Pilot Knob Ridge

First Winter's Snow

2009-12-06T18:10:00.002-05:00

I went up to Pilot Knob Ridge today and was treated to beautifully snow encrusted trees for the entire day. The water fall was flowing well for this time of year and walking all the trails was a real pleasure. What is nice about this time of year with all the leaves are down you can see the Lake at a few more points than during the summer. Even when it is cold out, this little preserve is fun to hike alone or with friends.

PKR Fall 2009

2009-10-25T20:06:00.002-04:00

Went up to Pilot Know ridge today on a beautiful fall day. I was fortunate in that the day before it rained all day so the water fall was full and running free.

Now I went up to place more markers on the orange trail as I have had reports of people loosing the trail with all the leaves down. One thing that I would like to point out, and for you to look for when you hike at the PKR. When you see a double maker, that means there is a turn or bend in the trail and you need to look ahead and see the next trail maker. This is important for the next couple of weeks as the last of the leaves are falling as there are section of the orange trail that become hard to see.

The preserve was really beautiful today and it looked like there where a few people enjoying the wonderful fall weather.

Fall Foiliage 2009

2009-10-20T21:38:00.002-04:00

I think that although the leaves are falling, there are some still left and a hike up the PKR would be a nice way to experience it. Also, for the next few weeks before the snow gets deep, the PKR offers a nice place to go and enjoy the fall woods. It is fun watching the squirrels scurrying around hiding their acorns.

One note, while hunting is not permitted on the PKR, still wear red or orange and do not wear brown or white anywhere. In the past two years I have only seen one hunter on the PKR and he was passing through to a location off PKR property and his gun was unloaded and the breech opened. Still use caution this time of year.

Fall Foliage

2009-10-04T18:01:00.002-04:00

For the next two weeks Pilot Knob Ridge will be a great place to view Lake George at the height of its fall foliage glory. The trails are in great shape and the trails have been remarked.

Go and hike the PKR and more.

Trails Ready for Fall 2009

2009-09-15T21:00:00.002-04:00

Leaf peepers, I hope you visit the Pilot Knob Ridge to take in some of the views during this leaf peeping season. Right now only a few trees are changing in the southeastern Adirondacks, but the change happens quickly. The trails are in good shape and I replaced the trail markers that the summer poachers removed.

Get out hike and have fun

Trails Clear

2009-07-26T13:55:00.002-04:00

I had a report of a tree down on the trail so I went up early today to do a quick assessment of the trail conditions and brought my ax to take care of the tree or trees. Well, there were a couple of small trees down, but nothing too bad and I was able to clear these without any trouble. So the trails are now a bit wet with all the rain, but they are clear and in good shape.

A couple of things to note. First is that the gazebo is being renovated and there is a park bench that was installed inside to help the hiker rest from the steep climb up. Also, a ways down the blue trail you will see a pine tree that was recently blown apart by a bolt of lightening. When you see it you will see the pieces of the tree laying radially around the trunk. I haven't seen that before. This tree was struck 200 yds from a where there were two trees hit last year. Must be something in the soil.

Need Time

2009-07-25T20:23:00.002-04:00

I have not had a chance to get up to Pilot Knob Ridge to check the trails. I did hear that there is a tree down on the blue trail so I plan on getting up there to remove as soon as I can. I did restock the Kiosk with trail maps.

More Drive Work

2009-06-25T22:40:00.002-04:00

Went up today to sidecut the drive getting it ready for a dedication ceremony the July. Finished and checked the rest of the trail network and found everything in order.

At the beginning of the blue trail the birds were very active even in the late morning. It is nice to hear the woods so active.

The falls was flowing, but even with the rain it was at medium capacity.

June Tail Work

2009-06-21T14:52:00.002-04:00

I have finally made it back up to Pilot Knob Ridge after making it through the long weekends I have had due to work. Today, I was asked to clear out the drive that is part of the orange trail in preparation for work that is going to be done at the Gazebo. I believe that a generous patron is donating a bench and funds to refurbish the gazebo and the LGLC needs the drive clear so they can get materials up and people up for the dedication in July.

I removed two rock cairn that I placed in the drive where the drive turn off into the woods. I also removed two downed tree and a few leaning trees that would interfere with the drive up. Anyhow the drive is clear as is the rest of the orange trail as I found a couple of downed trees on the way down.

For me a good way to spend a couple of hours on Father's Day

Red Eft Sighting

2009-05-17T19:47:00.002-04:00

Went up today after Saturday night's rain storms and high wind gusts to check and see how the new waterbar drained and to check for any blowdown. I was very pleased to find that all the trails are clear and that the new waterbar worked perfectly. I even checked the grade of the channel with a hand level and everything was fine. I was worried that a lip at an edge of a drop off would have to be cut but it is not an issue.

On the way up on a cool breezy Sunday morning I spotted my first red eft newt of the season. He looked cold, but he was out.

While I was up there I also did a little sidecutting to make the trails easier to follow.

Remember if it is cool and breezy the bugs will stay away...well unless they are real hungry.

The waterfalls was gushing today with all the rain that we had. I had to stop a moment and just watch.

Kiosk Full

2009-05-16T15:10:00.003-04:00

I did not have time to hike today, but I stopped by and refilled the kiosk with newsletters and a bunch of trail guides. Enjoy the hike and please contact me if you notice any problems

Matt kinghtbaker63@yahoo.com

Thanks

Cool and Breezy Mother's Day but...

2009-05-10T11:22:00.002-04:00

...No bugs!!!!! Got up early today and cruised the PKR to check on the new waterbar I installed earlier in the year. I needed to hurry to get home in time to make breakfast for my wife. The trails look great and the waterbar seems to be doing what it is supposed to, so a good day.

Besides a spring day without black flies the wild flowers are more prevalent and I saw an owl take off in from of me for an added bonus. I saw him on the last switchback to the right as you head to the falls on the B tr.

The waterfalls is flowing nicely with the recent rains so take your mother for a little hike today.

Beautiful Day to be Out

2009-04-19T15:55:00.002-04:00

If you were not hiking today in the southern Adirondacks all I have to say is What's Wrong With YOU!!!!!!!! Today I went up to the PKR to remove a downed tree and to put a stone water bar in place to help with water drainage.

Hiking through the trails up to my work zone I walked between a pair of wood peckers pecking away. I also flushed a ruffed grouse on another part of the blue trail, with the warm weather and with the leaves still in bud it is easy to see all the birds fliting around. Great time to go bird watching.

I stopped both when on the way up and on the way down, at the gazebo and looked at the beautiful view. There was not a boat on the lake and the lake itself was a deep clear blue.

So all in all it was a good day to be on Pilot Knob Ridge.

The Adirondack Almanack is four years old this week.

2009-04-13T20:13:00.001-04:00

The Adirondack Almanack is celebrating it's fourth anniversary this week.

This website has a wealth of information both current and historical regarding the Adirondack region. If you have never been to this site stop by this week and check it out.

http://www.adirondackalmanack.com/

Gull Bay

2009-04-04T13:43:00.003-04:00

Today on another gorgeous rainy weekend day I took a spin at theLake George Land Conservancy's Gull Bay Preserve. I am happy to report that the trails are in excellent shape and that the Great Blue Heron are in their nests at the rookery at the end of the Orange and Yellow trails. Here are a couple of images from this beautiful preserve.

This is a very under used trail system with only a hand full of visitors since last August. Too bad to as this is a gem. An easy 2.25 mi. round trip. Wildlife in numbers.

Today I saw a doe, heron, wood ducks and ruffed grouse.

View from the lookout

Great Blue Heron in their summer home.

Why Rain Gear is so Important

2009-03-29T12:22:00.002-04:00

I went up to Pilot Knob Ridge today in the rain to replace trail markers and to check a see how the water was draining off the trails. By doing this I was able to identify four locations where I will have to install a waterbar and by doing this I was able to figure a better way to fix one location that has been on my list for a few months.

A little perk of this job is you are out in the woods during some real pleasant times. The woods were quiet and the animals were actually moving and active, and since the woods are so quiet I was able to move closer to them, than I usually do. Even though it was pouring it was a pleasure to be out in the woods. You should already have some rain gear with you anyway, if you don't the predictable unpredictable Adirondack weather will make sure you have some with you. If you have some decent gear you will be able to comfortably go out on less than perfect days and see the woods from a different perspective. Always remember to watch your footing and beware of thunder...thunder bad.

Trails are clear!!

2009-03-22T13:54:00.003-04:00

I just arrived back from a nice hike on the PKR trails and I am happy to inform everybody that the parking lot is clear, the trails are clear and there is a lot of wildlife up there to be observed. Just watch out for a few icy spots.

From the Gazebo you can watch the crazy late season fishermen still trying. You also can see all the pressure ridges and weak spots in the ice on Lake George. The ice will be leaving soon, not soon enough for me.

By the way the waterfall is magnificent!!!!!

Wonderful Winter

2009-01-11T16:38:00.002-05:00

I went up today to check on the condition of Pilot Knob Ridge and to be honest with my mini van I could not park far enough off the road to be safe and I didn't feel comfortable pulling into the unplowed parking area. The was a 4-wheel drive in the lot with plenty of ground clearance.

So I didn't have a chance to snowshoe, I did check the kiosk and it was stocked,

Please us your head when parking. If the shoulder gets plowed there is enough room for a couple of cars to park, but please do not block any or our neighbor's driveways.

Just Back From Vacation

2009-01-03T13:54:00.003-05:00

I just returned from a 2 week vacation to Fl that is why this blog has been so quiet. I drove so I need some time to recover. I think that I may take a run up to the PKR next week to see how the snowshoeing is. Until then...

Leave No Trace Part 3 DISPOSE OF WASTE PROPERLY

2008-12-07T15:43:00.002-05:00

DISPOSE OF WASTE PROPERLY! Well that is clear enough and the State of New York has been hammering this home for years with their Carry it in:Carry it out slogan. Most people who hike at Pilot Knob Ridge do just that. I have been a steward for over an year now and I have only taken a couple of small grocery bags off the preserve, and most of that was from picking up the parking lot.

So trash we are good, but what about toilet paper? Pack it out????????? Well this is an option that is the most preferred by the avid followers of the Leave no trace philosophy. But I know that this is not really an option that most of us are at this time willing to practice. The good news is that here in the moist Northeast we do not have to pack out our TP. The option here is to bury it. This means walking off the trail a bit and digging a 7 inch cat hole and burying everything when done. The most important thing is to place natural leave litter over the disturbed area so nobody knows you were there. You are supposed to do this 150' away from a steam or body of water. Yes I know that this is more of a pain for the ladies, but please remember that TP is visible for months after it is left on the ground and this is the single most garbage item that I have to take care of when I walk the trails. Have a kit with you that consists of a plastic shovel, tp and hand sanitizer. Taking a few extra moments will make the wideness experience that much better.

One little bit of advice. When traveling in the back country on trails other than the LGLC preserves, you will find privies at trailheads, lean-to's and some tent sites. Use these first! Bring a paper toilet liner with you and if it is bad, you know what I mean, throw a little leaf litter on to the mess. That may help a bit.

Brrrrrrr....

2008-11-23T13:17:00.002-05:00

I took a friend up on the PKR trails on a frosty late November day. It was his first time up and I think that he enjoyed his hike. This little preserve has a way of growing on you.

I didn't see anyone and only saw a few squirrels and a late in the season chipmunk. That was a little surprising as they usually are are all tucked in for a long winters nap by now. With the cold snap that we are having the ground is frozen solid, so the flurries that have fallen over the past couple of days have stuck in isolated pockets creating some beautiful scenes.

The waterfall is stunning as it is an ice falls already!!!! Last your it was flowing free into late December.

Looking out from the Gazebo, we could see that Warner Bay was frozen from shore to shore to the 5 mph zone. I feel bad for one pontoon boat owner, whose boat is frozen solid in the Lake. It was nice at the Gazebo as the air was crystal clear and we could see north far into the Adirondacks. You can see that the snow guns were blazing on Gore. I hope that the ski areas have a good year. The irony will not be lost on me if this year turns out to be one of the best for snow, but no one has any money for a ski pass.

Use care on the trails as there are a couple of icy spots, but other than that there are no issues effecting you travels on the PKR.

Leave No Trace Part 2

2008-11-07T20:44:00.006-05:00

2. TRAVEL AND CAMP ON DURABLE SURFACES Hike in the middle of the trail; stay off of vegetation.Camp in designated sites where possible.In other areas,
don't camp within 150 feet of water or a trail.

While camping is off limits on Pilot Knob Ridge, making sure that you stay on the trail is the important thing to take from this rule. The trails on the PKR are, even in the wet season good, but even when there is water on the trails you still want to stay in the trail's thread. I know, who wants to walk through the mud? However, keeping in the trail's thread is important in keeping the trail from widening past it's intended width. You will notice on very busy, wet trails that there will be areas where a 3 foot wide trail widens to 6 or more feet to avoid a wet area on the trail. This will cause the wet area to increase in size as hikers try to keep their feet dry and becomes a vicious cycle. So if you think that you will be slogging through some early spring hiking you will want good water proof foot gear and gaiters to keep you pants dry. You may find that depending on the time of year that you may have over prepared for the hike, but when you are hiking a trail for the first time it is best to be prepared.

Also, do not cut switchbacks to shorten your walk. This is a problem that we continue to have on the Orange trail near the driveway. There are two heard paths that if they are allowed to continue will end up causing the trail to eroade faster as the water from the hill is beginning to run straight down the herd path. remember that Leave No Trace means that you do not want to create a new path.

Leave No Trace

2008-10-25T19:40:00.002-04:00

I have been doing a little research and thinking about the principals of Leave No Trace. The way they are written they are met to be applied to a variety of situations. I thought it would be good to take each of the 7 principals and see how they should be applied to our Pilot Knob Ridge Preserve. I also will break this down into seven parts.

1. PLAN AHEAD AND PREPARE Know the regulations and special considerations for the area you'll visit.Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies. Travel in groups of less than ten people to minimize impacts.

This is fairly straight forward. At PKR there are only a few rules, but there are some.

No Hunting
Please stay on the marked trails.
Please be courteous of other guests at the preserve.
Please do not harass or harm any of the plants or animals found at the preserve.
No removal of plants or animals without permission.
No camping, littering, fires, motorized or non-motorized recreational vehicles allowed on the preserve.
Leashed dogs are permitted except at the Gull Bay Preserve due to its ecological sensitivity.
Please park only in the preserve’s designated areas. If all spaces are full, please reschedule your visit. Do not park on neighboring properties.

Now you know. Many of these are tied into the other 6 principles as we will see later.

While this trail system is only four miles long, you don't have pack for the high peaks, it still is a good idea to bring along a couple of snacks, something warm to put on, a first aid kit and some water. just because you never know. In general it is always good over prepare within reason. My father always used to say that you cannot put on what you don't bring.

It is always better hike with someone even on a small preserve like the PKR again for safety's sake. If you don't, this is something that I am guilty of, you should always let someone know where you are and when to expect you back. This is very important. When I go up, solo to do tail work, my wife knows where, when, and how.

That is it for the first principal. As you can see this may be adapted and expanded to where you are going.

Fall at Pilot Knob Ridge

2008-10-19T11:27:00.003-04:00

Finally made it up to the PKR after a month away. I missed this little preserve. I took some pics for you to enjoy.

You can see the mist on Lake George as there was frost on the pumpkin and the water is still a balmy 60 F. Anyone want to go swimming?

Here is a good example of why it is a good idea to hike at different times of the year. This is a 30 foot high rock face that is obscured when the leaves are out, but is as clear as day when the leaves have dropped. Another little feature of this marvelous preserve.

Here is a shot that shows some of the color this young hardwood forest offers.

Shot from the gazebo at early morning.

Here is an example of how the trail can disappear in the fall. You are looking up a well trod section of the blue trail and it is almost gone. If you look close in the picture you can see the blue trail markers. At this time of year it is good to keep a close eye on the trail markers. During the fall season sometimes the trail can vanish. This is also why you will notice that the PKR trails are a little over marked. There is a reason to our madness...sometimes.

Anyway the trails are great and this is a good time to be outside. Cool weather and no bugs. Also you can enjoy the army of grey squirrels scurrying through the leaves burying there acorns for winter use.

"Early Bird Gets the Worm"

2008-10-12T13:28:00.002-04:00

I am soo embarrassed. This is probably one of the busiest hiking weekends in the Adirondacks and I had planned on putting in a waterbar on the blue trail above the waterfall. I got up late and when I reached the parking lot at 9:30 it was full with no legal place to park.

I always get up early and never am on the trail later than 8:00 am. My mistake. I feel bad as I have not been on the PKR for three weeks and I am having withdrawals. I know that through this month that there is still a Stewards Assistance making sure the trails are in good shape at all the preserves, but still I was looking forward to going. Next week then.

I did make sure the kiosk was filled with guides and such.