A beloved backcountry Adirondack lodge

A basecamp for the highest peaks in the entire state of New York. A collection of cabins, camps, and lean-tos that hikers and their families come back to for generations. A special place in the hearts of many Adirondack High Peaks recreators for the last 100 years. If you haven’t read the title already, you may have already guessed that what we’re describing is none other than Johns Brook Lodge (JBL). This year the Adirondack Mountain Club’s Johns Brook Property turns 100, so celebrate its history with us, read about its offerings, and plan on taking a trip into the Adirondack backcountry!

A brief origin of Johns Brook Property

The origins of JBL go back to 1925, in the infancy of the Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK). With the formation of the club, one of the first points of business was to buy property deep in the Adirondack wilderness, and create a meeting place for the club. After some searching, ADK found itself the owners of a previously-logged area of land nestled north of the famous Great Range, and below Big Slide Mountain.

After purchasing the land, work immediately commenced on the building of a lodge, which was finished in 1925, and served ADK members at a rate of $1 a night. Over the intervening years, of which are filled with so much history and lore and stories, ADK added and rebuilt other structures on the property, including Grace Camp, Camp Peggy O’Brien, and a handful of lean-tos. Over the last decade or two, JBL has further modernized by installing solar panels, a woodstove in the main lodge, and improving insulation and bathroom facilities. The lodge can be utilized by non-ADK members, although by being a member you not only support conservation in the Adirondacks, but also get a deal on the nightly rates for staying at JBL!

To read more about JBL’s history, we recommended checking out Henry Lieber’s spotlight story on ADK’s website!

What does JBL offer?

The main lodge has 28 beds in true hostel-style. For those with bigger groups, Camp Peggy O’Brien sleeps 12 and Grace Camp sleeps 6, both of which are classic Adk cabins. Three lean-tos are also on property, which like the bigger camps, are individual rentals and perfect for a more private stay with your friends and family.

JBL serves meals for folks staying with them from mid-June through Labor Day. Outside of this time, they run a “caretaker season”, where overnighters can cook their own meals utilizing the kitchen for themselves. Keep in mind that running water is weather dependent, and sometimes you have to gather and filter your own. Some other things to know? JBL doesn’t provide bedding, so bring your sleeping bag! Also know that JBL staff are well-aquainted with the valley, and can offer advice for possible day hikes. Ask nicely, and they could point you to some of their favorite swimming holes.

What does it take to keep a place like this running?

I asked Zach Hyde, Johns Brook Facility Manager at ADK, about some JBL logistics that may surprise people. He emphasized that it can be the simple things that surprise people the most. Being 3.5 miles from the closest road, the summer crew “hiked in about 2,000-lbs worth of food and materials to make running JBL possible,” said Zach. With milk crates filled with food strapped to backs, a congo line of goods to make hikers their happiest selves, the JBL crew are unsung heroes of backcountry adventure in the High Peaks.

Basic maintenance can be a big challenge too. Zach paints us a perfect picture of this: “Imagine one of our water lines breaks (which happens often). I can’t run to the hardware store to get the replacement parts, so if we don’t have the supplies on hand to repair it or manage a temporary fix we simply won’t have water until someone can hike out, go to town, buy the part, drive back, and hike back in.”

What positive impacts does JBL have on High Peaks recreation?

The property has been perfectly positioned as a basecamp to the High Peaks for a century. From folks refilling water on their way to day hike a 46er, a lounging spot in the sun on a day hike to Bushnell Falls, or an overnight accommodation for a visit in the valley, it has served as a meeting place in the backcountry for visitors far and wide. People form friendships here, create community here, and continue coming back for that aspect of this space.

Recognizing that folks who don’t find the prospect of a freeze-dried meal and uncomfortable sleeping pad appealing or realistic, Zach mentioned that JBL offers a bed and meals to people who still would like to tackle some bigger mountain objectives, without worry of those aforementioned hesitancies. The lodge is also positioned well for being of help to hikers who may need it, whether it's via a spot to dry out, or are in need of serious assistance.

Before you go

Does a stay on property appeal to you? Of course it does! But something to keep in mind is that JBL is deep in the backcountry, and everyone should come prepared for the hike in. ADK operates Cascade Welcome Center, which is a great resource and place to start when gathering information on how to hike, backpack, and practice Leave No Trace principles in the Adirondacks. Once you’ve gotten some information from them, maybe taken one of ADKs skills workshops, and done your research on safely hiking in the Adirondacks, stop into the Mountaineer in Keene Valley to grab what you need! They’ve got everything from sleeping bags and backpacks to navigation items like maps, compasses, and guidebooks. A day hike to JBL can be rewarding by itself, but if you plan on using the lodge as a basecamp for big mountain adventures, we suggest getting a few other easier hikes in the region under your belt in preparation for the High Peaks, testing out your new gear! 

The future of JBL, and how you can help

ADK is looking forward to 100 more years of successfully running JBL, serving as the state’s only backcountry lodge! It’s incredible what they’ve been able to accomplish, and adhering to the same ethics of environmental stewardship, friendly service, and safe outdoor recreation will make JBL a mainstay of Adirondack hiking and backpacking for many more decades. I asked Zach what people can do to ensure that JBL will be around for generations to come. His answer was simple: volunteer! With volunteers being responsible for the building of Camp Peggy O, the insulation and siding for JBL, and many other improvements, community members and visitors can have a positive impact on this space. ADK does two annual work projects, a week in the spring and a weekend in the fall. Volunteers are provided with a free stay and meals, in return for their hard work and dedication. Are you interested in helping ensure that JBL is here for the next generation of hikers? Reach out to Zach via email at zhyde@adk.org, and ask about how you can start volunteering!

Johns Brook Lodge is typically hiked from the Garden in Keene Valley, and is also located close to Keene, both great towns for a day away. Pre-hike, pick up some sweet treats from Cedar Run Bakery to enjoy along your way. Post-hike, you can’t go wrong with a pie from Noon Mark Diner, and dinner from Ausable Inn in Keene Valley, or Forty Six in Keene. These quant villages offer a ton of exciting and relaxing things to do, in addition to hiking! 

A big thank you to Zach Hyde and Sara Cook from the Adirondack Mountain Club for providing quotes, photos, and general information on Johns Brook Lodge. Also a thank you to John Papin, Caitlin Kelly, and Quinn Murphy for providing photos of them packing in supplies to JBL.