Northeast Wild

  In most years, you can find peak fall foliage in the higher elevations of the Adirondack Park around the end of September and in early October.  By Indigenous Peoples'/Columbus Day weekend, the bright red and orange leaves of the red and sugar maple trees will likely have dropped to the ground, but the yellows of the birches and the golds of the beeches may still be evident. Thanks to climate change, in recent years the best colors have been persisting through to the holiday which falls on October 14 this year - perhaps a little bit late for peak in higher elevations in the Adirondacks? After that date, the colors should pop in the lowlands and the Hudson River Valley. Although there are a multitude of great paddling spots in the northern and western parts of the Adirondacks, for this article I will limit the choices to the areas south and east of Indian Lake, and add some choices outside the Adirondack Park that are easily accessible from the greater Capital District. 14-mi...

April 25, 2016 - Jessup River upstream from Jessup River Rd (dirt). 0.9 miles to foot of rapids. 3 deer ran across the rapids in front of me! 0.2 mile carry (part bushwhack, part on logging road)) around the rapids. Mossy Vly Brook comes in at 1.9 miles. 0.4 miles further up the Jessup saw an otter run along the bank & dive into the water. Carried around a logjam & stopped at another. Lots of shallow sandy-bottomed sections. Poked up shallow Mossy Vly on way back. 5.1 miles, 4.1 hours. Perkins Clearing Road & Jessup River Road open & in good shape - usually closed until sometime in May for mud season. May 23, 2010 - JESSUP RIVER & INDIAN LAKE paddling from Jessup River Rd (dirt) near Perkins Clearing in the central Adirondacks.  Spotted cars at the Indian Lake state boat launch, paid day use fee.  Some blackflies & mosquitoes at start but minimal during trip - started out wearing my Original Bugshirt but eventually took...