Schenectady Wintersports Club

HIKING

2026 FALL HIKES WITH MIKE

As our evenings grow colder and the sun sets earlier, I along with many of you may begin to think again of the changing seasons. As summer wains, the excitement towards fall and winter grows! I thought I'd share a few day-hikes and activities with you so that you may join if interested. 

Sunday, September 27, 2026

I'll be turning my sights towards the High Peaks Wilderness for this one. Already having planned to be in the area for the Oktoberfest at Whiteface, might as well climb up a big lump of pretty rocks, too! The plan is to hike Algonquin, and maybe Wright or Iroquois. This will require an early arrival at Heart Lake, as it is typically very busy that time of year. 

Sunday, October 18, 2026

Lastly, a closer hike with great views (especially for the fall foliage) is Good Luck Lake and Cliffs in Arietta, NY. I was thinking a mid-morning start should give us plenty of time to enjoy the 3 mile round trip journey and still have time to visit one of the many apple orchards on the way back through Gloversville!

If any of these sound interesting to you, please join me! Reach out to me via email (mchlschaefer25@gmail.com) so that we can co-ordinate the finer details of exactly when and where. Emailing is also important as to adhere to DEC guidelines on group size (usually a maximum of 15 per party).

Otherwise, there are plenty of other great activities this fall and winter in SWC and I will see you around!

OTHER SWC HIKING RECOMMENDATIONS

Looking for some hiking ideas for all levels?  Here are some suggestions, for both Mountain Hikes and Nice Hikes submitted by Bill Schaefer.

Mountain Hikes

1. Crane Mountain - Great views! South of North Creek. You see this mountain very prominently from Top Ridge on Gore. 

This hike can also accommodate folks of different skills in the same party as it can be done as a loop of other trails on the mountain. 

https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/new-york/crane-mountain-via-crane-mountain-path

2. Gore Mountain - Schaefer Trail - Starts at the North Creek Ski Bowl. 

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/new-york/gore-mountain-via-schaefer-trail

Via lift service - For those that do not want a full climb, ride the Gondola or Adirondack Express and move to a well marked hiking trail to the summit. From the lift to the summit is about an hour.  

https://goremountain.com/todo/hiking/

3. Moxam Mountain - Just east of North Creek heading toward Minerva.  Also a distinctive view from the East exposures of Gore. 

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/new-york/moxham-mountain-trail

Nice hikes - Less of a climb

Hooper Mine/Balm of Gilead - Both of these are Public trails accessed from the Garnet Hill Lodge. Parking at the touring center. Many people do both.

The Hooper Mine is an abandoned mine crater and is terrific for views of 13th Lake and picking garnets on the ground. Great for kids. 

Balm of Gilead has a limited but great view of the Siamese Ponds Wilderness. 

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/new-york/balm-of-gilead-trail

After, stop in at the historic Garnet Hill Lodge for a meal or refreshment.