ovewhelmed-need advice

[Maddy]

I read all your posts about the DAKS and you have sparked my interest. I would love to explore them but I feel quite overwhelmed looking at the Atlas and my very large map.
I backpacked in the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness and loved it but I would love to "car camp" somewhere in the High Peaks region.
My dog Kodi will accompany me so I need a dog friendly area and I prefer well marked trails. Foliage should be peaking so the more visuals the better.
I also prefer state and national parks campgrounds to private.
Showers would be nice because it will be a 10 day excursion but not essential.
I am not averse to having a "base camp" and driving to different areas for the day.
Thanx.

 

[Rivet]

Many State campgrounds close after Labor Day. There are a few that are open until mid-October.
Check out this web site...

http://www.dec.state.ny.us/website/do/camping/index.html

Wilmington Notch near Lake Placid is open until Columbus Day.

You can hike almost anywhere in the high peaks with your dog. The notable exception being hikes originating from AMR. This eliminates Sawteeth, Colvin, Blake, Dial and Nippletop (or makes them unduly hard if you start from another trailhead ).

One hike I would recommend would be to do a loop over the Brothers and Big Slide mountain.

 

[rdl]

A prime location as a base camp for many day trips is the Heart Lake campground at the Adirondack Loj property off Rt 73.

Try http://www.adk.org/ad_wilderness/index.aspx

 

[crazymama]

I would also recommend the campground at the ADK Loj at Heart Lake. It's open year round, is dog-friendly, has hot showers and is the starting point for numerous high peaks. Although its not a state campground, its owned by the Adirondack Mountain Club, and isn't your typical private campground (most of the other customers have come to hike, just like you.)

For fall foliage views, I would agree that Big Slide over the Brothers is a very nice hike (will need to drive to the trailhead). Another nice fall foliage hike is Rocky Peak Ridge starting from Route 9 in New Russia. A long hike, but over a beautiful exposed ridge with views all along the way.

You mention only having an Atlas and a map. I would recommend picking up a copy of the Guide to Adirondack Trails: High Peaks Region, edited by Tony Goodwin, which I have used for years as my hiking bible for the High Peaks. At the beginning of each section it gives a list of short, moderate, and harder hikes which is kind of nice if you're not familiar with the area. It also has a topographical map included. You can pick one up at the High Peaks Information Center adjacent to the ADK Loj campground, if you decide to stay there.

Have fun!

 

[car]

last time I stayed at heart lake the showers were not working, are they working now? Thanks, Carolyn

 

[crazymama]

Both showers (in the Information Center) were working beautifully on August 21. I had me one LONG HOT shower, cost me two bucks in quarters.

They also have showers in the campground bathhouse--I don't know the status of these currently. I know that those particular showers close sometime in the fall/winter. If they are still open, those are free for campers.

 

[Maddy]

Thanks to those who responded.
I have a reservation at Wilmington Notch but will check the camping at Loj on the way up or back. I also purchased the Ntl.Geo. map of the High Peaks and bought the Goodwin book that you recommended.
I joined the Adk Mt Club because everything is cheaper and it will be a good way to get acquainted with the area. They have been very helpful to.
Your advice was greatly appreciated and I look forward to a wonderful adventure.
Happy trails to all.