Trails Less Traveled

Cloud-shrouded outlook part way up Bald

I am a new enthusiast of Bald Mt in Old Forge, having climbed it for the first time last January! A week ago, I decided to join the thousands who eagerly climb its one mile ascent to savor the fall foliage of the lake and Old Forge below. The ridge spine you hike along near the top was very different from the snow padded ridges I climbed last January - even with last year's dearth of snowfall. The spines seemed a lot narrower and could be a wee bit intimidating for those who are not part mountin goat. The trail up the mountain was muddy and slippery with leaves after a week or some on-again, off-again rainfall - but then mud and slippery trails are all part of the normal Adirondack experience!

Despite an overcast day with some sprinkles of rain, the sun peaking out only for a few minutes, the views were worth the climb. There were not the crowds one would find on a fall weekend, but there were several differnt groups of climbers, including some with younger children. The Rondaxe Fire Tower, part of the "ADK Fire Tower Challenge" sits atop the mountain for those daring enough to climb even higher. But you can thoroughly enjoy the mountain top even if you don't climb the tower, just wandering around the mostly rocky summit for different views.

I think I might have joined the crowd of those who making climbing Bald Mt. part of their annual fall celebration!

Almost to the top...

Along the trail