I had a report of a tree down on the trail so I went up early today to do a quick assessment of the trail conditions and brought my ax to take care of the tree or trees. Well, there were a couple of small trees down, but nothing too bad and I was able to clear these without any trouble. So the trails are now a bit wet with all the rain, but they are clear and in good shape.
A couple of things to note. First is that the gazebo is being renovated and there is a park bench that was installed inside to help the hiker rest from the steep climb up. Also, a ways down the blue trail you will see a pine tree that was recently blown apart by a bolt of lightening. When you see it you will see the pieces of the tree laying radially around the trunk. I haven't seen that before. This tree was struck 200 yds from a where there were two trees hit last year. Must be something in the soil.
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A beautiful place to sit and view the lake
This blog is dedicated to a nature preserve located in Fort Ann, New York called Pilot Knob Ridge. I am a volunteer trail steward for this preserve and I want to use this blog to educate people about this beautiful area; to keep people up to date as to the trail conditions and any other information that will help the visitor enjoy this little piece of Southern Adirondacks.
Pilot Knob Ridge Trail Conditions
December 6, 2009
Trails were snow covered and with the temp dropping tonight, icy spots may form. Watch you footing and take it slow. Waterfall is flowing.
The kiosk is full of trail maps
Trail Mileage
Total hiking doing both the orange and blue loops round trip 4 miles
Orange Trail Loop 1.55 mi
Blue trail round trip 2.45 mi
Dist from gazebo to waterfall 1 mi
It takes me about 2 hours to walk the trails at a steady pace carrying all my gear, but take longer and enjoy.
Orange Trail Loop 1.55 mi
Blue trail round trip 2.45 mi
Dist from gazebo to waterfall 1 mi
It takes me about 2 hours to walk the trails at a steady pace carrying all my gear, but take longer and enjoy.
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7 Principales of Leave No Trace
1. PLAN AHEAD AND PREPARE Know the regulations and special considerations for the area you'll visit.Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies.Travel in groups of less than ten people to minimize impacts.
2. TRAVEL AND CAMP ON DURABLE SURFACES Hike in the middle of the trail; stay off of vegetation.Camp in designated sites where possible.In other areas, don't camp within 150 feet of water or a trail.
3. DISPOSE OF WASTE PROPERLY Pack out all trash (including toilet paper), leftover food, and litter.Use existing privies, or dig a cat hole five to fix inches deep, then cover the hole.Wash yourself and dishes at least 150 feet from water.
4. LEAVE WHAT YOU FIND Leave rocks, plants, and other natural objects as you find them.Let photos, drawings, or journals help capture your memories.Do not build structures or furniture or dig trenches.
5. MINIMIZE CAMPFIRE IMPACTSUse a portable stove to avoid the lasting impact of a campfire.Where fires are permitted, use existing fire rings and only collect downed wood.Burn all fires to ash, put out campfires completely, then hide traces of fire.
6. RESPECT WILDLIFEObserve wildlife from a distance.Avoid wildlife during mating, nesting, and other sensitive times.Control pets at all times, and clean up after them.
7. BE CONSIDERATE OF OTHER VISITORSRespect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience.Let natural sounds prevail; avoid loud sounds and voices.Be courteous and yield to other users on the trail.
2. TRAVEL AND CAMP ON DURABLE SURFACES Hike in the middle of the trail; stay off of vegetation.Camp in designated sites where possible.In other areas, don't camp within 150 feet of water or a trail.
3. DISPOSE OF WASTE PROPERLY Pack out all trash (including toilet paper), leftover food, and litter.Use existing privies, or dig a cat hole five to fix inches deep, then cover the hole.Wash yourself and dishes at least 150 feet from water.
4. LEAVE WHAT YOU FIND Leave rocks, plants, and other natural objects as you find them.Let photos, drawings, or journals help capture your memories.Do not build structures or furniture or dig trenches.
5. MINIMIZE CAMPFIRE IMPACTSUse a portable stove to avoid the lasting impact of a campfire.Where fires are permitted, use existing fire rings and only collect downed wood.Burn all fires to ash, put out campfires completely, then hide traces of fire.
6. RESPECT WILDLIFEObserve wildlife from a distance.Avoid wildlife during mating, nesting, and other sensitive times.Control pets at all times, and clean up after them.
7. BE CONSIDERATE OF OTHER VISITORSRespect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience.Let natural sounds prevail; avoid loud sounds and voices.Be courteous and yield to other users on the trail.
The Gazebo
A beautiful place to sit and view the lake
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About Me
- Matt
- I really like the outdoors. I will hike,fish, kayak whatever to be out in it. I am also very passionate about baking.
2 comments:
The Best Western of Lake George has several packages available including tickets to Great Escape, an autumn package that includes a cruis and trip to Hicks Apple Orchard, lots more.
http://scenicamericablog.com/?p=134
Hello! Local birder here, I went up Pilot Knob Ridge for the first time today! I made it up the orange and blue trails to the waterfall, such a nice spot. Trails are fairly quiet due to fall migration already happening, but I heard downy woodpecker, pileated woodpecker, plenty of black-capped chickadees, eastern wood-pewees, a white-breasted nuthatch, red-eyed vireos, and had a hawk fly overhead while on the blue trail!
Also spotted a red eft and a snail with a pale yellow shell.
Thanks for the work you do on the trails, they are very well marked, which I appreciate. :)
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