June 20, 2013

The Santanoni Mountains, made up of Santanoni, Couchsachraga, and Panther mountains, have always been known to have the muddiest trails in the Adirondack Park, well, it's still true, but at least it's getting some much needed attention. There is still a good deal of work to be done but a step in the right direction is at least a less sloppy one.

New Stringer

There is still a bridge out over the first brook crossing that Ms. Irene so aptly relocated a few hundred yards downstream. This is not too much of an issue though, unless there is a high water warning from excessive rain. The second bridge still stands but is slightly disheveled. The hand rail is missing and the wood is a bit aged making the crossing a tad bit on the slippery side. The stairs on the uphill side are a bit sloped and slippery making a descent on them a bit tricky. Now for the good news!
Along the route past the two bridges lie areas of serious mud and wallow. This has been a problem for visitors for decades but has recently received a bit of much needed attention. There are areas where the trail has been re-routed around larger areas and the old trail brushed off. There are board stingers and walks that have been built over less serious areas. While this does not alleviate all issues of mud it does make passage a bit quicker.

Bridge in need of repair

The previous location of the head-path has been closed due to heavy beaver activity and flooding. It has been moved slightly down the trail closer to the trailhead. This looks to be a temporary fix until a bridge can be constructed. The new herd-path leads across a beaver dam and up to high ground where is sweeps right to join the Times Square herd-path just past the beaver activity. 

New Start of Times Square Herd-path

There has been a new route into the Santanoni's as well, its old news to some but still a new development to others. This route is called the "Express Route" or "Santanoni Express Trail." This passage makes for an excellent opportunity to hike Santanoni Peak as a standalone destination but also introduces a loop option for the entire range. The herd-path for the state trail is located roughly 1.0 miles closer to the trailhead and is marked by a sizable rock cairn. Almost immediately you will come to a brook crossing which is not an issue during most points of the year, high water can cause a ford. Past the crossing you will need to fight the wet conditions of a beaver marsh area. Fortunately, there has been some re-routing here as well bringing the traveler to higher ground away from a majority of the wet conditions.

Start of Express Trail

Past the marsh the trail remains as it was developed, following a very steep course over horribly eroded terrain. The Express Route will bring you to about 100-vertical feet below Santanoni Peak.

There has been no change to any other portions of trails in the range. There is still no work done, trail hardening or boardwalks over the Couchy Swamp.

New Stringer
Bridge in need of repair
New Start of Times Square Herd-path
Start of Express Trail

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