In past articles, I have written about how fortunate we are to have
such vast recreational resources and natural beauty available to us
right in our back yard.
Wilderness areas for hiking, hunting and picnicking within a short drive or, for that matter, a short walk. I absolutely love the Adirondack Mountains.
However, some of us get lazy. We make excuses not to get up off our duff and get outdoors. It's too hot or it's too cold or it's too far. Sorry, that ain't gunna cut it any more because I have discovered an area that is so close by that no one can make an excuse not to grab that remote, hit the off button, pack a lunch and get out. I'm ashamed of myself for not bringing this area to the forefront sooner. I've heard of it, our search and rescue team has trained in it, but for some reason, I've never been there until just recently. It's called "Pack Forest".
What I especially like about Pack Forest besides how close it is to us is that it is an easy area to enjoy. First, where is it? Easy, you drive the Northway to exit 23 for Warrensburg and follow route 9 north through the village toward Chestertown. Only a couple of miles past Warrensburg you will see where route 28 veers off to the left toward North Creek. If
you stay straight on route 9 for another half mile, you will see a big white sign on your left announcing the entrance to Pack Forest. From downtown Saratoga Springs, it is less than an hour's drive even if you come from the Granny Smith school of poky driving.
Pack Forest is a Department of Environmental Conservation training area used for training. When you drive down the entry road, you will come to a "Y" where you will see signs for parking. From the parking area, there is an improved trail that will guide you to the training facilities and you will be surprised at the number of buildings tucked away in the woods. Along the way, you will also see parts of Pack Forest Lake. Great place to fish and just kick back.
If you stay to the right when you drive in, the road will take you along the opposite side of the lake and eventually back out to route 9. However, about a mile or two from the split, you will come to another split in the road with a DEC barrier on your left. If you park there and follow that road, you will come to yet another split. If you walk to the left, you will be walking along the lake and will eventually find yourself back at the training center. The entire trail around the lake is an extremely easy walk and can be handled by just about anyone and might even be passable with an electric wheel chair for those of us with handicaps that would like to get out and enjoy Mother Nature.
However, if you walk to the right, you will begin to climb up Ben Wood Mountain. The trail is improved and very wide and easy to follow and the hike itself would be classified at a "moderate" level. Even granny can do it in her lime green and coral stretch polyester knit pants suit and open toed shoes. From the base to the top is less than a 30 minute hike and is well rewarded with views of the lake and surrounding mountains when you reach the top. This is where I would suggest you enjoy a leisurely lunch.
I strongly suggest that you bring water and, like everywhere in our wonderful mountains, be sure to bring your favorite "bug dope". I guarantee you that you will enjoy this outing and it is so available that you will have to agree that the trip to it is not the adventure, the destination is!
Okay, everybody UP!
Pack a sandwich, a couple of bottles of water and some Deep Woods Off, jump in the family buggy and off you go. I'll meet you there.
See you outdoors!
You can reach Dick at
rtotino@nycap.rr.com
However, some of us get lazy. We make excuses not to get up off our duff and get outdoors. It's too hot or it's too cold or it's too far. Sorry, that ain't gunna cut it any more because I have discovered an area that is so close by that no one can make an excuse not to grab that remote, hit the off button, pack a lunch and get out. I'm ashamed of myself for not bringing this area to the forefront sooner. I've heard of it, our search and rescue team has trained in it, but for some reason, I've never been there until just recently. It's called "Pack Forest".
What I especially like about Pack Forest besides how close it is to us is that it is an easy area to enjoy. First, where is it? Easy, you drive the Northway to exit 23 for Warrensburg and follow route 9 north through the village toward Chestertown. Only a couple of miles past Warrensburg you will see where route 28 veers off to the left toward North Creek. If
you stay straight on route 9 for another half mile, you will see a big white sign on your left announcing the entrance to Pack Forest. From downtown Saratoga Springs, it is less than an hour's drive even if you come from the Granny Smith school of poky driving.
Pack Forest is a Department of Environmental Conservation training area used for training. When you drive down the entry road, you will come to a "Y" where you will see signs for parking. From the parking area, there is an improved trail that will guide you to the training facilities and you will be surprised at the number of buildings tucked away in the woods. Along the way, you will also see parts of Pack Forest Lake. Great place to fish and just kick back.
If you stay to the right when you drive in, the road will take you along the opposite side of the lake and eventually back out to route 9. However, about a mile or two from the split, you will come to another split in the road with a DEC barrier on your left. If you park there and follow that road, you will come to yet another split. If you walk to the left, you will be walking along the lake and will eventually find yourself back at the training center. The entire trail around the lake is an extremely easy walk and can be handled by just about anyone and might even be passable with an electric wheel chair for those of us with handicaps that would like to get out and enjoy Mother Nature.
However, if you walk to the right, you will begin to climb up Ben Wood Mountain. The trail is improved and very wide and easy to follow and the hike itself would be classified at a "moderate" level. Even granny can do it in her lime green and coral stretch polyester knit pants suit and open toed shoes. From the base to the top is less than a 30 minute hike and is well rewarded with views of the lake and surrounding mountains when you reach the top. This is where I would suggest you enjoy a leisurely lunch.
I strongly suggest that you bring water and, like everywhere in our wonderful mountains, be sure to bring your favorite "bug dope". I guarantee you that you will enjoy this outing and it is so available that you will have to agree that the trip to it is not the adventure, the destination is!
Okay, everybody UP!
Pack a sandwich, a couple of bottles of water and some Deep Woods Off, jump in the family buggy and off you go. I'll meet you there.
See you outdoors!
You can reach Dick at
rtotino@nycap.rr.com
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