North Country (upper New York State)

[M Rose]

Hey Northcountry,

Are very many of you guys active in here? Im thinking of coming up for a visit this spring… let’s get some trip ideas rolling.

 

[TSO_NJ]

Adirondack Mountains? I'm only 8 hours from there. Just give me no less than 30 days advance "shout out" so I can put in a request for time off at work. After Memorial Day? I'll be starting semi-retirement (working per diem 30 hours or less), so I'll have a lot of flexibility (barring unexpected situations).

 

[M Rose]

I’m thinking pre-memorial day weekend…
Adirondack Mountains are definitely in the plans…

 

[TSO_NJ]

Perfect! To and from location travel days will the 28th and 31st. All day overland days will be 29th and 30th. Unless I read otherwise.

 

[M Rose]

Perfect! To and from location travel days will the 28th and 31st. All day overland days will be 29th and 30th. Unless I read otherwise.

I’m thinking middle of March… I have to be in Oregon Memorial Day Weekend for another event.

 

[TSO_NJ]

I’m thinking middle of March… I have to be in Oregon Memorial Day Weekend for another event.

March would be better. Less crowded and traffic is usually less in the wilderness areas.

 

[M Rose]

March would be better. Less crowded and traffic is usually less in the wilderness areas.

The lakes should be thawed, but snow still on the ground.

 

[TSO_NJ]

The lakes should be thawed, but snow still on the ground.

Yep, lots of snow, with slow melting and plenty of mud/slush in the constant sun areas. An awesome combination!

 

[DevilDodge]

The lakes should be thawed, but snow still on the ground.

Last year here in PA vehicles were still stuck on forest roads on March...and this area in question is even Further north and Higher elevation.

Just a heads up. Some winters the snow does not stay...others it never leaves.

 

[TSO_NJ]

Last year here in PA vehicles were still stuck on forest roads on March...and this area in question is even Further north and Higher elevation.

Just a heads up. Some winters the snow does not stay...others it never leaves.

True. A few years ago, in the Catskills, the lower elevations were almost clear and dry at the towns. The higher elevations had plenty of snow and ice in April. We backpacked to “Table Mountain” at 3847 feet. Glad we had trees along the trail to help us stay upright along the steep rocks/boulders sections.

Photo of our basecamp a short hike from "Table Mountain" in April 2018 (I'm standing, Phil is sitting, and Rick took the photo):

 

[TSO_NJ]

@M Rose, Have you traveled there in the past?

 

[M Rose]

I lived there for 8 years…. I know of some places I can go in Jan-April…. If temperatures hold out.

 

[Dusther210]

Having just got back from the Adirondacks and growing up in the Catskills I strongly recommend a stay in Moose River Plains.
From what I’ve seen it is a solid choice in any season (if you’re ok with camping in snow). It is a vast and scenic area in itself but also about 2-3 hours from Whiteface Mountain and Lake Placid.
Since I’ve moved out of NY it seems like every road around the Catskills has been paved and anything that might be of interest has a gate or hefty admission fee.
From my understanding Moose River Plains is the only spot for dispersed camping. The site we stayed at was the starting point for some very interesting places to explore via 4WD and had plenty of space to fit as many rigs as you could want.

Do you have any specific places to explore? The only routes I know in NY would be the NEBDR which is scenic but not challenging and VERY far away from the Adirondacks.

 

[RedLeg]

ADK native. Better check opening dates for SPs… Inside the “Blue Line“ your out of luck. Don’t get caught in ‘Forever wild” areas.

 

[Dusther210]

ADK native. Better check opening dates for SPs… Inside the “Blue Line“ your out of luck. Don’t get caught in ‘Forever wild” areas.

Could you clarify what the Blue Line and Forever Wild areas are? This is my first time hearing about this

 

[M Rose]

The “Forever Wild” refers to the wilderness areas.

Blue line refers to the Catskills and Andriondac State Park Boundaries.

 

[Dusther210]

The “Forever Wild” refers to the wilderness areas.

Blue line refers to the Catskills and Andriondac State Park Boundaries.

I still don’t understand what @RedLeg means

 

[M Rose]

I still don’t understand what @RedLeg means

It means, don’t go there out of season…