23rd December 2020
With no family, less cooking, and fewer presents to wrap this year Christy and I were able to squeak out a half day trip to the Lake George region chasing waterfalls. I had actually popped out the day before on my own to get some great photos of Beecher Creek Falls to use to promote our newly created ADK Snow Falls Challenge.
Beecher Creeks Falls, Edinburg NY
With 3 feet of fresh snow, the road was plowed but the path was not shoveled. I parked next to a snow bank and had to climb over it and wade up past my knees in powder. It was easy, safe, and worth it for these views.
The Falls of Carillon, Ticonderoga, NY.
On Wednesday, 12/23, we headed North to the town of Ticonderoga. Our first stop was The Falls of Carillon, which can be found in Bicentennial Park. With the sun shining bright, the blue water coming off the falls was exhilarating! The LaChute River walk can be found across the street and is worth a stroll if you have time. Several tiny falls can be seen along the way as well as historical markers providing information on the industrial past of the river.
The Falls on Clay Meadow Trailhead, Bolton, NY.
Next we headed down the west side of Lake George and parked at the Clay Meadow Trailhead on Rt 9N, Bolton Landing. We had been here back in June when we completed the Tongue Traverse, but we missed the falls so a return visit was a must. The 1/2 mile walk from the trailhead gave us a chance to try out snowshoes for the very first time! They probably weren’t necessary since we weren’t breaking trail, spikes would have been easier, but this was a great place to get the feel of snowshoes without risk. The falls are about 1/2 mile in and 50 feet off trail to the right. You can hear the water running through the gorge. With so much fresh snow, it was tricky to get views of the falls.
Northwest Bay Brook Falls
Across the street and slightly south of the parking area, you will find Northwest Bay Brook Falls. It’s one of those “hidden in plain in sight” gems. Because we knew the location of the falls and were running out of time, we went over the barrier and followed our ears to the edge of the brook. You can also walk down the hill past the barrier and find the short trail that will bring you back up. The main section of the falls, where the brook makes this sharp left turn, was roaring. Farther upstream are more sections of falls and rapids. These were great to see in summer, but we didn’t want to risk it in winter because there is no actual trail there to our knowledge.
By now it was after lunch and we had to head home.
We had had a lovely day, but it was time for Christmas!
~Anne