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Exit 29 from the Adirondack Northway (I-87). Travel west on Blue Ridge Road, which joins Rt.28N west to Newcomb (around 25 miles). At 0.3 miles west of Newcomb Town Hall turn north at the Santononi Preserve sign, make immediate left and continue 0.4 miles to the headquarters and parking. General Description: See Adirondack Forest Preserve for trail regulations and other important information. This easy 10 mile round trip will give you an opportunity for a natural, cultural and historic Adirondack experience. The 8-10 foot wide, well-maintained dirt road is a great family bike ride, best done on mountain bikes or even hybrids. It winds through alpine forest of the Santononi Preserve, from the gate lodge, past the farm to the main lodge on Newcomb Lake. "As one of the earliest examples of the Adirondack Great Camps, Camp Santanoni, a National Historic Landmark, was regarded at the time of its completion as the grandest of all such Adirondack Camps to date" (Adirondack Architectural Heritage). The 12,500 acre preserve is the largest tract of land donated to New York State for inclusion into the Adirondack Preserve. It provides spectacular views of the adjacent High Peaks Wilderness and Vanderwhacker Wild Forest. Although summer weekends can bring many trail users, remember that the area is considered wild forest. Carry rain gear, insect repellent, water and snacks. There is a NYS campground, picnic area and town beach at nearby Lake Harris (Town of Newcomb). Don’t forget to visit the Adirondack Park Visitor Interpretive Center nearby.
The Trails: The trail is an 8-10 foot wide, well-maintained dirt “carriage road”. It is 4.7 miles to the main lodge on the shores of Newcomb Lake. Other trail users include hikers, equestrians, horse-drawn carriages and state maintenance vehicles. The mountain biking is fairly level for the first mile. After passing the farm complex a short easy climb takes you to a field with a view of the Santononi Range. After crossing a stone bridge the road climbs gradually to a junction with Moose Pond Road at around 2.4 miles. The left fork leads to Moose Pond in the High Peaks Wilderness. It is off limits to bikes. Bear right here as the road climbs gently, then finally begins to descend to Newcomb Lake at 3.2 miles, bending to the east. After a long gradual descent the road crosses a large bridge at the southeastern tip of the lake, then turns left to the main lodge complex.
Wildlife: Because the preserve is surrounded by wilderness there is always the possibility of sighting many different wildlife species. More common mammals include white-tailed deer, raccoon, eastern cottontail, red squirrel, black bear, coyote, beaver, chipmunk and the occasional moose. Common birds include ducks, blue jay, grouse, crow, loon, robin and an occasional golden eagle on Newcomb Lake. You may also encounter garter snakes, spotted salamanders, newts and the leopard frog.
Historical Note: The Santononi Great Camp was built from 1892-1893 by Robert C. Pruyn, an Albany banker and businessman. Theodore Roosevelt and James Fenimore Cooper, Jr. were among many distinguished visitors who regularly visited the Pruyns at their Adirondack Camp. It is one of the finest examples of rustic architecture with over 1500 trees used in the log construction. It is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. You will see 3 distinct building clusters along Newcomb Lake Road.
For more information: NYS DEC
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