by Dick Carlson
The North Creek and North River area is rich in the history of the Adirondacks. And today, attractions have sprung up to enhance and enjoy this slice of time gone by. Probably, the most famous incident in the area was when Teddy Roosevelt learned at the North Creek train station that he was to be sworn in as President of the United States after the death of President McKinnley on September 14, 1901. Visit the North Creek Rail Station and take a ride on the Saratoga & North Creek Railway – just like Teddy Roosevelt.
Skiing History and North Creek are synonymous. The famous ski trains came to North Creek in the 1930’s and 1940’s and skiers enjoyed the “Ride up – Slide down” skiing of the time. Visit the North Creek Depot Museum to see exhibits telling the story of the history of snow trains and the development of skiing at Gore Mountain. Recreate the actual drive the ski trucks and buses took – bringing skiers up to Gore Mt. Today, the end of the road is The Garnet Mine Tour at the old Barton’s Garnet Mine up Barton’s Road in North River. Modern ski transport is the Gondola on Gore Mt. for scenic rides and great hiking destinations.
While The Barton’s Garnet Mine is the oldest operating mine in the area, mine history goes further back to the Hooper Mine in North River near Garnet Hill Lodge. Take a short hike to the old mine located on state land near Garnet Hill. Sample some other short scenic hikes to Balm of Gilead Mt and William Blake Pond, all perfect for families.
Not to be undone – the nearby Hudson River is rich in the early history of the Adirondacks. For over a hundred years, the loggers of the day used the river to float trees and pulpwood to the mills in nearby Glens Falls. With the advent of trucking in the 1950’s, the log drives ended. But today, you can recreate the trip the river men took on the Upper Hudson River with a whitewater rafting adventure. Summer scheduled dam releases are on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sundays. Numerous outfitters are located in the North River and North Creek area.
