A guest blog by Alicen Hutcheson of Wistful Wanderings
Alicen completed our challenge in the 2022 winter season, and was the first challenger to tag us in all of her social media posts. It was exciting for us to follow along on her expeditions- pictures, thoughts in the moment, goals. Even more special for us, is to experience this thing we created through someone else’s eyes and mind (and boots!). You are invited to do the same with Alicen’s blog posted below. And be sure to visit her site for other blogs about her worldly wanderings! ~Anne
All content and photos below are the property of http://www.wistfulwanderings.com and shared with permission. Enjoy!
January 12, 2023
Attainable Goals.
A winter waterfall hiking challenge in the Adirondack Mountains.
I’m not entirely sure how I found Expedition Midlife to learn about this hiking challenge, but it was most likely through Dig the Falls.
Before I began this winter journey, I had visited 4 of the waterfalls listed previously.
Beecher Creek Falls, Rockwell Falls, Mill Park Falls, and Shelving Rock Falls.
All of which I learned about through Dig the Falls.
ADK Snow Falls Challenge
December 21st – March 21st
10 Roadside Falls
5 Modest Hikes
1 Challenging Hike
16 winter waterfalls!
Ever since I learned about them, I’ve been interested in doing a hiking challenge.
I have considered hiking challenges not only in the Adirondack Mountains, but also the Catskills.
Honestly, the challenges I’ve considered all seem rather daunting.
I have many incomplete lists involving high peaks, fire towers, and waterfalls.
Attainable Goals.
It makes sense for me to take on hiking challenges in the Adirondack Mountains because I can get to the Adirondack Park fairly easily year round.
Participating in this winter hiking challenge was an amazing experience.
I loved planning the drives and hikes.
All winter long I had something to look forward to, keeping my cabin fever depression to a minimum.
frozen waterfalls
so peaceful
unfrozen water flowing beneath the
sculpted ice with unique formations
rushing and roaring
echoing so hollow
so beautiful
so surreal
Honestly, getting out in the woods and breathing in the delicious, crisp winter air is an amazing way to spend a day.
Roadside Falls
1. Jay Falls
It was so beautiful here.
2. Wilmington Flume Falls
In classic Alicen fashion, I looked up deaths at this location right before trying to sleep, lol.
There’s been a few…
3. Monument Falls
It was nice way to end a day of chasing waterfalls.
4. Beecher Creek Falls
It was a cold and beautiful day!
Beecher Creek Falls – Historic Copeland Bridge
I had visited before.
I learned about Beecher Creek Falls from Dig the Falls, back in 2017.
Cute place.
Glad I got to go back.
5. Falls of Carillon/LaChute River Walk
I don’t know what I was expecting, but I had an amazing day once I got the courage to leave the house.
A solo trip to a waterfall up north.
I basically drove up the west side of Lake George, until I got to the river that flows between Lake George and Lake Champlain.
It was fun walking around.
I wish I had looked at a trail map while I was there.
I would have walked the entire length, I certainly had the time.
6. Mill Park Falls
I wish I had worn boots!
Also, I really wish I was better at taking pictures of frozen falls.
7. Rockwell Falls
The narrowest point on the Hudson River.
8. Rainbow Falls at Ausable Chasm
9. Anderson Falls
10. Wadham’s Falls
3 more waterfalls!
Completing my goal for Roadside Waterfalls.
I didn’t think I’d get this far.
Modest Hikes
1. Falls on Clay Meadow Trailhead
We hiked up.
It was fun.
Then, we hiked back down to the bottom of the falls and it was truly rewarding.
Just starting to freeze for the season, we watched and listened to the water for a while.
2. Northwest Bay Brook Falls
100% worth seeing.
3. Roaring Brook Falls
Roaring Brook Falls from the bottom, beautiful!
The view from the top of the falls, beautiful!
The sight of it from the road?
Wow!
We hiked to the top of that?!
I loved this day with my husband so much!
4. Auger Falls
It was a cold and beautiful day!
Auger Falls!
Wow!
Loved this hike with my husband.
Magical!
But also very scary.
Maybe even terrifying.
The angle and the power of the water was spectacular!
For the briefest moment, my husband and I saw a little rainbow in the icy waterfall spray.
And just as quickly as we noticed the rainbow, it was gone.
5. Shelving Rock Falls
My last waterfall hike, completing the ADK Snow Falls Challenge!
This place is beautiful to visit any time of year, but winter is best!
Challenging Hike
1. Tenant Creek Falls aka Hope Falls
Is it even a challenging hike if I don’t cry?
I cried.
Twice.
Classic Alicen.
In the end, I had a great day hiking with my husband.
My husband joined me for all of the hikes, and some of the roadside falls.
All photos were taken by me or my husband.
Expedition Midlife created the winter waterfall challenge.
All information about the hiking challenge is on their website.
I had the best time accomplishing this hiking challenge, and would like to be able to visit the rest of the waterfalls listed on the ADK Snow Falls Challenge.
My Patch
When I need information about a waterfall in New York, I visit Dig the Falls website first.
Most of the hikes I needed my micro-spikes, and maybe two hikes I needed my snowshoes.
Winter in the Adirondacks can be moody so it’s best to always be prepared with appropriate winter gear.
Always check the weather before heading out for a hike.
Stay hydrated.
Alicen Kym Hutcheson
the purpose of Wistful Wanderings is to share my experiences
photos, stories, poems
facts I learn, how I feel
hiking, traveling, wandering
wondering
- Learn more about Alicen here: About the Author