Split Rock Mountain Hike

On Sunday morning, I broke camp (Michael had left before I got up) and drove over to Essex on Lake Champlain.  The trailhead was just south of Essex and I arrived at about 8:30AM.  Since noone had signed up for the hike as of 9PM on Saturday, I just got ready and headed out (8:45AM).  It was warmer and it was a mostly overcast sky to start.

I initially headed for the Snake Den Harbor Overlook.  The trail was mostly flat as it meandered through the woods on what was also a snowmobile trail.  There were a number of trail junctions, but it was fairly easy to follow.  From the trailhead it was 1.8 miles to the this overlook and I had reached the first of several views by 9:20.  It had cleared up and there was increasing blue to the skies.  The views from these sheer cliffs were beautiful and just got better as I reached the end of the spur trail.  After this I backtracked to the last trail junction and I decided to descend to the water at Lewis Clearing Bay.  This was fairly steep, but well-worth the extra effort.  There were great views along the shore and out into Lake Champlain.

I re-climbed back up to the trail junction and then returned most of the way back to the parking lot, where the trail of up Split Rock Mountain began.  I reached this junction by 10:25.  This trail meandered a bit before it came to the loop trail junction...the North Rim and Robin's Run Trails.  I headed up the North Rim Trail to take advantage of the views and I would decide how to return when I got to the other end of the ridge.  This trail wandered around...and ascended and descended...alot.  Nothing significant, but later I would discover that it was alot more elevation than the 550 feet between the summit and the parking lot.  In another mile, there was a short spur trail out to the Ore Bed Overlook.  I reached this at 11AM and ran into a couple there.  Even though it was a little hazy, the High Peaks to the west could be seen.  There was also a view to the south along the range and to the lake.

I continued back to the main trail and proceeded north along the range.  Surprisingly, the actually summit was not along the trail.  I assummed that there was nothing to see there!  I continued to the end of the range, which I reached by 11:40.  Here there was another spur trail out to the Essex Outlook.  This was nice as I looked down on the town of Essex and Lake Champlain; however, the two openings in the trees were partly obscurred.  I looked around for additional views, but there were none.  I returned to the trail and decided to return via Robin's Run.  This was alot easier, but there wasn't much to see.  I made it back to the loop junction by 12:50.  From here it took another half-hour to get back to my car.

This was a wonderful hike with great views over the Lake.  This wilderness seemed to be largely under-utilized, since it had been over a week since anyone else had signed the trail register.  It was, however, a perfect end to a wonderful Adirondack weekend!

Distance and elevation gain:  10.1 miles with 3368 feet in total gain (except for the descent/re-ascent down to the Lewis Bay, this was hardly noticeable...but it sure added up).

The 3,700-acre Split Rock Mountain Wilderness area is located in the eastern foothills of the Adirondack Mountains along the shore of Lake Champlain. It comprises the largest tract of undeveloped Lake Champlain shoreline in New York.  The wild forest is named for Split Rock Mountain, the main feature of the area, and refers to an unusual "split rock" formation at the northern end of the mountain where it meets Whallon Bay on Lake Champlain.
Split Rock Mountain (985') is extremely rugged with steep slopes, precipitous cliffs, and numerous rock outcrops. The lake shore is steep and densely wooded with deep bays.  Several pockets of elevated wetlands are scattered in narrow ravines and in small flat areas.  We'll explore the summit and it's viewpoints, as well as the view over Snake Den Harbor.

Total Distance and Elevation Gain:  ~11 miles with approximately 550 feet in elevation gain (with maybe 100-150+ additional cumulative gain). 

Total Time:  7-8 hours depending on breaks and group's speed.  

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

What to Wear/Bring:  Typical spring hiking gear should be appropriate:  convertible hiking pants, good sturdy hiking boots with thick socks, extra layer(s)/socks and a windbreaker/raingear (just in case, carry a fleece layer).  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.

Carpooling:  Contact other participants or the trip leader to arrange for a rideshare to the trailhead. 

Optional Camping:  I will be camping in the area the night before the hike.  If anyone is interested, please contact me ahead of time.

Afterwards:  If there is sufficient interest, we will have drinks and/or dinner in the area (in Essex or Westport, depending on convenience).