Halloween Fall Foliage Weekend in the Adirondacks High Peaks!

Our annual leaf peeping event has become a staple of the NYC Backwoods! Join us for car camping in the Adirondacks High Peaks near Heart Lake, a great starting point for many ADK hikes. This event is great for advanced beginners (hikes regularly, 1.5 mile pace). All hikes will be a minimum of 10 miles RT. This weekend (Oct. 28-30) I'm looking to book two campsites at the Adirondacks LOJ and arrive before midnight on Friday night, with an early Saturday morning start for a dayhike and TBD activity on Sunday morning. Anyone is able to check in at LOJ after 2pm on Friday but note that the broader group should be arriving at night.

This weekend is open for serious hikers only (+1 guest). In order to RSVP you will need to:

1. Message me to let me know how you intend to get to the LOJ on Friday evening (including -> do you have a car, will you be driving up and able to offer a ride, or will you need to find a ride?)
2. After you've confirmed logistics, please Venmo or Paypal me $22 for (or $44 if bringing your partner/spouse/friend) the campsite reservation deposit. We'll have two campsites (12 person maximum).

The LOJ is a private, multi-faceted campground with a general store, restrooms and showers near the campground .

Many hikes can be done from LOJ , while others such as Wolfjaw, Gothics can be accessed via a short drive as dayhikes while returning to LOJ later on. Groups for Saturday's hikes can be decided on in the comments board in the days prior to the weekend or arranged with whomever you're travelling with.

Here are a few options for hikes close to LOJ:

• Wright, Algonquin & Iroquois (10.8 mi. R/T) - the LOJ trifecta!

• Street and Nye Mountains (9.6 mi. R/T) - climb two 46er peaks which do not have maintained trails to their summits.

• Skylight, Mt. Marcy, and Gray Peak (16.9 mi. R/T) - Marcy is the tallest peak in the ADKs.

• Phelps (8.5 mi. R/T) - This is a short climb from LOJ with wonderful views from summit ledges.

Come prepared for Fall/light Winter hiking.

• Hiking boots / trail shoes; Fleece jacket, compressed puffy jacket layer, rain layer and thermal layers to add or peel off as needed; Fleece or synthetic light gloves, Beanie or light winter hat or neck warmer if it gets cool; Moisture-wick socks and underwear; Gaiters / spack's for mud, plus a headlamp with enough batteries.
• Sleeping bag / 2 or 3-person tent for however many people you're bringing;
• Bring 2.5 - 3 liters of water for an extensive day hike (10 miles) plus electrolytes / Gatorade, Vitamin Water, etc.;
• Fruit / trail mix or Clif Bars, chocolate and light snacks (pretzels, almonds, etc.) are great on hikes plus a sandwich or any lunch items if you're in need of energy or a boost.
• For Saturday night we'll likely do an evening barbecue at the campsite at approx. 8pm or whenever most people have returned from their dayhike. Please bring whatever grilled meats or vegetarian items you'd like to have for dinner plus chips, salsa, hummus or any snacks you'd like to share.
• (*Optional) In years past we have encouraged folks to bring a pot luck side dish besides whatever you'd like to grill for dinner. We'll probably do the pot luck theme again this year so bring a mac n' cheese casserole, salad, veggie dish or a homemade pie if that's your jam!

*Autumn High Peak conditions: The temperature at the summit of the highest peaks can be as low as 20 (F) with windchill in late October. Be prepared even if it is 55 or 60 (F) at the base.

*Cost: $22/pp reserves your spot at the campsite from Friday - Sunday. Campsite spots are NOT guaranteed just based on a Meetup RSVP but when I receive your deposit for the campsite reservation.

Meetup Disclaimer: You agree when you sign up that you are responsible for your own preparedness and well-being and will hold no one else liable in case of injury or mishap. You agree not to hold the Organizer, Assistant Organizers, or any other members responsible for any injuries, mishaps, or any other situation that may happen at a planned event. Your attendance to an event signifies that you have read and accept the terms of this liability waiver. The complete liability waiver can be found on the PAGES (https://www.meetup.com/NYC-Backwoods-Adventurers/pages/Legal_Disclaimer-Waiver_of_Liability) section of this meetup site.

Covid-19 Disclaimer: If you are sick, experience cold/flu symptoms within several days of the LOJ weekend, or have been in close proximity with anyone that has tested positive for Covid within the preceding 10 - 14 days, we ask that you NOT attend the weekend and we won't hold anything against you and return your deposit. During the day we'll be socially distanced on hikes but at night we'll be in a communal setting around the campfire in close proximity of one another, so for everyone's safety in close proximity masks are encouraged but not a prerequisite. Common sense rules.