Paul D: ADK 46R Finale-Mount Colden via Avalanche Pass

Let's all join our good friend and Hike-Brother Paul D as he completes his ADK 46R journey. Finishing the ADK Journey in shoulder season is an extra special accomplishment, as the trails move towards winter conditions.

Mount Colden is the 11th highest of the Adirondack High Peaks. It is a steep, serious hike that requires significant preparation. A successful hike of Mount Colden involves research, physical fitness, the right gear and knowledge

HIKE PLAN
Meet at The ADK LOJ Parking (Heart Lake) at 7:00am. We will take the Van Hoevenburg trail out to Marcy Dam, to the Avalanche Pass trail and at the fork with the Lake Arnold trail, we will stay right on the Avalanche Pass trail. We then hike along Avalanche Lake and on the Hitch-up Matilda out to Lake Colden, until we see the Mount Colden trail, here we make a left and climb up to the Mount Colden Sumit where Paul D will complete his ADK 46R journey. After a short celebration we will continue over Mount Colden on the L-Morgan Porter trail, passing Lake Arnold and making a Left on the Lake Arnold trail and continue until we hit the Avalanche Pass trail where we make a right and then retrace our steps back to Marcy Dam and the LOJ parking area (Heart Lake).

Hike Length=13.2 miles
total EG=3,087'
Route type=Loop with a stick

There will be a celebration Saturday night at our ABB for all hikers once we return from the Mount Colden hike.

We encourage everybody to bring a pot-luck item for the celebration/dinner that we will share together

Sunday, if the weather is nice, some of us may decide to hike a shorter peak, after breakfast before we head home.

****The ADK mountains at this time of year can experience "full on" winter conditions**** and you must be prepared; with moisture wicking layering systems, Goretex hard shell, mid layers, base layers, insulated boots, gloves, hat, balaclava, goggles, hand warmers and extra clothes/socks, hiking poles, headlamp and the 10 essentials of hiking. If you do not know the 10 essentials of hiking this hike is not for you.

***!!! foot traction, Microspikes are a must to have in your pack for this hike***!!!

***!!! foot traction, Microspikes are a must to have in your pack for this hike***!!!

***!!! head lamp is a must for this hike***!!!

You must bring enough hydration and calories to support your physical effort on this hike.

You must be in good physical condition, have hiked recently a hike as demanding as this one, and you must know your limitations. There are no guides on this hike and there will be NO sweep. We do our best to hike together, however the faster hikers or not obligated to stay with the slower hikers. As the weather turns colder it is not possible to wait for long periods of time for slower hikers to arrive at certain destinations along the hike route.

You must carry a navigation system, maps, compass, and/or any device & have the skill to keep you on course, know your whereabouts, areas of topo and keep you from getting lost.

***!!! would you be able to get yourself off Mount Colden in socked-in or white-out conditions??***!!!

** NOTE: You are responsible for yourself and what equipment you bring, but it will be assumed and expected that you have the relevant map, a compass and a working GPS device on you during this hike, and that you are not so foolish as to come on this hike without them and the knowledge to use them. If you find yourself alone for one reason or another, will you have the tools & knowhow necessary to navigate the ADK High Peak area)? It will be assumed and expected that you do if you sign up for this hike & that you read the liability waiver on the Hudson Valley Hiker Group website & about page

** If you're signing up for this hike, it's expected that you're an experienced "Shoulder Season" hiker and have experience in snow/ice/treacherous conditions, that you know what equipment/supplies you need, that you're responsible for yourself, and that no one else is responsible for you or for making sure you have proper equipment/supplies.