Schenectady Wintersports Club

SWC HIKING

Looking for some hiking ideas for all levels?  Here are some suggestions, for both Mountain Hikes and Nice Hikes submitted by Bill Schaefer.

Mountain Hikes

1. Crane Mountain - Great views! South of North Creek. You see this mountain very prominently from Top Ridge on Gore. 

This hike can also accommodate folks of different skills in the same party as it can be done as a loop of other trails on the mountain. 

https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/new-york/crane-mountain-via-crane-mountain-path

2. Gore Mountain - Schaefer Trail - Starts at the North Creek Ski Bowl. 

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/new-york/gore-mountain-via-schaefer-trail

Via lift service - For those that do not want a full climb, ride the Gondola or Adirondack Express and move to a well marked hiking trail to the summit. From the lift to the summit is about an hour.  

https://goremountain.com/todo/hiking/

3. Moxam Mountain - Just east of North Creek heading toward Minerva.  Also a distinctive view from the East exposures of Gore. 

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/new-york/moxham-mountain-trail

Nice hikes - Less of a climb

Hooper Mine/Balm of Gilead - Both of these are Public trails accessed from the Garnet Hill Lodge. Parking at the touring center. Many people do both.

The Hooper Mine is an abandoned mine crater and is terrific for views of 13th Lake and picking garnets on the ground. Great for kids. 

Balm of Gilead has a limited but great view of the Siamese Ponds Wilderness. 

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/new-york/balm-of-gilead-trail

After, stop in at the historic Garnet Hill Lodge for a meal or refreshment.