Indian Head | 7.4.16 | Adirondacks, NY | 44.150204, -73.767641
Fourth of July 2016
The only thing better than the Fourth falling on a weekend? The Fourth being on a Monday guaranteeing a three day weekend. The best part of three day weekends? Making them four day weekends, duh. Leah and I took Friday off of work and left for one of the best trips we've taken yet: we were headed for The Adirondacks.
The weekend was filled with endless adventure. But the best part was our hike the day before we left. The hike is called Indian Head and it offers some of the best views I have ever seen.
The details
Distance: 10 mile loop Time: 4-6 hours Elevation Gain: 750 ft
This is one of the best hikes I've been on with the most incredible views. The hike is on private land which means you have to do a bit of walking to get to the trailhead. The land is owned by the Adirondack Mountain Reserve- also known as the Ausable club.
The parking lot is located at the bottom of Ausable road off of 73, across the street from the Roaring Brook trailhead.
There are many people who start their hike before the sun's up, so don't be alarmed if the lot is filled by the time you arrive. You can park at the Roaring Brook Trailhead or on 73.
The first part of the hike is a 3.3 mile road walk. Exit the parking lot and continue until you reach Lake Rd situated between two tennis courts on the left. Lake Rd will lead you to a gate house- make sure you stop and register. After registering continue your hike and you'll soon pass the "fancy gate".
After you pass through the gate you will continue on the road for just under three miles.
*Members of the Ausable Club skip the road walk and are shuttled by bus to the top. Make sure you move to the side when you hear the bus- it flies up and down the road and can catch you off guard.*
On the way up you'll pass signs for Indian Head. Don't take them, these paths are your return route. The sign you're looking for is built into a tree stump and lists Indian Head, Fish Hawk Cliffs, and Colvin. If you descend to the Ausable Club's boathouse you've passed the trailhead.
The way to the trailhead offered spectacular scenery and made for some great pictures. Of course we had to have some fun with it- who names a trail Nippletop?!?!
This is the sign you're looking for! It may be tempting to take a snack break here, don't! If you walk for a few minutes there are rocks with a nice view of the lake and the boat house and the perfect spot to refuel.
From the trailhead it's about a mile to where Indian Head is. The trail gets steep but is a steady climb. Keep on keepin on.
After the mile you're going to arrive at a trail intersection. If you make a right you'll get to Indian Head. If you continue straight it will take you to Fish Hawk Cliffs about .25 miles away (beware it gets steep quick).
We hung out on Indian head for a while and took lunch/rehydrated.
After we headed back to the intersection and started onto Gill Brook trail. Gill Brook will loop you around back to Lake Rd. You're about half way done!
Gill Brook trail is incredible. There are a couple outlooks that are only a few minutes off the trail- I highly recommend you take all of them. One of the first you come across offers unbelievable mountain views.
At the end of Gill Brook you'll be put back on Lake Rd. Follow the road back to the Gate house and finish your entry in the log book
After the hike we went back to our campsite and took the kayak's out on Lake Harris. It was the perfect way to end a great hike.
Campground: Lake Harris Campground