4-6 Hour Hikes for Large Group?

RogerWang · 08-02-2012, 01:24 PM

Hello ADKHighPeaks Community,

I am coming to you all for some help. I have a staff retreat coming up for ~15 college age kids and I want to do a 4 to 6 hour RT hike somewhere in the Adirondacks. The group has a mix of experienced hikers and some who are out of shape and I haven't hiked too many trails out here. Does anyone know some trails with rewarding hiking and views for a large group, with out of shape hikers?

I am located near Saranac Lake, so hopefully nothing that is too far(an hour away) would be nice, but I'm flexible.

Any help is greatly appreciated!

-Roger

DackerDan · 08-02-2012, 01:38 PM

Be aware that there are homogeneous group size restrictions in the HPs. Read the DEC regs on this.

sbs · 08-02-2012, 01:43 PM

Just about to point that out DackerDan. The maximum group size for a day hike in the high peaks is 15 people. Here is a link that contains some "good to know" regulations.

ADK Hiking Info

What you do depends on fitness level and experience of the group. Do you wanna hike in the high peaks? or are you looking for areas outside of the high peaks?

RogerWang · 08-02-2012, 01:57 PM

Thanks for the information DackerDan and SBS. The group size will be either 14 or 15, I have some staff members who will not be able to attend the retreat, so I should be okay with DEC regulations on group size. Thanks for the link though, much appreciated.

To answer your question SBS, I would like to do a high peak but I am willing to do something outside of a peak, as long as it's challenging. Most of my staff with be athletic and could probably hike something like Whiteface without too many breaks. There are 2 or 3 on the staff who probably couldn't do the ~7 hour RT hike around Whiteface, so I'm wondering if there's something the average joe, who doesn't exercise too much and is slightly overweight, do and still be challenging enough for the others.

I know it's a tall order but that's why I came for help.

-Roger

sbs · 08-02-2012, 02:24 PM

The group is only going to be as fast as though 2-3. You can do Cascade/Porter. The athletic folks can do Cascade and then go on to Porter. Those 2 or 3 can hang out on Cascade.

You might also want to do Giant from Zander Scott trail. This trail is differentiated in that the ones who are "out of shape" can hang out at Giants Nubble or to the various lookouts while the others can continue on to the summit. I personally don't split up the groups I hike with but have never hiked with a group that large. Just something I don't feel comfortable doing on the trail. This trail is steep and will be challenging (at least on some level) to all those involved.

ScAtTeRbOnE · 08-02-2012, 05:51 PM

I would consider Hopkins via Mossy Cascade Trail, or Noonmark from the Ausable Trailhead. Both great hikes with stellar views of the peaks!
You can take a dip in Chapel Pond or the Cascade Lakes Day Use Area after the hike. Have fun, take lots of breaks, make sure everyone has enough water/food and enjoy the views! Happy Hiking!

ScAtTeRbOnE · 08-02-2012, 06:02 PM

Oh, I just noticed you said Saranac Lake, you could also consider Haystack Mtn in Raybrook or Ampersand Mtn with a swim in Middle Saranac Lake (across from Ampersand Mtn trail).

For beginner hikes consider:
Baxter Mountain
Owls Head
Baker Mtn

More Ideas at ADK Mtn Club
I would steer clear of more popular areas (High Peaks) as the lots will be full and trails/summits overloaded.

TFR · 08-03-2012, 07:32 AM

Group separation is the cause of many a back country woe. Avoid if at all possible. Better to hike as 2 independent groups. Or carry walkie talkies, so you at least have an idea what the other group is up to. And do NOT further subdivide one of your groups. There should be a leader and a sweeper, and no one gets ahead or behind them.

RogerWang · 08-03-2012, 10:15 AM

Thanks for the helpful tips and trail recommendations. I'm planning on keeping the group together and taking lots of breaks and lots of encouragement.

SBS - Giant from Zander Scott trail looks like something my group should be able to do. Thanks for the tip!

-Roger

bridgeman · 08-03-2012, 12:33 PM

Pitchoff Mountain would fit your time constraints, followed by a swim in Cascade lake.

vieWseeker · 08-03-2012, 12:51 PM

pitchoff...hurricane Firetower... Jay range...

TFR · 08-03-2012, 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vieWseeker

pitchoff...hurricane Firetower... Jay range...

Jay Range is a great idea, one path out and back, lots of views along the way, when the leaders get to the end, turn around and gather up the stragglers, they will already have had plenty of views.

08-02-2012, 01:24 PM	#1
RogerWang Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 3	4-6 Hour Hikes for Large Group? Hello ADKHighPeaks Community, I am coming to you all for some help. I have a staff retreat coming up for ~15 college age kids and I want to do a 4 to 6 hour RT hike somewhere in the Adirondacks. The group has a mix of experienced hikers and some who are out of shape and I haven't hiked too many trails out here. Does anyone know some trails with rewarding hiking and views for a large group, with out of shape hikers? I am located near Saranac Lake, so hopefully nothing that is too far(an hour away) would be nice, but I'm flexible. Any help is greatly appreciated! -Roger

08-02-2012, 01:38 PM	#2
DackerDan Commander Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Nisky, NY Posts: 1,307	Be aware that there are homogeneous group size restrictions in the HPs. Read the DEC regs on this. __________________ Enjoying the journey with my favorite hiking partner. Please visit ADKGurl's Blog: 46-High-Peaks

08-02-2012, 05:51 PM	#6
ScAtTeRbOnE Balsam Sniffer Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Victory Mills, NY Posts: 655	I would consider Hopkins via Mossy Cascade Trail, or Noonmark from the Ausable Trailhead. Both great hikes with stellar views of the peaks! You can take a dip in Chapel Pond or the Cascade Lakes Day Use Area after the hike. Have fun, take lots of breaks, make sure everyone has enough water/food and enjoy the views! Happy Hiking! __________________ ADK 46/46 4W CATS 39/39 8W ADK100 63/102 VT35 26/29 FT's 25/29 VT FT's 9/15 "We are now in the mountains and they are in us, kindling enthusiasm, making every nerve quiver, filling every pore and cell of us. Our flesh and bone tabernacle seems transparent as glass to the beauty about us, as if truly an inseparable part of it, thrilling with the air and trees, streams and rocks, in the waves of the sun, a part of all nature, neither old nor young, sick nor well, but immortal." John Muir from My First Summer in The Sierra

08-02-2012, 06:02 PM	#7
ScAtTeRbOnE Balsam Sniffer Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Victory Mills, NY Posts: 655	Oh, I just noticed you said Saranac Lake, you could also consider Haystack Mtn in Raybrook or Ampersand Mtn with a swim in Middle Saranac Lake (across from Ampersand Mtn trail). For beginner hikes consider: Baxter Mountain Owls Head Baker Mtn More Ideas at ADK Mtn Club I would steer clear of more popular areas (High Peaks) as the lots will be full and trails/summits overloaded. __________________ ADK 46/46 4W CATS 39/39 8W ADK100 63/102 VT35 26/29 FT's 25/29 VT FT's 9/15 "We are now in the mountains and they are in us, kindling enthusiasm, making every nerve quiver, filling every pore and cell of us. Our flesh and bone tabernacle seems transparent as glass to the beauty about us, as if truly an inseparable part of it, thrilling with the air and trees, streams and rocks, in the waves of the sun, a part of all nature, neither old nor young, sick nor well, but immortal." John Muir from My First Summer in The Sierra

08-03-2012, 07:32 AM	#8
TFR Peek-Bagger Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Tillson, NY - Avatar: Whiteface Slide Posts: 5,390	Group separation is the cause of many a back country woe. Avoid if at all possible. Better to hike as 2 independent groups. Or carry walkie talkies, so you at least have an idea what the other group is up to. And do NOT further subdivide one of your groups. There should be a leader and a sweeper, and no one gets ahead or behind them. __________________ Tom Rankin - 5444W - Proud Member #0003 of ADKHP Foundation Volunteer Balsam Lake Mountain President Catskill 3500 Club CEO Views And Brews! Trail maintainer for the Dry Brook Ridge trail from Mill Brook Road to just past the Lean-to

08-02-2012, 01:43 PM	#3
sbs Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 39	Just about to point that out DackerDan. The maximum group size for a day hike in the high peaks is 15 people. Here is a link that contains some "good to know" regulations. ADK Hiking Info What you do depends on fitness level and experience of the group. Do you wanna hike in the high peaks? or are you looking for areas outside of the high peaks?

08-02-2012, 01:57 PM	#4
RogerWang Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 3	Thanks for the information DackerDan and SBS. The group size will be either 14 or 15, I have some staff members who will not be able to attend the retreat, so I should be okay with DEC regulations on group size. Thanks for the link though, much appreciated. To answer your question SBS, I would like to do a high peak but I am willing to do something outside of a peak, as long as it's challenging. Most of my staff with be athletic and could probably hike something like Whiteface without too many breaks. There are 2 or 3 on the staff who probably couldn't do the ~7 hour RT hike around Whiteface, so I'm wondering if there's something the average joe, who doesn't exercise too much and is slightly overweight, do and still be challenging enough for the others. I know it's a tall order but that's why I came for help. -Roger

08-02-2012, 02:24 PM	#5
sbs Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 39	The group is only going to be as fast as though 2-3. You can do Cascade/Porter. The athletic folks can do Cascade and then go on to Porter. Those 2 or 3 can hang out on Cascade. You might also want to do Giant from Zander Scott trail. This trail is differentiated in that the ones who are "out of shape" can hang out at Giants Nubble or to the various lookouts while the others can continue on to the summit. I personally don't split up the groups I hike with but have never hiked with a group that large. Just something I don't feel comfortable doing on the trail. This trail is steep and will be challenging (at least on some level) to all those involved.

08-03-2012, 10:15 AM	#9
RogerWang Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 3	Thanks for the helpful tips and trail recommendations. I'm planning on keeping the group together and taking lots of breaks and lots of encouragement. SBS - Giant from Zander Scott trail looks like something my group should be able to do. Thanks for the tip! -Roger

08-03-2012, 12:33 PM	#10
bridgeman Consultant Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 202	Pitchoff Mountain would fit your time constraints, followed by a swim in Cascade lake.

08-03-2012, 12:51 PM	#11
vieWseeker Winter46er Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Fulton, NY: On Wright Posts: 3,280	pitchoff...hurricane Firetower... Jay range... __________________ ADK 46-R #6750W CL-50 - #51 CATSKILLS- 9/39 Hiking photos

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