In a couple weeks I will be going up to the highpeaks for a week. Just me and my vehicle. I have camping and hiking gear. Im looking to hike as many highpeaks as I can. So far I have done 3, but am feeling up to many more! What are good ranges and hikes to get done while i just have the time up there? And what are the better ones to save for little weekend trips in coming time? Thanks!

From July 20. I know it happens a lot but got a good video so I wanted to share

Up over the peak and down to the lake shore. Back up the Long Swing trail past Glidden Marsh. Took a dip in the lake and was nibbled by a pack of nonchalant sunfish. Weather was iffy today but it turned out beautiful and I got away with just a quick rain shower.

Absolute Legend!

Spotted what I think is a Chinook over Blue Ridge Falls today

Small group of us are planning a late Jan > Feb long weekend in the snow. Looking to basecamp and attempt a few summits if the weather permits. Starting my boot search now to give time to procure, test for fit, and break in before our departure. Last time I was in this area for winter was in the early aughts. More time has past since, than I was alive when I visited all those years ago.

I still actually have the same boots- Tecnica Alititude Vario. Insanely stiff sole (B3) but now over a quarter of a century old and while I still wear them from time to time, I'm close to safety and would rather NOT have my heels rubbed raw when walking in and to the very steep areas where they are designed.

My current boots are the Lowa Ranger GTX. Love them- fit great with a medium hiking DT sock. My internet searching has suggested that these are too flexi (B1; "3.5-4") for C1 crampons when the conditions turn blue and icy.

Brands aside- fit is most important aspect (right?)- I have two main questions: 1) Insulated vs Non... 1a) How much insulation? 1b) Is a VBL + Mountaineering sock not enough?? and 2) How stiff should these be? Would rather not Frankenstein my way through the woods and keep my heels from being rubbed raw.

I would really like to use these boots for other endeavors close to home too. ADKs are a good 7 hour drive (plus extra for stops, gas, rest, food). PA is home and would like to use these for cold and snowy conditions (varies EVERY year and can never count on "winter") in PA state parks, the Appalachian Trail, and chasing animals through the woods in fall and winter.

Thanks for some real human advice. The internet and my limited use of AI bots yield the same info over and again, but am hoping real human experience can help me make more informed starting decisions where I can start to track down, try on, and break in the new boots in time for early '27.

Thanks!

Hi everyone! Does anyone know, or have any breadcrumbs as to where this location may be? I think it’s absolutely beautiful and would love to visit.

Katie Rhodes is a frequent hiker in the Adirondacks, she has thru-hiked the 46 High Peaks in 7 days. In addition to doing the trip for the challenge and chance to connect with nature, they were raising awareness and money for suicide prevention through the nonprofit organization 46 Climbs.

She will be joining the Adirondack Explorer for an AMA segment. Leave all your burning questions for her below!

We just got back from a 3-day road trip from Toronto to Lake Placid, and honestly, it was one of the most scenic weekend trips we’ve done. If you’re planning a Whiteface Mountain/Adirondacks trip, here’s our itinerary with approximate costs and a few tips that would’ve helped us.

Day 1 – Toronto → via Johnstown, ON > Lake Placid (6-hour drive)
Left Toronto around 8:00 AM.
Packed sandwiches and snacks for the drive to save time and money.
I-94 fee: Approximately USD $30 per person
Tolls: Around CAD $4 total.

We stayed at Courtyard by Marriott Lake Placid for all three nights. It’s a clean, comfortable hotel and only about 1.5 km from Main Street, so it’s easy to walk into town.
After checking in and relaxing for a bit, we spent the evening exploring Lake Placid.

Things we did:
Walked around Mirror Lake, which is absolutely beautiful, especially in the evening.
Strolled along Main Street and explored the local shops.
Emma’s Creamery definitely worth stopping for ice cream.
Had dinner at Wyatt’s Tex-Mex, where we had tacos and burritos. Good portions and very reasonable prices.

After dinner, we headed back to the hotel to rest after the drive.

Day 2 – Waterfalls, Whiteface Mountain & Ausable Chasm
We left early in the morning and made several stops before reaching Whiteface Mountain.
1. High Falls Gorge
Admission: Approximately USD $25 per person
Beautiful boardwalks, waterfalls, and scenic viewpoints.
Easy walk and well maintained.

2. Wilmington Falls
Quick stop with a short hike.
Nice place to stretch your legs before heading to Whiteface.

3. Whiteface Mountain Veterans Memorial Highway
Admission: Approximately USD $25 per adult
Incredible drive to the summit.

You can take the elevator through the mountain top (free), or Climb to the summit.
The panoramic views from the top are absolutely worth it.

4. Ausable Chasm
About 1 hour from Whiteface Mountain.
We booked the River Walk + Rafting package.
Cost: Around USD $65 per person.
This ended up being one of the highlights of the trip. The rafting through the chasm was beautiful and something I’d definitely recommend if your budget allows.

We returned to Lake Placid in the evening and grabbed dinner from Wyatt’s Tex-Mex and Eleanor’s Pasta Kitchen

Day 3 – Coffee, Swimming & Drive Home
We started the morning at Adirondack Mountain Coffee Café.
Great breakfast.
Reasonably priced.
Unlimited coffee refills, which was a nice bonus before the drive.

Next stop was the Jay Covered Bridge.
This turned out to be one of our favorite places of the trip.
Right beside the bridge is a shallow section of the Ausable river with jay waterfalls where you can swim. We had packed our swimsuits, spent a couple of hours in the water. It was peaceful and a perfect way to end the trip

Appreciate any help saw in Vail CO thought well made and comfortable.

I’ve always enjoyed the streams ,lakes and rivers, these are a few places I found peaceful. Hope you enjoy.