
111
2600
Killington
Killington
, VT
67
Miles
32
200
3050
Bolton
Valley
Bolton
, VT
69
miles
6
64
1704
Bear
Creek
Plymouth
, VT
69
miles
3
16
1300
Bromley
Mountain
Peru
, VT
72
miles
44
Cross
Country Skiing is
a great way for the entire family to enjoy the beautiful
winter landscape throughout the Adirondack region. Basic skills
can be learned quickly and most cross-country ski centers
offer rentals and lessons. The Adirondacks offer many low
fee or free cross-country trails.
La
Chute Trail(.5
miles RT, easy)
The La Chute River which drops 230 feet as it flows from Lake
George to Lake Champlain, has driven mills since 1755.
Here, lumber, iron, graphite and grain became the grist for
American growth and expansion throughout the 19th century.
By 1900, pulp and paper production dominated the scene.
The former industrial land has been reclaimed as "Bicentennial
Park". An illustrated trail guide and map traces
the natural and industrial history of this historic river.
Trail guides may be obtained at the Ticonderoga Area Chamber
of Commerce, Heritage Museum, Black Watch Memorial Library.
518-585
6619.
HistoricTiconderoga
The walking tour of Ticonderoga features the architecture
and history of 28 different buildings from the Queen Anne
style to a Colonial Revival Style.
Call for a brochure, 518-585-6366 or 518-585-6619.
Fort
Ticonderoga (admission fee)
Built
by the French in1755, Fort Ticonderoga(Carillon) played a
critical strategic role in both the Seven Years' War and the
American War for Independence.
18th
Century comes to life. Experience the sights and sounds.
The
Fife and Drum Corp performs music and artillery demonstrations
daily during July and August.
World-renowned
collections of muskets, powder and artifacts are on display.
Living history demonstrations, interpreters in period clothing,
and a military museum help tell the story or this National
Historic Landmark. Trails wind through 600 acres of former
battlefield.
The
fertile plain below Fort Ticonderoga tells stories not of
war and conquest, but of nature's bounty and beauty.
The
King's Garden has recently been restored to its circa 1920's
appearance. Two other historic gardens have been recreated,
the Garrison Garden and the Native American garden.
518-585-2821
Mount
Defiance
On
July 5, 1777, during the American Revolution, British troops
under Gen John Burgoyne, placed two canons on top of Mount
Defiance. From Mount Defiance, the strategic importance
of the Ticonderoga peninsula is evident. The top of
Mount Defiance shows a spectacular view of Lake Champlain
and Fort Ticonderoga.
A
picnic shelter at the top is available for your convenience.
The road to Mount Defiance may not be suitable for buses and
RV's. There is parking at the base if you wish to walk
to the top.
Directions:
From Montcalm Street in Ticonderoga, turn onto Lake Champlain
Avenue at traffic light, Bear left on The Portage, at 2nd
left turn onto Defiance Street, turn right beyond Dead End
sign and enter gate at base.
Crown
Point State Historic Site
Join
the countless visitors who have been exploring the ruins of
Fort Frederic and His Majesty's Fort of Crown Point since
the early 1800's. Learn about the men who controlled
the narrows at the head of Lake Champlain and the events that
shaped this country during the colonial period.
In the visitor center, exhibits interpret the French, British
and American chapters of Crown Point's history. Walk
among the ruins of two revolutionary war era forts and enjoy
great views of Lake Champlain and mountains. The Visitor Center
includes exhibits that interpret the French, British, and
American chapters of Crown Point's history.
A
century before the American Revolution, Crown Point was a
vital and well-known area in the long struggle between France
and Great Britain for the North American empire. Lake Champlain,
a major highway for commerce and military supplies, was a
target for control by both nations.
A trail map and guide is available from the museum.
Silver
Bay sits serenely upon the northern shores of beautiful Lake
George and within the majestic mountains of the Adirondack
Park . More than a century old, Silver Bay provides a unique
rustic setting for conferences, family reunions, weddings,
retreats, and vacations.
The
Silver Bay campus occupies 700 acres of Adirondack paradise
and is a Registered National Historic place with activities
for everyone to enjoy. Whether you are relaxing in a rocking
chair, hiking on our nature trails, kayaking, taking a trip
on the Silver Spray, or simply observing the breath taking
scenery, Silver Bay provides an inspirational environment
for all.
Penfield
Homestead Museum
The village of Ironville is on the National Register of Historic
Places. Visit the museum and learn how Penfield helped usher
in the Electric Age. The walking tour includes ten numbered
stops in the village and Old Iron Works
518
597- 3804.
Rock
Pond Mine (5.4 miles RT, moderate, entrance fee to
state campgrounds)
The remains or the nine site include a huge metal steam holler,
a drainage tunnel, tailings, an open pit mine and stone foundations,
If you choose tin walk around Rock Pond, use caution on the
section or trail along the north shore which is narrow, rocky
and difficult to negotiate.
Ticonderoga
Heritage Museum
In
1984, PRIDE of Ticonderoga, Inc., began to preserve local
historical resources pertaining to the development of Ticonderoga.
The museum is housed in the 1888 brick building built by the
International Paper Company. The museum presents Ticonderoga's
industrial history.
The
Hancock House is the home of the Ticonderoga Historical Society.
The house was a gift to The New York Historical Association
from native son and philanthropist Horace Moses.
The
Ticonderoga Historical Society today manages this elegant
Georgian mansion as a regional museum and reference library.
The library also has one of the largest collections of genealogical
resource materials in the region.
Open
year round
518-585-7868
Essex
County Fish Hatchery
Located
in Crown Point, NY, raises three species of trout - rainbow,
brown, and brook. In addition to our two-year olds,
our facility also raises roughly 20,000 yearling brook trout
annually. Our hatchery is open to the public and over
a dozen rearing ponds, full of trout, are situated on-site
for your viewing pleasure. Our well-manicured grounds
offer a pleasant setting for a family outing or picnic, and
educational routs for special school or community groups can
be arranged . Open year round.
518-597-3844
Crown
Point Lighthouse
Located at a site steeped in rich history, the Crown Point
Lighthouse today serves as a beacon and as a monument to the
exploration and navigation of Lake Champlain.
Just
south of the ruins of the mighty French and British fortresses
at Crown Point sits one of the most unusual lighthouses of
its kind in the world. Located on an outcropping just below
the great bridge also named for the French explorer; the Champlain
Memorial Lighthouse still keeps its silent vigil over the
narrow passageway between New York and Vermont.
The lighthouse is easily accessible from the NY State Campground
at Crown Point Historical Site. It is open to the public and
a visit to the top is highly recommended. http://www.historiclakes.org/crown_pt/champlainlight.htm
Cyclists
who ride in the Champlain Valley know it has all the
right ingredients for a premier bicycle touring destination:
peaceful country roads, picturesque villages, breathtaking
scenery, charming B&B's and inns, country stores and farm
stands, bicycle tour outfitters, impressive historic sites
and museums, lovely shoreline parks and campgrounds, convenient
connections to passenger rail lines and ferry crossings, and
access to numerous lakes and rivers. 
Fort
to Fort - 17 miles - Ticonderoga & Crown Point
The
Adirondack Park is a patchwork of private and public lands,
unlike any other park in the US. So while the back country
is immense-the nation's largest trail system with more than
2,000 miles-so too are the nearby comforts. The day hikes
offer diverse experiences and are rated for various levels
of ability. There are short and/or easy hikes to ponds and
views suitable for families with children, long circuits,
steeper hikes to mountain summits and destination walks to
waterfalls.
ROCK
POND - CLEAR POND TRAIL 
