by Dick Carlson (1997)
Garnet Hill
Head to the mountains… It’s a North Creek Summer!
Long renowned as one of New York’s leading winter sports regions for alpine skiing, snowboarding and cross country skiing- North Creek and the surrounding area is quickly becoming a summer vacation destination. The focal point for winter sports enthusiasts is the state run ski center at Gore Mountain. Now with a summer chairlift operation for hiking and mountain biking descents on the mountain- Gore is leading the way for summer fun in the mountains.
Gore is a big mountain- 3583 ft. elevation at the summit. Summer operation for 1997 will focus on Gore’s East Chair, a detachable triple chairlift. Riding the lift to near the 3000 ft. elevation at the “saddle” on Gore, visitors are rewarded with one of the most spectacular mountain vistas anywhere. Looking North is a panorama of the Adirondack High Peaks including Mt. Marcy, NY’s highest mountain peak. From the saddle area hiking and Mt. Bike trails lead up to Gore’s alpine summit and also cascade back down to the base area. Gore Mt. is open daily beginning July 4th, with the summer chairlift scheduled to operate Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays throughout the summer and weekends in the Fall. Also at Gore this summer is the Adirondack Gem, Mineral, and Jewelry show on August 2nd and 3rd- with gem and mineral dealers, craft vendors, a geology presentation, kids corner, and other activities. This fall, Gore hosts the annual Octoberfest, a fun event of music, food, demonstrations and exhibits on Sept. 27th and 28th.
The original ski center in North Creek, The Ski Bowl, is still an activity center for the town with hiking trails, picnic areas, a playground, and town beach. New this year is the Schaefer Trail, a hiking trail connecting the Ski Bowl to Gore Mt. Summer activities include an Independence Day celebration on July 4th with fireworks at the North Creek Ski Bowl.
On equal par with mountain adventures at Gore is North Creek’s proximity to the upper Hudson River and summer fun on the water. The Hudson River Gorge is the region’s premier rafting trip, and is an all day guided river adventure covering 16 miles of river and summer ‘97 is an expanded schedule of water releases, making summer whitewater rafting a new attraction for the North Creek area. Outfitters are located in North Creek and the surrounding area- Beaver Brook Outfitters in Wevertown, Hudson River Rafting Company and Hudson Whitewater World in North creek, and Whitewater Challengers in North River. Local outfitters also offer fishing trips, canoe and Kayak rentals, clinics, and guided trips.
The hamlet of North River is a short scenic 5 mile drive on Rt. 28 West of North Creek. Visitors can wind up the mountain roads off Rt. 28 in North River to visit the Garnet Mine at the end of Barton Mines Road or Garnet Hill Lodge at the end of Thirteenth Lake Road. Garnet Mine Tours are available daily and include a tour of the world’s largest garnet mine, a geology lecture, history of the Barton mine, exhibits, and a mineral shop.
Garnet Hill Lodge is one of the East’s largest cross country ski centers. It was a natural that Garnet Hill would also become a Mt. Bike Center with rental bikes and over 30 miles of trails and roads combining for a varied mix of bike adventures for all ability levels. Garnet Hill offers a unique “bike downhill-ride back” shuttle bus service on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays- all the downhill fun without the uphill work. Garnet Hill also offers a guided naturalist hike on Tuesdays and Saturdays and a self guided nature trail.
The North Creek area is also a popular jumping off point for hikes, fishing trips and adventures in the Siamese Ponds Wilderness, Wilcox Lake Wild Forest, Vanderwalker Wild Forest, and the Adirondack High Peaks. Downtown North Creek features a unique collection of stores, restaurants, and overnight accommodations. Coming soon to North Creek is the East’s newest tourist railroad, utilizing a recently renovated train station, and the scenic rail line along the Hudson River. Call the Gore Mt. Region Chamber of Commerce for any additional information (518) 251-2612.
