Trails Ready for Fall 2009

Leaf peepers, I hope you visit the Pilot Knob Ridge to take in some of the views during this leaf peeping season. Right now only a few trees are changing in the southeastern Adirondacks, but the change happens quickly. The trails are in good shape and I replaced the trail markers that the summer poachers removed.

Get out hike and have fun

Trails Clear

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.

Need Time

I have not had a chance to get up to Pilot Knob Ridge to check the trails. I did hear that there is a tree down on the blue trail so I plan on getting up there to remove as soon as I can. I did restock the Kiosk with trail maps.

More Drive Work

Went up today to sidecut the drive getting it ready for a dedication ceremony the July. Finished and checked the rest of the trail network and found everything in order.

At the beginning of the blue trail the birds were very active even in the late morning. It is nice to hear the woods so active.

The falls was flowing, but even with the rain it was at medium capacity.

June Tail Work

I have finally made it back up to Pilot Knob Ridge after making it through the long weekends I have had due to work. Today, I was asked to clear out the drive that is part of the orange trail in preparation for work that is going to be done at the Gazebo. I believe that a generous patron is donating a bench and funds to refurbish the gazebo and the LGLC needs the drive clear so they can get materials up and people up for the dedication in July.

I removed two rock cairn that I placed in the drive where the drive turn off into the woods. I also removed two downed tree and a few leaning trees that would interfere with the drive up. Anyhow the drive is clear as is the rest of the orange trail as I found a couple of downed trees on the way down.

For me a good way to spend a couple of hours on Father's Day

Red Eft Sighting

Went up today after Saturday night's rain storms and high wind gusts to check and see how the new waterbar drained and to check for any blowdown. I was very pleased to find that all the trails are clear and that the new waterbar worked perfectly. I even checked the grade of the channel with a hand level and everything was fine. I was worried that a lip at an edge of a drop off would have to be cut but it is not an issue.

On the way up on a cool breezy Sunday morning I spotted my first red eft newt of the season. He looked cold, but he was out.

While I was up there I also did a little sidecutting to make the trails easier to follow.

Remember if it is cool and breezy the bugs will stay away...well unless they are real hungry.

The waterfalls was gushing today with all the rain that we had. I had to stop a moment and just watch.

Kiosk Full

I did not have time to hike today, but I stopped by and refilled the kiosk with newsletters and a bunch of trail guides. Enjoy the hike and please contact me if you notice any problems

Matt kinghtbaker63@yahoo.com

Thanks