The Adirondacks: A “Central Park for the World” right out our back door
The most recent issue of Adirondack Life arrived yesterday in the mailbox. The Editor’s note is titled,”Dirt Cheap”, and I am reminded, once again about how lucky we are to have this treasure, literally in our back yard. Elizabeth Folwell discusses other “National Parks” where there is a charge just for entering or parking. Not so with our State Park. She then writes:
You can stop at a roadside trailhead and hike deep into the backcountry without buying a permit. You can take your canoe or kayak to a public put-in and paddle away, no worries about a ticket. There are lean-tos and primitive camp-sites on trails and ponds that are there for the penniless, intrepid traveler.
It’s definitely a DIY kind of place for the thrifty oudoorsperson. There’s the reward of discovery, of finding a hidden spot, pristine and private. Any investment of human effort - sweat, aching muscles,a blister or two - pays dividends. Take stock here and you’ll find the real meaning of intangible assets.
Sbr wrote last week about the road in the high-peaks that was being reopened to motorized vehicles and more information can be obtained here at the Adirondack Almanac. The Almanac is well written and comprehensive in it’s content. The tone is progressive and one of my favorite links is Adirondack Musings - check it out for yourself.
So, in these times of economic hardship, it’s good to know that an inexpensive alernative exists for a vacation get-away just down the road. New York State really does have it all. Thanks Teddy!
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There are many state forests and other lands outside of the Adirondack Forest that are wonderful and free to use. The only lands that they charge for is State Parks, under OPRHP and only developed areas. Wilderness camping is avaliable throughout the state, along with many free primative camping areas, places to hike and explore. Some have even more developed, but free facilities, like Six Nations Horse Camp in Watkins Glen.
http://www.spatialwebhost.com/SLIM/default.aspx
Then again, the same can be said about federal lands. Finger Lakes National Forest locally, for example. Most of the National Forests out west allow free camping with minimal facilities. They have detailed road networks with thousands of mile of truck trail, and thousands of campsites across the nation.
Thanks, Andy. That’s good to know. I had never heard of the Six Nations Horse Camp. Who knew?