Adirondack Backpacking-Avalanche Pass to Lake Golden: 20 km-Thanksgiving weekend

If hiking and backpacking is your religion(like mine:) than this trip is a perfect Thanksgiving Escape from a traditional "turkey all you can eat" approach.

AVALANCHE PASS TO LAKE COLDEN.

The trail through Avalanche pass is the most spectacular route in the Adirondacks. Sheer rock walls rise directly out of water on both sides of Avalanche Lake, and the trail is forced to wind among large boulders and even cross 2 catwalks set into the rock face in order to negotiate this impressive terrain.

http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/6/d/8/3/600_441808035.jpeg

MANDATORY: Preliminary meeting on Oct 5, Monday at 7pm at 33 Singer Crt(Theater Room)

TRAIL OUTLINE

Starting from the ADK Loj we will hike to Lake Colden via Algonquin Peak-the 2nd highest Peak in Adirondacks(5114 feet). We will loop around Lake Colden(camp) and then return via Avalanche pass to Marcy Dam(camp) and back to parking at ADK Loj.

DIFFICULTY: Extreme. Very rough terrain, in some spots it takes 1 hr to cover 1mi(1.6km) section. Lots of elevation gain.

IMPORTANT: If you have never done any mountain hiking in the past: I suggest to think twice before joining any of the high peaks hikes. This is to not get anyone discouraged, but to insure everyone estimates their abilities realistically. Adirondacks are not for the faint of heart or spirit: these are really challenging mountaineering hikes.

EQUIPMENT: Ultralight Backpacking with total pack weight no more then 8kg(18lb).

ITINERARY:

Day 1 Friday

6pm-Leave Toronto. Stop at a Motel along the way for the night.

Day 2 Saturday

9am- 6pm. Arrive at ADK Loj trailhead. Pay for overnight parking and head onto the trail. Hike 10km to Lake Colden. Set up camp, rest for the night.

DAY 3 Sunday

8am -6pm After breakfast, hike 5 km through Avalanche pass to Marcy Dam. Set up camp. Rest for the night.

DAY 4 Monday

7am- Hike 5km back to ADK Loj parking. Take showers.

10am -Depart for Toronto

5pm- Arrive back to Toronto

BUDGET:

Carpool: $45(per person, based on a total of 6 passengers)*

Motel: $30-$70(depending on whether you want to share a room.

Parking: $30 USD( for 3 days)divided among all participants

Meetup fee: $5 per person*

Showers at ADK Loj: 25c per 1 min. $1 is sufficient for a quick shower.

Dine out-extra$

Prepay: $50CAD*

TRANSPORTATION:

Pls Join the Carpool: http://www.groupcarpool.com/t/wau6ci

ALL OF MY EVENTS: No smoking, no drugs, if you choose to consume alcohol outside of the hikes: know your limits and stay within it.

BEST SEASON TO HIKE ADIRONDACKS: Fall.The bugs are gone, the air is cool, and the color of the leaves, well, they'll make you stop what you're doing and make you think you'd gone to heaven.

To see pictures from our previous Adirondacks Trip please go to: https://www.meetup.com/GTA-TEAM-Outdoor-Extreme/photos/26392854/