If you have been reading this blog for any length of time, you will know that there are two locations we return to again and again: the New Jersey shore and Adirondack State Park in upstate New York. Yet, despite having visited each of these locations countless times, each trip is a new adventure, filled with new experiences.
My wife and I recently drove up to the Adirondacks once again, leaving behind the hot, humid weather of New Jersey for beautiful temperatures and sunny skies in the ADK. Along the way, we visited a historic mansion tied to the founding of this nation, ate some great food, climbed two mountains, and enjoyed the views.
Let’s begin:
An Adirondack Weekend
Longtime readers of the blog probably don’t even need this map anymore – our destination would be the Old Forge region of Adirondack State Park. The size of the Adirondacks always fills me with awe. Covering one fifth of New York, the ADK is equal in size to the state of Vermont, and is three times larger than Yellowstone National Park (via Adirondack Council).On a beautiful summer Friday, we loaded up Grace, my wife’s 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Strategically departing after the morning rush hour, we enjoyed a smooth drive northward.We stopped for lunch just outside of Saratoga in the town of Schuylerville. Our destination? Saratoga Gluten Free Goods Bakery!Saratoga Gluten Free Goods specializes in breads, cookies, cupcakes, and other baked goods, all gluten free. They also offer an assortment of sandwiches made on gluten-free bread. My wife and I each ordered sandwiches, which came with chips and a pickle. The highlight, though, was the small scoop of cookie dough, coated in chocolate icing. The meal was excellent!Life is sweet without wheat… when it tastes as good as it does at Saratoga Gluten Free Goods, it certainly is!After lunch, we drove a half mile to visit a US National Park: the General Schuyler House. Built in 1777, it was the home of Philip Schuyler, a general in George Washington’s army. The British occupied the home and then burned it down when they retreated from the area. It was rebuilt in 1787, and has remained largely unmodified for the past two centuries (via Wikipedia).Upon rebuilding the house in 1781, Schuyler used the home to meet with numerous dignitaries, including (then-general) George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison. The house has been meticulously restored to preserve how it appeared in the late 18th century.One interesting fact I learned from a park ranger: in the 18th century, bedrooms were less of a private space than we consider them today. Far from closing the bedroom door when guests stop by, Philip’s wife Catherine would have entertained her guests here.Set off from the main house is another structure holding the kitchen, where the family’s meals would be prepared. Cooking, along with many other household duties, were the responsibility of the fourteen slaves who staffed the house. It’s easy to think of slavery as a “Southern” institution, but the reality is that slavery was not abolished in New York until 1799. However, the law freeing slaves in New York was so ineffective that it required a second law in 1817 mandating that all slaves be freed by 1827, at which time over 4,500 slaves were finally given their freedom (via National Park Service). Sobering, indeed.I was fascinated by the enormous brick oven, preserved (as is much of the house) exactly as it was in 1781. Previous owners had kept the house free of running water and electricity, so when it was gifted to the National Park Service in the mid 20th century, it presented a time capsule of history. Our curiosity satisfied, we got back in our car and continued our journey northward.No matter how many times I have driven to the Addirondacks, I love the moment when the mountains come into view along I-87.I have written several times about Oscar’s Smokehouse, an Adirondack tradition for over seven decades. Pro tip: if you want to take your sandwiches to the next level, pick up a jar of Oscar’s More Than Mustard spread. Lunchtime will never be the same!Grace got her mandatory glamour shot in front of Blue Mountain Lake. Looking good!We arrived at our destination by mid-afternoon, and after unloading the car and greeting our relative, I headed to the shoreline to say hello to Fourth Lake.
Two Mountain Climbs
Bald Mountain
Saturday morning, I awoke at sunrise and decided to start my day with a hike up Bald Mountain. Arriving before 7:00 am, the parking lot at the trailhead was fairly empty.After signing in at the trailhead register, I began my hike. Bald Mountain is a 2,349-foot peak, located in the town of Old Forge. The round trip hike from the parking lot to the summit and back is approximately two miles.Like any other Adirondack mountain, the trails are steep, with lots of roots, rocks, and mud.The trail up Bald Mountain is well-worn – even without the Department of Environmental Conservation trail markers, it is easy to identify.The sign says “TRAIL.” I think it should say “CLIMB.”Roots and rocks… breakfast of champions! As rough as this section looks, please note the marker on the tree to the right – this is the “trail.”As I started to approach the summit, I caught a glimpse of the remnant of morning fog over the Fulton Chain of Lakes.Perhaps my favorite shot from the entire hike.Gaining over 400 feet of elevation in a little under a mile means that the trail to the top of Bald Mountain is almost entirely a steady climb, with only brief sections of flat ground as a respite.At the top of Bald Mountain stands Rondaxe Tower, a fire tower originally constructed in 1917. It ceased operation as an active fire tower in 1990, but has been open to the general public to climb since 2005 (via Adirondack Explorer).Swallowing my fear of heights, I ascended the ladder to climb the Fire Tower. In the foreground is an Osborne Fire Finder. In the event of a forest fire, the person stationed in the tower would use the map to plot any visible smoke in order to best direct firefighting efforts.The view from the top is well worth the (heart-racing, fear-inducing, sweaty-palms) climb up the Fire Tower.After taking in my fill of the mountain top, I began my descent. Going down a mountain can be tricky, as some sections are far easier to climb than to descend. No one is tracking you for style points – all that matters is that you get down in one piece. I have been known to do the “butt scoot” in order to safely get down a steep rock slab.A little under an hour after starting my hike, I had signed out of the trail register and was heading back to the car. What an awesome way to start a day!After hiking a mountain, the next stop is a mandatory (mandatory!) visit to the Eagle Bay Donut Shop! Unfortunately, this institution of the western Adirondacks has announced that this will be its last summer in business – it will be closing permanently in November. If you’re in the area, definitely stop by and grab a donut!There is a long-held truth among Adirondack hikers: on mountain climbing days, calories don’t count. With that knowledge in mind, I devoured this cinnamon sugar donut to celebrate summiting Bald Mountain.
Rocky Mountain
The next morning, I awoke early again and decided to hike up another mountain. My destination would be Rocky Mountain, located in Inlet. Bald and Rocky, along with Black Bear, comprise the Fulton Chain Trifecta mountain climbing challenge. Longtime readers may remember when I completed that challenge last year.Rocky Mountain is a short half-mile up, half-mile down hike to the 2,225-foot summit. However, you gain 433 feet of elevation in that half mile, so you basically start climbing at the trailhead and don’t stop climbing until you reach the top.I only started climbing mountains in 2020. I look back at those initial climbs with amusement at how clueless of a hiker I was. So I felt a great deal of satisfaction at being knowledgable enough to help a group of 20-somethings find their way back onto the trail this morning (they were inadvertently bushwhacking through the brush). I think I earned my merit badge for the day.As you near the top, the mud, roots, and rocks give way to a pleasant smooth exposed rock face. Even though you’re still climbing, it feels much easier.The summit of Rocky Mountain offers a gorgeous view of Fourth Lake, as well as the towns of Inlet and Eagle Bay.I didn’t stay long at the summit – I felt drops of rain starting to fall. Not wanting to get caught trying to navigate wet rock slabs in the rain, I practically ran downhill.I arrived back at the trailhead in 40 minutes – a personal record for Rocky Mountain. The rain ended up being a non-event, but the threat of it certainly helped me have a good workout!
Odds and Ends
Beyond climbing mountains, we also enjoyed some other fun activities during our stay in the Adirondacks. On Saturday afternoon my wife and I stopped by Inlet’s “Arts in the Park.” This yearly event, held in Arrowhead Park, showcases the work of over 50 artists and crafters who sell their wares. We made a purchase (or two or three).Speaking of Inlet, I also visited the Inlet Historical Society. Nestled in a two-story building in downtown Inlet, this small museum tells the history of Inlet and the surrounding area. The staff member was friendly and helpful, the exhibits were fascinating, and best of all, it was completely free!And of course, what trip to the Adirondacks is complete without a stop at Blue Line Coffee House? That’ll be an iced almond milk latte for my wife (left) and a Birch latte, made with maple syrup, vanilla, and caramel, for me (right).When we were in Old Forge, we stopped by Space, a new venue showcasing arts and crafts created by local artists, photographers, woodworkers, and jewelers.Approximately 20 vendors make Space their home. The building was once a hardware store, and then later a souvenir shop. Both businesses closed, so it’s cool to see the building being repurposed for such an important use. We’ll definitely come back!After dinner one night, I threw my drone aloft to get some photos. I usually don’t brag about my own work, but I absolutely love this shot.I kept the drone in the air through sunset and snagged this shot. I’m really happy with this one as well!On Monday morning, we interrupted our drive home for a quick stop at the Eagle Bay Donut Shop. These will all get stored in our freezer. Like a squirrel preparing for winter, we’re getting ready for the sad day when the Donut Shop is no more.As always, the Wigwam Tavern along NY-28 lets me know that my time in the Adirondacks has come to an end. Until next time, ADK!On the way home, Grace crossed a cool milestone: all 1’s! By the time we arrived at home, her odometer read 111,316. Next up: 120,000 miles. Yet again, Grace transported us in comfort and style. Onward!
Garage Updates
After Grace’s recent maintenance, I sent a sample of used oil to Blackstone Laboratories. Blackstone conducts in-depth analysis of used motor oil to determine an engine’s health. The report on Grace? She’s healthy and ready for the next 100,000 miles!Meanwhile, my Acura TLX continues to happily chew up the miles. On a recent weekend, it made its first trip to Cape May, New Jersey. It’s a requirement for my cars: must enjoy going to the beach! So far, so good with the TLX.Finally, Betty continues to settle in nicely. As of this weekend, it is exactly six months since we brought her home. Onward!
Wrapping Up
As I said at the beginning of the post, no matter how many times I come to the Adirondacks, there is always something new to discover. Adirondack State Park is one of the true gems of the northeastern United States. If you have never visited the park, I would highly recommend planning a visit. No matter what your interests, there is something for everyone in the ADK.
Thanks, as always, for coming along on another journey down the open road ahead (and up a mountain trail)!
The Open Road Ahead 
looks like a good trip! Pictures of the mountains were really neat. Glad u had fun.
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We had a great time – so glad you enjoyed the post!!
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Betty! 🤩
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I’m thinking Betty needs to be a permanent fixture in the updates section!!
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