Back from the Rough
By John Bidell
Ellen and I are enjoying our new found golf opportunities. Funny, with more play you would expect a more consistent and better round. Well, sometimes yes, and sometimes no. Golf season is like my snowboard season, by the last day I have finally figured out what I want to do and of course, have moved on to the next season.
We are up in Chestertown every weekend and I wanted to share some nice reasonable hikes that we think are great. Stewart mountain is a nice easy climb and is located off of White Schoolhouse road in Chestertown. Great view of Gore from the top as you look down on Loon Lake. When you get back to the car, you are ready for the next short hike. Kipp mountain is another great little hike and is about 1.5 miles north, taking the first right back on White Schoolhouse.
Now you have two mountains of the Chester challenge down. If you plan these hikes on a Friday afternoon, at 5, you can head to the food trucks at Brant Lake. Try the double cheeseburger on french toast. If the ride down the Northway doesn’t suit you, check out the camping on one of Schroon Lakes three state campgrounds.
Schroon Lake has some great spots for breakfast, and after homemade corned beef hash at Pitkins, head to the day use area over at Paradox State Campground for some kayaking.
Wow, all this activity has made you thirsty, so a stop at Paradox Brewery is in order. As I write this article a pop up oyster bar is taking place. Check the website, but the pizza is always good.
One of my favorite beers in addition to Beaver Bite is, Get Off My Lawn.
Ok, time for an early night back at the campsite or if you are a day tripper, back down 87.
The last hike I like is the Hoffmans Wilderness Area accessed off of route 9, south of exit 29.
Nice walk not to steep, and easy to get back to Schroon Lake to stop at Flannigans for a beverage.
