Tramp & Trail

Write-up: Mary Pat Connors
Leader: Mary Pat Connors
Co-Leader: Lu Blanchard

In a hiking club that is nearing its 100-year mark, it is difficult to come up with a new hike. But I had come across a flier from Adirondack Experience.com called “The Waterfall Challenge.” This became the foundation for our “Find the Waterfalls” hike.

Our club has been up and down routes 30 and 8 out of Speculator many times, but never stopped to find some of these falls before.

We started with the most challenging, Shanty Brook Falls. This is only challenging in that you must first ford the East Branch of the Sacandaga River. We had a large amount of rainfall during the week, so the water was at a high level for autumn and rock-hopping was not an option. So we donned our water shoes and rolled up our pants. A most “attractive” fashion look for the adventurous start of the day.

Some went directly across, ignoring the water lapping at our pants, others tried to find a less wet crossing. We then dried our feet, put on our boots and continued on.

The trail follows Shanty Brook with a slight incline. The falls were lovely and full after the rains, but we did not linger long because we had many more waterfalls to find.

My co-leader, Lu and I added a bit more fun by previously placing painted rocks at each trail or waterfall. This became a good-natured competition to be the one to find the prize.

Next was Griffin Falls, a short drive from Rt. 8 on a dirt road. Here the rocks beckoned many to scramble, or for others to sit and soak up the sun.

My favorite falls was next. E. Jimmy Creek is well-hidden, with only a very small pull-off on Rt. 8. It is a very short distance from the road, but the peaceful glen with its moss-covered rock and double waterfalls was a delight. Others seemed to feel the same because many photos were taken here.

Onward we went to Falls, 4, 5 and 6. First Auger Falls, outstanding with its force and volume of water cascading. Here we met a large group traveling together and shared our many baked goods.

Then Christine Falls, a dammed waterfall with multiple cascades.

And finally, two miles down old route 30 to Austin Falls. Again we had photo sessions, but it had been a long day and hikers were ready for refreshments.

All the hidden rocks were found, bringing smiles but “leaving no trace.”
We ended at what has become a favorite restaurant/bar, “The Oxbow.”
I loved the day, seeing some new, some familiar sights. I think others shared this sentiment also.

Write-up: Bobbie Scarpino
Leader: Bobbie Scarpino
Co-Leader: Carolyn Eastman

Fair skies and brisk temperatures prevailed for the 15 Tramps that made the 60-mile trip to the south end of the Helderberg Escarpment on Beaver Dam Rd., Voorheesville. We started out heading north above the escarpment and made our way down on a portion of the Long Path Trail.*

After 2 miles we left the woods, entered John Boyd Thacher State Park and walked the rim trail along the edge of the escarpment. The views are breathtaking on a clear day and we were able to see the state buildings in Albany and Mt. Greylock in MA. To the north, the Adirondack Mountains loomed on the horizon.

Making our way to the visitor center, some of our playful Tramps tried out the slides built into the hillside and the rock-climbing wall.

 

 

The highlight of the hike was clambering down the Indian Ladder stairs to the trail about midway down along the escarpment. Rock ledges loomed above us, cave crevices tempted some to explore, and waterfalls threatened to soak us as we walked under them.

Back on top, we completed the rim trail to its end where we encountered the “Squeeze Box.” This is a structure that was built to insure that all rock climbers are able to pass through the narrow opening before attempting to fit through the crevice in the ground nearby that leads to the escarpment area below. We all tried to pass through the box. Most of us were successful and would have been able to continue through the crevice had we wished to scale the face of the escarpment. Maybe it was the jar of Vaseline that made it easier?

From there we looped our way back through the park and up through the wooded trail to our cars to complete the 7 mile hike. A stop at Waterfront Grill in Herkimer topped off a beautiful day. If you missed this hike I highly recommend taking a day to visit the park. It’s well worth the visit.

*The Long Path extends 358 miles from its start in New York City to its official end at John Boyd Thacher State Park. The trail continues another 84 miles to the Northville- Lake Placid Trail, but currently is mostly traversed on country roads.