Rocky Peak Ridge - Water?

[WalksWithBlackflies]

I'm hiking Rocky Peak Ridge from Route 9... where is the last place I can filter running water? I don't want to filter from the stagnant "lake".

 

[BorealChickadee]

At the Stewart's!

Naw , just joking. But it might as well be! You'll cross a small stream a little less than a mile in from the trailhead. That's it!

It's one dry hike but awesome views all the way. This is a great autumn hike and probably pretty miserable if it's one of the really hot days we've been having lately. We went in October. Open hiking much of the way so vista after vista but no water.

 

[Gandalf]

I've been wondering myself if that Lake (Louise?) water is or isn't potable (last time I climbed RPR via Route 9 I hadn't yet invested in a filter). Does anyone have an idea about this?

 

[Pete_Hickey]

I've been wondering myself if that Lake (Louise?) water is or isn't potable (last time I climbed RPR via Route 9 I hadn't yet invested in a filter). Does anyone have an idea about this?

It supports life. It is filled with all kinds of critters, but I wouldn't drink from it without treating it. YMMV.

 

[Pete Hogan]

Marie Louise Pond

According to Barbara McMartin's, Discover the Northeastern Adirondacks,

the water is not safe to drink

. She also states earlier in the text that there is a small brook about an hour after leaving Bald Peak (heading west) but

in dry weather the brook can be completely dry

.

IMO, McMartin's publications have been fairly reliable, although I'm sure you will find many opinions that differ. Having been over this route several times.....I get thirsty just thinking about it.

However, if you are willing to pay the price of admission (water weight), it is one of the top three day trips in the High Peaks. The fall is a great time to traverse this route as the colors of the different varieties of Alpine mosses, sedges and other plants are spectacular. Also the loss of summertime haze and humidity make the views breathtaking (literally and figuratively).

 

[Neil]

Great responses. I'm planning on finishing my 46 on Rocky this fall when foliage is peak and hopefully under blue skies. Given the words "Rocky" and "Ridge" I always figured on hauling serious water poundage. Hiking it in the fall might require less water thanks to cooler temps.

 

[TCD]

I have filtered Lake Mary Louise water several times and not had any trouble. It's is easier than hauling water all the way up. I definitely wouldn't want to drink it unfiltered. It is very murky and has lots of suspended organics.

If you're going on to Giant, there is also sometimes water in the RPR/Giant col. In dry weather you might have to walk downstream.

If you're lucky, you'll catch Lake Mary Louise with the water flowers (lilies?) in bloom. Spectacular brilliant yellow flowers over a large portion of the little lake.

 

[BorealChickadee]

Just wanted to add that my avatar is taken on RPR with Giant in the background. Fabulous day in the fall. Neil, you won't regret finishing on RPR. Whereas we'll be most likely finishing on Allen or Couchie.

 

[grasshopper]

there is water( much beter than pond)about 1/3 way up rocky peak.when you look west from the last rock outcrop on bald you will see a large white rock slab.It is about 1/3 way up rocky peak and is about 50ft. x100ft. and level enough to camp on. the trail passes just to the left (south)of it curving around it.I use it as a land mark in the winter when the trail is snowed in.after you have passed this rock there is a small drainage off to the right if you stop and listen you can here it. I've pumped water there even during a drought. also as mentioned there is water in coll between rocky peak ridge and giant.round trip to giant and back is great all four seasons.the last few years if you leave very early in am during midweek you may see coyoties.I've seen quite a few and saw one sleeping in trail 2 years ago on summer solo run.
you get shown the light in the strangest of places if you look at it right.look right.

 

[TCD]

Saw a fox near Bald Peak running down alone a couple years ago. Beautiful bright red. Looked at me running up, was unafraid because it knew just how pathetically slow and fat I was compared to it. Took off and vanished when I was about 30 feet away.