Depending on how you feel about winter, our Adirondack winters can seem long. However, if your feelings are in the positive, the tail end of the cold season is the best if you like to cover country on snowshoes and skis. By late March the days have grown longer and the sun is higher in the sky, giving even the colder days a feel of real warmth in the late season sun. The snow is at it’s deepest, and due to thaws and settling, it’s hard packed; making for phenomenal snowshoe trekking and cross country skiing.
It’s a great time to climb the High Peaks or the numerous smaller mountains that get less use. The deep snow covers boulders and obstacles that otherwise slow travel in the warmer months, say nothing of the mud, which can make for miserable travel in wet times. But remember to always be prepared for fast changing weather at higher altitudes, for winter conditions are surely more dangerous.
What I enjoy most at this short but marvelous window of winter conditions is to get off the beaten path and explore the Adirondack backcountry with map and compass. A great deal of skill and confidence is needed, but with proper planning one can see hidden ponds, flow-grounds, and trail-less peaks. Gliding across snow pack and ice, one can venture across bogs and wetlands that are impossible any other time of year, giving a unique experience and perspective of the Adirondack wilderness. Some my fondest memories have been traveling across the lonely frozen Adirondack landscape on a sunny day in late March.
With more than 300 avian species, the Adirondack Park is a favorite among bird enthusiasts all year long, but winter offers birders a rare opportunity. After spending much of the year breeding and raising young in the Canadian tundra, several raptors and other birds of prey migrate south to the Adirondacks in the winter to roost and hunt. As a result, many birders flock to the area every winter for a chance to see these birds in the wild.
Here are just a few of the unique raptors and birds of prey you may encounter while winter birding in the Adirondacks.
Snowy Owls
These winter raptors are commonly spotted on the lake shores of the Adirondacks and wide-open grasslands, preferring areas that are low and flat with short plants and grasses and an abundance of small prey. The snowy owl has pure white plumage marked by occasional dark spots, large talons and pointed wings made for speed. With a wing span of approximately 4.5 feet, they are the largest owls in North America. Built to handle the cold weather, the snowy owl is also well insulated, often found sitting on piles of snow to cool off when the temperatures rise.
Short-Eared Owls
Once one of New York’s most common owls, the short-eared owl is now an endangered species. Similar to barn owls, they have beige round facial disks and brown and white mottled plumage. While they no longer breed in the Adirondacks, short-eared owls continue to winter here, and can be found roosting on the ground in large open grassland areas where there is an abundant supply of mice and voles. As the most diurnal species in the Adirondacks, they are most often spotted in the late afternoon, and at dawn or dusk, when they can be seen diving from perches or flying low over the ground in search of prey.
Rough-Legged Hawks
Another irruptive species from Canada, the rough-legged hawk can be found wintering in the Adirondack Park. These dark-brown, boldly patterned hawks are larger than a crow, but slightly smaller than the more common red-tailed hawk. Their “rough legs” are covered in feathers to prevent heat loss in cold environments, and their tails are darker at the tip and lighter at the base. They are often seen perched on fence posts and on the slender branches at the very tops of trees, scanning the ground for lemmings, voles and other small mammals and birds. When they soar, their raise their wings in a slight V-shape.
Own a Piece of the Adirondacks
No matter the season, the Adirondacks offer extraordinary birding in a spectacular setting. And with 6 million acres of wilderness, more than 3,000 lakes and ponds, and thousands of miles of trails, rivers, brooks and streams, birding can be done while hiking, canoeing, camping or even snowshoeing in the Adirondacks.
Whiteface Mountain at 4,867’ in elevation is New York’s fifth-highest peak, and bigger sister peak to adjacent Esther Mountain. Named for it’s signature snowy peaks ten months out of the year, Whiteface is perhaps most famous for hosting the alpine skiing competitions of the 1980 Winter Olympics. Whiteface’s east slope is home to the Whiteface Ski Center, still just as popular today for amateur and professional skiers alike. Just 10 miles north of Lake Placid, Whiteface Mountain is a popular day trip destination for upstate tourists.
Unique to the rest of the Adirondack High Peaks, Whiteface’s summit is completely accessible by car—how easy is that?! Take a drive on Whiteface Veteran’s Memorial Highway, opened by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1936, to lead you directly to the developed summit. Once you’re there, savor the gourmet rustic cuisine at the peak’s Castle Cafe restaurant, pick up a souvenir from the gift shop, or take an elevator ride deep inside the mountain to the mountain’s highest point and take in the expansive 360-degree view of the neighboring Adirondack mountains (and even as far as Vermont and Montreal on a clear day)!
Just a short drive from your Adirondack property, there’s no other Adirondack High Peak quite like Whiteface Mt. With its easily accessible breathtaking views and summit activities, you’ll be satisfied visit after visit.
Located in the northern Adirondacks, the Owls Head– Duane region is a hidden gem. Characterized by picturesque lakes and ponds, wilderness rivers, and mountain peaks, this area is little visited and known compared to the more popular areas of the Adirondack Park to the south. The additional hour or more of travel time from the High Peaks or central Adirondacks filters out most would-be visitors from areas outside the Park. This translates into paddling miles of waterways or summiting open mountain peaks that you have all to yourself. The roadways are quiet and the local folks are friendly. If you are in the market for Adirondack land, the real estate prices are much cheaper than the Saranac-Placid, central Adirondack markets. The price for a piece of acreage may be 50-75% cheaper than comparable acreages 1/2 hour to the south.
This is truly a beautiful region. Here are some of the highlights:
– Mountain View-Indian Lakes, Debar Pond, and Deer River Flow offer great boating, canoeing, fishing, and wildlife viewing in very picturesque settings.
– Owls Head, Baldface Mt, and Loon Lake Mts have open summits with breathtaking views of this unspoiled region stretching all the way to the High Peaks.
– The Salmon River, Hatch Brook, Deer River, and the St Regis River offer wilderness paddling experiences and brook trout fishing.
– Debar Mt Wild Forest, Titusville State Forest, and the Santa Clara, Sable Highlands Conservation Easements consists of hundreds of thousands of acres of public land open for hunting, fishing, hiking, and exploration.
– The area is very friendly to snowmobile and ATV use, with easy access to maintained trails.
– Titus Mt Ski Area is nearby, a family oriented ski center.
– The village of Malone is less than 1/2 hour away, with shopping, restaurants, hardware and lumber stores, and a hospital.
– The Canadian cities of Montreal and Ottawa are only about a 2 hour drive.
Please take the time to visit this truly unique and gorgeous region of the Northwoods. If you are interested in Adirondack land for sale or would like someone to introduce you to the area, we would be more than happy to meet you.
In addition to the growing inventory and variety of Adirondack land parcels we have on the market, we at Adirondack Mt Land will be adding some large acreage properties to our selection. What is so unique about these new properties is that they lay in the midst of the most beautiful part of the vast Adirondack region, offering tremendous views of the rugged High Peaks region. Characteristic of our company name, these properties are true mountain landscapes, with ridge tops, rocky peaks, and beautiful valleys. The properties are also very usable, with gentle building sites on elevated knolls offering incredible mountain views from your would-be cabin porch. There are also trails throughout for hiking, skiing, or even ATV access. The lands are also prime whitetail deer and black bear habitat, in some cases bordering public land, making for ideal hunting. The properties are also reasonably priced at between $700- $1300/acre.
So here we go, our exciting selection of Adirondack Acreage. Update: All the following properties have sold. Please follow this link to find available land.
This incredible acreage has been on the market since fall and would not only make a great location for a camp, but with public road frontage and power available, an ideal homestead. Located between the edge of the High Peaks Region and Lake Champlain, there are endless opportunities for boating, fishing, hiking, etc. There are two mild ridges on the property that offer views in every direction, including Lake Champlain and the Green Mts, and the High peaks of the Adirondacks. The oak ridge tops are excellent habitat for deer.
# 2- 272 Acres- Town of Jay- $199,000 SOLD
This is THE Adirondack land if you are looking for a remote wild setting for a wilderness cabin. The land is at the end of a private road, located about a mile from the end of the maintained public road. There is a cabin site with an incredible view sweeping from the High Peaks to Whiteface Mt. Ridge top trails offer access to additional views of mountain peaks, including the Jay Mt Wilderness. The property borders an additional 600 acres of public land.
# 3 – 150 Acres- Loon Lake- $179,000 SOLD
This property has it all- a cabin site with views of Whiteface Mt, a stream that is canoeable to the Kushaqua Canoe Route, deeded access to private beach and launch on Loon Lake, a mountain top ledge with views to the High Peaks, and it is surrounded by the 19,000 acre Kushuqua Conservation Easement, which is open to hunting, fishing, hiking, etc.
# 4 – 290 Acres- Black Brook- $225,000 SOLD
This large parcel of land features a variety of terrain which goes from level, rolling land with intermittent streams and beaver ponds to the rugged cone of Mitchell Mt. The property fronts on a town road and also has an interior road that leads to a cabin site with panoramic views of Lake Champlain and the Green Mts. From the top of Mitchell Mt there are commanding views of the Jay Mt Range and the High Peaks. This is an excellent hunting property.
# 5 – 150 Acres- Flagstaff Mt- $119,000 SOLD
This 150 acre parcel is beautiful Adirondack mountain property located near Lake Champlain, and is excellent deer hunting. The property includes the peak of Flagstaff Mt and it’s flanking ridge of open rock, meadows, and oak. Outstanding views of lake Champlain, the Green Mts, Auger Lake, and the High Peaks.
The Adirondack Mountains are home to a vast array of wildlife, from tiny chipmunks and moles to massive moose, cougars and black bears. Birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians, mammals and insects abound in the Adirondacks, making the region an ideal location for outdoor enthusiasts of all passions and pursuits.
The Adirondack Park’s 6.1 million protected acres include more than 10,000 lakes, 30,000 miles of rivers and streams, and a wide variety of habitats, including wetlands and old-growth forests, so there are endless locations to explore. The animals you encounter will vary according to the place and time of year, but some of the creatures you may find include:
Adirondack Moose These majestic and iconic animals, which can stand more than six feet tall and weigh more than a half ton, are the largest land mammals in New York State. They are slowly repopulating the region after overhunting and deforestation decimated their numbers over the last two centuries, and it is now a misdemeanor to kill a moose in New York. They are most active at dusk and dawn, and moose sightings often occur in the fall, during the mating season.
Bald Eagles Another rare sight, bald eagles do exist in the Adirondacks, after disappearing from the area during the 1960s but then making a resurgence from the 1970s onward. They are a protected species on New York States “threatened” list, but continue to multiply within the Adirondack Park. These incredible birds, which can live 20 to 25 years, are sea denizens that primarily prey upon fish, small waterfowl and other water-centric wildlife. Popular local areas to observe them include Schroon Lake, Lake George’s Long Island, Anthony’s Nose and Kitchel Bay, and Ausable Point in Peru.
Loons One of the most readily recognized waterfowl breeds that inhabit the Adirondacks are loons, known as the “spirit of Northern Waters,” which breed in the region and winter in open lakes and along the coast. Its distinctive call has become an inseparable aspect of the Adirondacks’ charm, most frequently heard near nesting areas and by wintering places in late winter and early spring.
Whitetail Deer A common Adirondack denizen—and frequent prize of hunters—is the whitetail deer, recognized by the characteristic white underside of its tail, which it raises when alarmed to warn a predator that it has been detected. They are often found on the edges of forests and in open areas by roadways, farm fields or waterways, and can usually be spotted year-round in the early morning or early evening. They’re incredibly agile, able to swim, run up to 35 to 40 miles per hour, and jump over an eight-foot fence.
Black Bears You’re more likely to come across a black bear in the Adirondacks than anywhere else in New York State, as an estimated 50% to 60% of the state’s 6,000 to 8,000 black bears live in the Adirondacks. They’re massive animals, with adult males averaging 300 pounds and females averaging 170 pounds. They hibernate during the winter, but can be found other times in areas increasingly close to human populations. Relatively intelligent, many have learned to seek out human food, and may be found rummaging through trash cans, bird feeders and hen houses in areas where homes meet forest.
Striped Skunks Roughly the size of house cats, striped skunks are a very common Adirondack creature immediately recognized by its black fur and bright V-shaped white stripe, as well as the pungent defensive spray they emit when threatened. They inhabit open areas like pastures and fields, but are also fond of shady residential areas with plush lawns. Skunks are nocturnal and hunt in the evening for nuts, grasses, berries, insects, grubs, worms, rabbits and other small animals, and are quite fearless, so it’s best to avoid them or risk being sprayed.
Peregrine Falcons These hunting birds are famous for their unbelievable speed, reaching up to 180 mph when chasing prey. After dying off in the 20th century due to the pesticide DDT, a ban on the substance in 1971 spurred a slow regrowth of populations in the Adirondacks. As of 2015, there were 15 confirmed active nesting pairs in the Adirondack Mountains and along Lake Champlain and Lake George. An average of 1.2 young/breeding pairs were produced by those 15 pairs.
Eastern Coyotes Smaller than wolves but similar in terms of their dog-like appearance, coyotes average between four and five feet in length and between 35 and 45 pounds in weight. These pack animals have steadily grown in number in the area since the 1930s, generally preferring to remain in wooded areas. They don’t usually become aggressive with humans, but have been known to make meals of small pets left outside unprotected.
Fishers Also known as the fisher cat, fishers are a medium-sized member of the weasel family. Males average a length of 35 to 47 inches, weighing seven to 13 pounds, while females average 30 to 37 inches, weighing only three to seven pounds. Their most recognizable features include a broad head, narrow muzzle and long, bushy tail. They are predators with sharp, retractable claws, and are skilled hunters, notorious for their ability to hunt porcupines. They mainly prey on smaller creatures like rabbits, squirrels, mice and birds, but are omnivores willing to also eat beechnuts, acorns, apples and berries. They make their dens in natural cavities, like trees, logs and rocky outcroppings.
Baldface Mt at 2,867′ in elevation is the kid brother to Debar Mt (3,305′), the dominant peak in the northern Adirondacks. Baldface and Debar stand shoulder to shoulder with Debar Pond nestled in a steep valley between the two peaks. Baldface has a lot of character; rising very steeply on every side, it just seems to jump abruptly from its surroundings, and as it’s name implies, has an open rocky summit. From its summit, commanding views of a breathtaking magnitude open up in almost every direction. Loon Lake Mts and Sable Mts fill the southern horizon, with a window of the High Peaks showing between them. Turning to the east, a jumble of smaller mountains lie in the vast area between Whiteface Mt to the south and Lyon Mt to the north. To make a long description short, the view encompasses a wilderness of forest, mountains, and waters that truly characterize the Adirondacks.
Baldfact Mt is accessed by the back country road, County Rt 26, about 2 miles south of the intersection with Rt 27. At 2.3 miles is a wide area on the east side of the road where you can park. Across the road is an informal trail that leads to it’s summit, which is not difficult to follow once you find it. The lower slopes have fertile soils that not only grow healthy mature hardwoods, but also one of the most plentiful and beautiful array of wildflowers in May that you will find. Red and painted trillium, spring beauties, and trout lilies are everywhere on the forest floor, announcing the arrival of spring.
Baldface Mt is one of those Adirondack peaks that offer the most satisfaction in climbing. Not only because of it’s outstanding views, but chiefly because you will almost always have the mountain to yourself.
Living in such a beautiful place as the Adirondacks, traveling it’s roads, hiking it’s trails, and canoeing it’s waters on a year round basis is such a great blessing to me, but perhaps the familiarity of it all can damper it’s wonder to a certain extent. However, one of the joys of showing Adirondack property to folks who live in far more civilized places is the absolute joy and pleasure they convey when in the presence of these wonderful mountains. The Adirondacks are a treasure; a land of thousands of pristine lakes and ponds, old-growth forests, and mountains of great character and size. The call of the loon, the site of a bull moose on the edge of a bog, the balsam scented trail, are all experiences that effect the emotions and bring one to a time and place that is primitive, yet one of pure joy and peace.
In the business of selling Adirondack land, my aim is to not only provide a quality parcel of land, but to the best of my ability, convey this incredible emotional experience that can be had on a personal level in a land that has an almost spiritual draw. We live in an incredibly busy and hectic world which can seem to draw the life out of people. The unique opportunity that the Adirondacks present is the ability to not only visit here, but to have your own personal retreat to call home. A cabin in the woods with the only noise being the wind through the pines and song of the hermit thrush in the evening.
What inspired me to write this was a simple comment I received today on my Adirondack Mt Land Facebook page from a Canadian friend. To me this says it all: “It’s southwest to me from Canada and it’s absolutely beautiful country. I’d live there in a heartbeat. It’s the best kept secret in the US. So don’t tell anybody.”
Well I intend to share this wonderful land called the Adirondacks – one piece of Adirondack property at a time.. Enjoy the photos.
The mercury is rising and Summer is here in the Adirondacks. Get ready to enjoy nature at its peak and spend your weekday’s counting down the minutes ‘til you can head to the mountains.
While Winter is great for snow sports and plenty hunt in the Fall, Summer draws the most visitors to the Adirondacks. Thousands of people head into the mountains for a day on the boat, hiking, or relaxing on the beach. Afternoon thunderstorms roll in swiftly with lightning lighting up the sky and showing the power of mother nature. See her beauty as June turns to July and the white blooms of the bunchberry turn into clusters of red berries. Watch the babies of Spring grow into adults who will leave home at the end of Summer to begin a life of their own.
Summer in the Adirondacks is arguably the best time to own Adirondack mountain property, soaking in the sun’s warm rays on long days and sitting out on warm nights.
Enjoy the serenade of songbirds as you enjoy your coffee outside watching the dew drop evaporate from the leaves. Explore your acreage in the afternoon and enjoy the sweet fruit of wild berry bushes. As the sun dips below the horizon, the sound of laughter and a crackling fire fill the air and the brightest stars you’ve ever seen backlight the scene.
The best Summer activities are right outside your door. Head out on a walking trail or ride your ATV from town to town on the interconnected trails of the region. Catch a sunrise from a mountain peak then hike down to spend the afternoon swimming in your local watering hole. Find the best fishing spot and perfect your cast. Peruse the local shops of the nearest town. The possibilities are endless when you call the Adirondacks home.
Spend the Summer making memories that will last a lifetime and building family traditions for years to come. There is no better place than your Adirondack mountain property buzzing with life in the Summer.
If you love the outdoors, a second home in the Adirondack Mountains can provide you with the getaway that you have always dreamed of having. While there are plenty of year round activities to enjoy on your Adirondack land, these are the best ways to use your Adirondack property in winter.
1. Snowmobiling
The Adirondacks have some of the best snowmobiling trails in New York, with Saranac Lake, Lake George, and Lake Placid drawing legions of winter tourists to hundreds of miles of trails. Interconnected trail systems make it easy to take your ATV from your land on a secluded ride, or put together a big group excursion.
2. Cross Country Skiing
This easy-to-learn winter sport is popular, family-friendly, and loads of fun. Ski across frozen lakes, explore your acres of land, or see a new side of the Adirondacks on miles of dedicated trails.
3. Snowshoeing
In winter, your favorite summertime hiking trails can still be traversed with snowshoes on. Snowshoeing is a great way to stay active in winter, while gaining a new perspective on the Adirondack land you love! The Adirondacks deliver over 2,000 miles of snowshoeing territory. Whether you want a quick morning stroll or a serious backcountry hike, there’s plenty of exciting options.
4. Ice Fishing
Test your mettle by ice fishing on Adirondack lakes. It’s a fun way to improve your fishing skills, challenge yourself, and stay active during the long winter months. In the Adirondacks, public lakes and river allow ice fishing. Before you grab your rod, check the regulations. While state fishing regulations affect most Adirondack ice fishing spots, some bodies of water have special regulations. These may prohibit certain fishing methods, sizes of fish, or even your ability to keep the fish (catch and release only).
5. Sledding
A family-friendly activity, sledding is such joy because it brings out the kid in all of us. If your piece of Adirondack land is hilly, you can sled right in your own backyard. If your land is flat, look out for parks, sledding hills, or golf courses where you can go sledding.
Having a dedicated parcel of your own Adirondack land is cost effective in the long run compared with renting vacation properties every time you want to enjoy a long weekend in the Adirondacks. A parcel of land can house a camper, tiny house, cabin, or country estate – it’s really up to you! What activities are you most looking forward to performing on your Adirondack property?
Whiteface Mountain at 4,867’ in elevation is New York’s fifth-highest peak, and bigger sister peak to adjacent Esther Mountain. Named for it’s signature snowy peaks ten months out of the year, Whiteface is perhaps most famous for hosting the alpine skiing competitions of the 1980 Winter Olympics. Whiteface’s east slope is home to the Whiteface Ski Center, still just as popular today for amateur and professional skiers alike. Just 10 miles north of Lake Placid, Whiteface Mountain is a popular day trip destination for upstate tourists.
Loons
Enjoy the serenade of songbirds as you enjoy your coffee outside watching the dew drop evaporate from the leaves. Explore your acreage in the afternoon and enjoy the sweet fruit of wild berry bushes. As the sun dips below the horizon, the sound of laughter and a crackling fire fill the air and the brightest stars you’ve ever seen backlight the scene.