ALGonquin Bob
Well-known member
So I was wrong... you didn’t need snowshoes last weekend. "ADK4487" and I hiked up Tabletop to get #44 for me. It was a nice change from my marathon hikes of the previous 2 weekends.
The VH trail from the ADK Loj was in excellent, dry condition all the way to Marcy dam. As we ascended the trail toward Indian Falls, it became wetter, and very wet on a well-defined herd path up to Tabletop. As we got closer to Indian Falls, there was a spine of snow up to 2 feet deep on the trail, but only in a few spots, and that was easily handled. Mostly, the trail was clear of any trace of snow, and just wet. As you leave the main trail at the large cairn, veer left onto the “obvious trail”. It is easy to follow all the way up. If you veer RIGHT at the beginning cairn, and step over the crossed sticks that “block” the fainter trail, you will enter a confusing network of old herd paths. After much wandering, you will find the main trail again. Don’t ask me how I know this.
The ascent is steady, and not too steep. After reaching the summit plateau, continue on the path until you reach the summit rock. There is a wooden sign proclaiming you have reached the top of Tabletop. Just a little beyond this, the trail drops to an area with good views of Haystack and Marcy.
I hereby proclaim that winter is over, and spring has sprung! Although, we did see a lot of snow remaining on the sides of Haystack and Marcy...
Flora and fauna report: Colt’s Foot (looks like dandelions) observed along the Loj road. Tiny white violets, little yellow Wood Lillies, and Red Trillium observed along the main Van Hoevenberg trail. We saw a toad and a snake. I’m happy to report that the toad didn’t croak, since the snake was much farther down the trail.
A personal note: This was the first Mothers’ Day since the passing of my beloved mother, Marianne, last May 21st. I thought that a mountaintop would be a good place to be this day. We had driven through rain the night before, and dark clouds enveloped the summits of all of the mountains as we approached. There were no views from the usual places on our ascent. As I stepped onto the summit rock, the clouds that had been obscuring the sky all day suddenly opened, and a ray of sunshine shone down on me. It was blue skies and sun the rest of the day. Mom always was concerned about my climbing. Now she can watch over me. Thanks, Mom. Happy Mothers’ Day.
The VH trail from the ADK Loj was in excellent, dry condition all the way to Marcy dam. As we ascended the trail toward Indian Falls, it became wetter, and very wet on a well-defined herd path up to Tabletop. As we got closer to Indian Falls, there was a spine of snow up to 2 feet deep on the trail, but only in a few spots, and that was easily handled. Mostly, the trail was clear of any trace of snow, and just wet. As you leave the main trail at the large cairn, veer left onto the “obvious trail”. It is easy to follow all the way up. If you veer RIGHT at the beginning cairn, and step over the crossed sticks that “block” the fainter trail, you will enter a confusing network of old herd paths. After much wandering, you will find the main trail again. Don’t ask me how I know this.
The ascent is steady, and not too steep. After reaching the summit plateau, continue on the path until you reach the summit rock. There is a wooden sign proclaiming you have reached the top of Tabletop. Just a little beyond this, the trail drops to an area with good views of Haystack and Marcy.
I hereby proclaim that winter is over, and spring has sprung! Although, we did see a lot of snow remaining on the sides of Haystack and Marcy...
Flora and fauna report: Colt’s Foot (looks like dandelions) observed along the Loj road. Tiny white violets, little yellow Wood Lillies, and Red Trillium observed along the main Van Hoevenberg trail. We saw a toad and a snake. I’m happy to report that the toad didn’t croak, since the snake was much farther down the trail.
A personal note: This was the first Mothers’ Day since the passing of my beloved mother, Marianne, last May 21st. I thought that a mountaintop would be a good place to be this day. We had driven through rain the night before, and dark clouds enveloped the summits of all of the mountains as we approached. There were no views from the usual places on our ascent. As I stepped onto the summit rock, the clouds that had been obscuring the sky all day suddenly opened, and a ray of sunshine shone down on me. It was blue skies and sun the rest of the day. Mom always was concerned about my climbing. Now she can watch over me. Thanks, Mom. Happy Mothers’ Day.
Last edited:
