Baker Peak Snowshoe

Brrr…

Trailhead temp. was –3F. The rest of the crew cancelled, for various reasons, and it took extra effort to get myself going on this frigid morning. But despite the chilly start, it was an invigorating winter hike with bright sunshine, blue skies, and clear views.

I hit the trail at 9:30a, with snowshoes strapped to the pack just in case, and wore microspikes for a couple of tricky stream crossings. The Lake Trail and Baker Peak Trail to the summit were hard packed/frozen with a light dusting of recent snow, perfect for viewing tracks of woodland critters. Unfortunately, in the process of photographing animal tracks, I lost a mitten. Liners were sufficient for the climb to the summit, and fortunately I had packed an old, warm, dry pair that were fine for the rest of the hike. (A kind soul hung the lost mitten on a trail sign, for me to pick up on the way down.)

I reached Baker Peak at noon, after 2 hours of hiking (plus a half hour of mitten searching). Temps. had "warmed" into the single digits, and with sun and slight breeze, conditions were fairly comfortable. After a short break to enjoy the views, I was feeling good and decided to head to Griffith Lake via the Appalachian/ Long Trail. The unbroken trail was sometimes hard to follow in the open woods, and there was considerably more snow than I was expecting on the AT/LT, maybe 12-18 inches. It was mostly frozen so that I was able to walk on top, but after 2 miles of slogging through some soft spots and some drifted snow, I wished that I had put on snowshoes.

I reached Griffith Lake around 1:30p and took a short break before heading back the 3.5 miles down the Lake Trail to the trailhead. By 3:30p, I was back at the parking area, where temps had soared to 13F, and headed home after a stop for snacks at the country store in Danby.

Total distance: 8.6 miles

Total time: 6.0 hours

Total elev. gain: 2200 feet

This is a moderate, but steady climb to the summit of Baker Peak (2850’), with wide views west over the Valley of Vermont to the Adirondacks and south to the Taconic range.

Hike description:

From the trailhead, the hike follows the Griffith Lake Trail uphill along the grade of an old woods road. At 0.9mi the trail enters the Big Branch Wilderness Area. At 1.9mi. and 1300’, near the head of a ravine, the hike leaves the Lake Trail and joins the Baker Peak Trail continuing uphill with a moderate grade until it nears the Long Trail and begins a steeper ascent quickly climbing 500’ to the summit. Return the same route. (Optional return via the AT and Griffith Lake, depending on conditions and group consensus, will add 3 miles and approx. 2 hrs. to the trip.)

Total distance:

5.8mi round trip. Elevation gain: 2200’

Estimated hiking time:

5 hrs, plus 1 hr for breaks, lunch, etc.

Equipment:

Snowshoes are required. Traction/MicroSpikes are recommended for icy conditions. A head lamp/ flashlight is also recommended (sunset is around 4:30p).

Please dress accordingly for a day in winter conditions, and wear insulated boots with thick socks. Also bring along snacks, water, lunch and anything else you may require for the day. If you are new to winter hiking, be sure to check out the Gear List (click the link at the very bottom of this web page, right above the copyright notice) and if any questions do not hesitate to ask.