Easy Hike and Swim Combo - Alder Lake!!

If you're looking for a great easy day hike that can include a swim - try this great lake loop trail (we'll be posting one at Little Pond next). It traces a loop around a 44 acre man-made lake that was part of the Coykendall Estate. Sign in at the trainhead, then walk to the lake. Cross the dam and follow the old road/rail around the lake. Loop is about 1.6 miles with a slight rise on one side.

Other details: Campsites dot the perimeter of the lake. Nonmotorized boats are allowed on the lake. There are picnic tables to relax by. Well behaved dogs are permitted as well.

Make it a longer hike: When you reach the lake we like to start to the left following the red discs from the Finger Lake Trails (this route connects to the Mill Brook Ridge and yellow discs - a more difficult and steep hike). You can also connect to Touch-Me-Not Trail here which takes you west over the mountains to Big Pond.

Directions to: Alder Lake Loop Trail. From Rt. 28 in Margaretville (on the west side of town) cut over to and then left on Mill Brook Road. At the fork veer right onto Cross Mtn Road. Go left on to Turnwood Road / County Route 54. Turn left to Alder Lake Road. Park at the lot near the gate. Trail register is just beyond.

Finger Lakes Trails in the Western Catskills

The Finger Lakes Trail crosses New York State from the Pennsylvania border in Allegany State Park, in the west, to the Long Path hiking trail at Denning lean-to in the Western Catskills. The main trail is currently 552.8 miles; the major branch trails total 239.6 miles. Future developments are planned that will replace some parts of the trail that are on roads with off-road trail, and that will extend some branch trails. The trail is accessible to both long-distance and day hikers. A Map Buyers Guide describing all maps published is available from the Finger Lakes Trail Conference Service Center PO Box 18048 Rochester NY 14618-0048.

In Delaware County the trail runs from approximately the northwest corner, from Chenango County near Otsego County, across the southern part of the county to the western corner of Ulster County. From that point it continues to join up with the Long Path not far from Slide Mountain. Much of the trail is still on public roads, though many of those roads are rather scenic. Most of the trail off roads on state land. Negotiations are underway with the DEC and other groups to get more of the trail off-road.

The terrain is hilly to mountainous, ranging between 1000 and 3500 feet above sea level; most of the trail off roads runs through forest, alternating between hardwoods and conifers. Delaware County’s trails are in sections M26 through M31. Trail condition reports are posted on the FLTC’s website – check it before you go out hiking. Much of the hiking in our area has heavy growth due to infrequent tail maintenance, so it is important to dress appropriately.

The Finger Lakes Trail Association is looking for trail sponsors. As of Winter 2010, there is a 2.3 mile section of the Campbell Mountain Trail between Campbell Mt. Road and NY 206 on Map M30. Additionally there is 3.2 miles of the Mary Smith Trail that begins at Holiday and Berry Brook Road and ends at Mary Smith Hill Road that is available for adoption. This is a rugged section of the trail that offer big rewards for a new sponsor. You can contact Steve Catherman, Vice President of Trail Maintenance at stevec@roadrunner.com.

Back Country Camping on NYS DEC Lands

Back-country camping is allowed on Forest Preserve lands in the Adirondack and Catskill Parks as well as State Forests (reforestation areas and multiple use areas). Generally, camping is prohibited on Unique Areas, Wildlife Management Areas, Historic and Nature Preserves, and Conservation Easements. Camping for more than three nights or in a group of ten or more requires a permit from a Forest Ranger. Camping is prohibited within 150 feet of water, roads or trail.

Protect the Resources

Pack out what you pack in. Litter is a great wilderness destroyer, yet an easy problem for each of us to correct.

Cooking is more efficient with a backpacking stove. If you must build an open fire, use only dead and down wood. Locate an old fire site or find an open place and clear an area at least six feet across of any material that will burn and lay up stones. Never leave the fire unattended. After pour water on the fire and stir the coals until they are cold to your touch. Scatter the cold ashes and the stones and leave the site as clean as possible. Never drop lit matches or smokes where they will cause fire – PREVENT FOREST FIRES.

Streams and spring are our only water supply. Keep them clean. Don’t put anything in them you wouldn’t drink. Don’t wash dishes in streams.

Locate your camp at least 150 feet away from the trail or water.

Nature will take care of human waste. Dig a shallow hole in the forest floor at least 150 feet away from water and campsites. Cover with leaf litter and dirt.

Smaller groups do less damage to the environment. If your party is greater than 10 persons, please travel and camp in smaller groups. If you are staying more, obtain a camping permit from the local Forest Ranger or Regional Office of the NYS DEC at no charge.

Camp and build open fires only below 3500 feet. The higher you climb, the more fragile the environment.

If you take a pet into the wilderness, keep it under control at all times. Restrain it on a leash when others approach. Clean droppings away from trail and camping areas. Keep your pet our of sources of drinking water.

Respect the environment: do not deface trees, plants, or rocks; or disturb wildlife.

The Basics of Back Country Use

Every good blog should start out with the stern warnings for your safety. We'll be no exception. Here's what the New York State DEC advises for a pleasant and safe hiking experience:

Plan ahead and prepare for drastic weather changes during the trip, especially during spring and fall. Check forecasts. Study your map route in advance. Do not travel alone. Go with people who can help you in an emergency and stay together. Advise responsible persons of your intended route and return plans. Sign in and out at all trailhead registers. Know how to use each piece of your equipment, especially your map and compass, and first aid kit.

By being alert to your surroundings you will add to your enjoyment and safety during the trip. Read trail signs, note the color of trail markers you are following. At your starting point orient yourself with your map and compass to your route direction. When you pause on the way, check where you are on your map for the large features you can see: ridges, peaks, streams, etc.

Save your energy by starting your hike slowly. Don’t race. You will avoid overheating and lessen the chances of falls or injury. Take short rest stops and enjoy the scenery.

Turn back early if anyone becomes exhausted or is suddenly drenched, or a lightning storm approaches when you are on a high point. If you are not adequately equipped for conditions ahead such as snow, ice, or high winds, go back.

Survival equipment should always be part of your gear: map and compass, jackknife, waterproofed matches, candle, extra quick energy food, first aid kit, whistle, flashlight with extra batteries and bulb, medium weight tarp, 30 feet of nylon cord, and a canteen of purified water and water purification tablets. Never assume that any water is completely clean and safe for drinking.