Western Adirondack Backpack Trip

Overnight Backpack Trip in the Adirondacks

The less than satisfactory backpack trip in July left me wanting to do another trip, but closer to home. I decided on an overnight trip in the Adirondacks, but away from the very popular high peaks region. This trip took me to the McKeever parking area (kiosk shown below),

Sign at McKeever Parking Area

Start of the trail

Trail Sign

I had feared this might be a very popular spot on a Saturday but only a few cars were parked here. But after having just parked someone else came up as I was getting ready for my hike (putting on boots, getting my trekking poles ready and my pack on). They were obviously only out for a day-hike and basically ignored me. The trail was wide and level for a time. After awhile the trail came to a junction with the trail to Bear Lake while the main trail continued on towards Woodhull Mt. This was a nice trail and I soon stopped for lunch. After lunch I reached Bear Lake after not too much more hiking. There were some views through the trees, but I waited for a clearer view to take a picture.

Bear Lake

After Bear Lake, the trail became more cluttered, i.e., there was more downed branches and twigs on the trail. I tried to clear these off the trail as best I could. This slowed me down a bit, but I knew I would appreciate it on the way back. I believe this stretch of trail is referred to as the Nejeer Hill trail. After awhile I reached the junction with the Woodhull jeep trail, i.e., a barely jeep drive-able trail.

Trail Junction

 Fifteen minutes in I reached the location of a hunting camp. The trail became more road like from here, although only a bit. Not too much longer I reached the junction with the Gull Lake trail. I soon met a family (with fishing poles), including their dog. I had thought if I did not have enough time to proceed further I would stop here to camp, but I was doing fine on time and so went on. Near the lake I met another woman with two dogs, she remarked this was her favorite part of the trail. I kept walking on, this part of the trail was, like the Nejeer Hill trail, more cluttered with tree limbs or branches. It was also wetter in spots. The worst was avoided by a trail detour (the main trail was focused on snowmobiles, many trails in this region accommodated snowmobiles).

On the Gull Lake trail

The walking on this trail was reasonable, aside from the wet spots. After some  more walking I reached the trail junction for the trail to Chubb Pond, my intended destination.

Junction With Chubb Pond Trail

I was getting tired at this point so this trail junction was a welcome sight. The trail eventually started descending so I could tell it was approaching the pond. After a steady descent I reached the pond and an established campsite, but not the lean-too.  As I was tired I decided this was a good spot to camp at. The location was right on the pond, it would have been very hard to ask for a nicer location to spend the night. After setting up my backpacking hammock and having my dinner I went into the pond to cool off. It seemed like a good idea to cool off and help prevent any dehydration issues. I took care of my usual evening camping duties (hanging the food bag, getting the sleeping bag ready, gathering fire wood) before starting a campfire. I took the following video of a beaver swimming in the pond (you can see a loon briefly also).

The fire ring was large enough to support a decent campfire which I took advantage of. I enjoyed sitting by the campfire and listening to the wildlife, like the beaver swimming in the pond or a nearby loon. And just sitting and thinking was nice too.

My Evening Campfire

The moon rise inspired the following photo.

Moon Rise Over Chubb Pond

I slept reasonably well, not too hot or too cold. The next morning I did not really want to get up but knowing I needed to make a reasonable start I did. I did take video before leaving. Below is just a portion of it.

This campsite, like several on the Northville-Placid Trail, was hard to leave. But, leave I did, taking the same route out as in, except at the junction to the Gull Lake trail where I instead headed to the left. This direction also ended up at the Woodhull jeep trail but further west. This was a little longer in distance but easier trail to walk. The walking was easy enough although there was an intermittent light mist of rain. I kept a steady pace up to the jeep trail where there were a few cars parked at the Bear Creek parking area. I walked down the jeep trail, also at a steady pace, saw a few people walking in the opposite direction and eventually arrived at the hunting camp. From here it was a quick walk to the junction with the Bear Lake trail. Thanks to my trail clearing activity the day before the walking was quicker and I arrived at the campsite on Bear Lake for a break. I had my lunch while there. I did notice the fire ring had warm coals which was a no-no. I doused these with water to prevent any chance of a forest fire. After my break I headed on again. I again kept a steady pace eventually reaching the junction with the wide Woodhull Mt trail. At that point I knew it would not take long before reaching the parking area. I did pass another couple that was also on the way out. I did not speak to them other than to say hello. After a little more walking I reached my vehicle.

This was a much more enjoyable trip than my July trip and one I would recommend to others.