Adirondack Fall Foliage Car Camping and Hiking at Harris Lake

Details will be confirmed in August, and RSVPs will open in mid-August. Weekend trips are open to regular members in good standing.
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Fall in the Adirondacks is always spectacular! Come join us for a weekend of camping and hiking in the southern Adirondacks, which has better foliage and far fewer crowds than the High Peaks.

Hikes in the area are typically 5 miles and up, suitable for intermediate and advanced hikers. I've found that doing a couple of short hikes in different areas maximizes the foliage viewing. (See Andre's AllTrails list of nearby hikes.) There are several great lookout towers in the area that provide 360-degree views, and the high peaks are always an option if you want something longer.

A couple of important notes:

1. Hikes are member-organized. Everyone is expected to be able to read a map, follow a trail, and choose hikes within their fitness and ability. Depending on the attendees, we might split into two or more hikes. Do not count on someone more experienced or skilled than yourself to lead you.
2. You don't have a spot until you've paid for it and confirmed with me.

Logistics:

• Camping Location: Car-camping at the Harris Lake Campground with showers, toilets, BBQs, picnic tables, and canoe rentals. Max two tents and two cars per campsite.
• Food: BYO food and snacks. There is very little nearby, so bring all your food for the weekend. Mountain House dehydrated meals are a fine option.
• Cost: $25 per person for two nights of camping, paid to Andre
• Car & Tent Pooling: I'll post a WhatsApp link and Gsheet for assigned camp sites in September.
• General Rules: We are a low alcohol group. No RVs, generators, camper vans, etc. No dogs allowed.

Schedule:

• Friday: Leave as early in the afternoon as you can. It is 5-6 hours to the campground from NYC. Please try to arrive by 10 pm out of courtesy to other campers.
• Saturday: We'll rise early for our various hikes, BYO dinner at the campsite around a camp fire.
• Sunday: Generally a short hike before hitting the road in the afternoon.

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Camping Gear:

• Tent, or space in someone's tent
• Sleeping pad and sleeping bag suitable for the low 30s at night
• Stove, pots, and pan (check about sharing)
• Personal plate/spoon/cup, etc; toiletries, towel, and flip-flops for the shower; swimsuit (for the brave).

Hiking Gear:

• Standard day hiking gear: Waterproof boots suggested (trail shoes are not recommended in the ADKs), non-cotton clothing, sunscreen, bug spray, sunhat, sunglasses, rain gear, hiking poles, snacks, etc.
• Winter hat, gloves, and jacket, plus insulating layers to account for unpredictable fall mountain weather. If you plan on hiking one of the high peaks, bring microspikes and full winter clothing- Early October is usually the first real snow of the season.
• Maps of the region: National Geographic Adirondack High Peaks & National Geographic Northville, Raquette Lake
• GPS app with offline maps

Weather: Average hi/low: 70s/40s, might be in the 30s. The weather above the tree line is always worse. Mountain weather is often unpredictable, so plan accordingly.