Southern Tongue Mountain Range Hike

On Saturday, May 26th I arrived at the Clay Meadow Trailhead for the Southern Tongue Range Loop hike.  Since there was noone else signed up, I arrived early at the trailhead, got myself together and headed out by about 7:40AM.  It was warm and slightly overcast...and the mosquitos were voracious.  The trail up to Fifth peak was a fairly persistent climb with the final leg of the ascent via a spur trail to the leanto, which sits atop of the peak.  I arrived here at approximately 8:45 and was immediately greeted to wonderful views of Lake George and the peaks on the opposite shore (mainly Black and Erebus Mtns).

I continued back to the ridge trail and headed south.  There was quite a bit of up and down along this ridge with a few relatively steep descents.  I finally reached the summit of French Point Mountain at 10:15.  This was a wonderful ledge looking down on Lake George and the its islands.  It was shortly after this summit that I ran into an ominous creature poking his head up from a rocky portion of the trail.  It turned out to be a rattlesnake.  I had heard that this was one of the few spots in the northeast where they are still located, but I figured since they were endangered that I would not see one.  It was quite impressive to see.  Luckily, they do not seem to be aggressive, but he also wasn't timid and wasn't about to move for me.  I had to walk around him...giving him a wide berth!  I decided to have my lunch nearby to warn the hiker behind me of his presence (he was a little hard to see on the ledge).

I proceeded along the ridge going up and down some minor peaks on the way to First Peak.  All along here there are wonderful views with some facing west overlooking the Northwest Bay (the skies had progressively cleared and it was hot by this time).  From this point it was mostly down all the way to Montcalm Point...the tip of the peninsula (I encountered a Milk Snake along the way...not quite as exciting, but cool).  The point was a great spot for a break along the shore.  It was now about 12:30 and after about 20 minutes I started back on the trail, which returns via the shoreline.  Surprisingly this was not a level walk back...the trail climbs and descends to avoid wet areas.  About half-way back I encountered campers, who had just set up their tent for a night along the shore when they discovered a rattler curled up nearby...they were eager to show me!  Very nice!  As I continued a little farther along the trail I encountered yet another rattlesnake on the trail.  This was pretty amazing considering some hikers I encountered during the day said they had never seen one here before...and I'm lucky enough to encounter three of them.  Quite exciting!  After this the rest of the hike was rather uneventful and I reached my car again by 3:15PM.

For a ridge and its peaks maxing out at about 1800', this was an awesome hike (and even a little challenging with all the climbing and descending), particularly for the views and the chance to see some unusual wildlife.

Join me for this 11.8 mile scenic hike along the southern Tongue Mountain Range, which juts dramatically out into Lake George.  This hike will will traverse 3 peaks:  Fifth Peak (1813'), French Point Mountain (1756') and First Peak (1586').  The return will be via Montcalm Point and a shore walk back to the trailhead parking.  Backpacker Magazine listed this loop as a favorite hike in 2005.

While these are relatively small peaks by Adirondack standards, there is still a total vertical of about 2500'.  The trip should take approximately 8 hours, so we should be completed by 5 or 6PM (depending on time spent for lunch and breaks).

Parts of this trip may be rugged requiring some use of hands to climb.  On the return there are plenty of opportunities to swim in Lake George, if anyone is interested.

Rain or harsh weather will postpone to another date or cancel, as appropriate.

NOTE:  I will be in the Adirondacks for the long weekend...and specifically for the ADK Spring Meeting in Lake Placid on Sunday.  If you are interested in going to the dinner/meeting, are interested in camping or in doing other activities during the weekend, let me know and I can coordinate.  Another activity for the Memorial Day Weekend may be posted shortly...likely in the High Peaks area.

What to Bring:  Typical early spring hiking gear should be appropriate:  convertible hiking pants, good sturdy hiking boots with thick socks, optional bathing suit and a windbreaker/raingear (just in case).  Also bring along lunch, snacks and plenty of water.  Optionally, pack bug repellent and sunscreen and anything else that you may require for a day hike. 

Afterwards:  We should be completed with the hike by 6PM.  If there is sufficient interest, we'll cap the day off with dinner/drinks in Lake George.