NORTH CREEK AREA Siamese Ponds Wilderness
Area The principal Nordic skiing route runs approximately north-south
from Thirteenth lake coming out on Rt. 8, about 4 miles west of Baker's Mills.
It follows the Sacandaga River for most of its length. The Shanty Brook section
off Rt. 8 goes over a shoulder of Eleventh Mountain. The descent down the north
slope of this mountain is steep and is hazardous under frozen snow conditions.
the remainder of the trail has generally easy grades. A side trail to the
Siamese Ponds branches to the west about 4 miles from Rt. 8 an additional distance
of 2 1/2 miles. The grades on this portion are steeper than the rest of the trail.
There is a leanto at this trail intersection. The total distance from the foot
of Thirteenth Lake to Rt. 8 is approximately 12 miles. The northern terminus
of the route is found by taking Rt. 28 to North Creek and then to North River.
About 5 miles from North Creek and 1 mile beyond North River look for a road left,
marked for Thirteenth Lake and for Garnet Hill Lodge. For the southern approach,
take Rt. 28 to Wevertown and turn west on Rt.8. The sign for Shanty Brook and
Siamese Ponds is about 10 miles west on Rt. 8 from Wevertown. Lower
Slopes of Crane Mountain This is a short novice trail about 1
mile long from the trail head to the Crane Mountain Observers cabin. Take Rt.
28 to Wevertown, and turn west on Rt. 8. In about 1 1/2 miles reach Johnsburg,
and turn south on South Johnsburg Rd. Follow this for approximately 7 miles to
a right hand turn marked with a sign "Crane Mt. Trailhead." Continue for almost
2 miles and turn right again at a second corner similarly marked. Follow this
road to the end, about half a mile. Gore Mountain Ski Center,
North Creek In addition to lift serviced downhill skiing, the
Gore Mountain Ski Center has added a number of cross-country ski trails. There
is a half mile loop for novices, a 4 mile intermediate trail, and a 3 mile wilderness
trail. Information and trail maps are available at the main lodge. |