FPCP 2009 Excursions

On Saturday May 30th, we have arranged three excursions starting at 10:50 AM, that are described below. Each excursion will be led by at least one local organizer. Excursions 1 and 2 have limits on the number of participants; we also need to know who will have cars available to use to transport people. Please fill out excursion form if you want to go on any three of these trips. A box lunch will be provided, but only if you sign up.

Excursion 1: Hike to Algonquin peak - CLOSED

Algonquin is the second highest peak in the Adirondacks (5114 ft/ 1559 m) and also the only other 5000er. It is the higest peak in the MacIntyre Range and totaly dominates its lower siblings . It sits across from Mt. Colden and gives one a great view of the slides on this peak. Marcy is a little further away, on a clear day one can see Giant some 35km beyond that.

The hike is 8 miles round trip, with an ascent of 2936 ft/894 m.

The usual route for this adventure is to follow the blue-blazed Van Hoevenberg Trail 0.9 miles (1.4 km) to its junction with the yellow-blazed MacIntyre Range Trail and follow that the remaining 3.1 miles (5.0 km) to the summit, during which the route gets progressively steeper and rockier. There is a 14-person limit for this hike, and we need to arrange rides for the 15 minute trip to the trail head.

This is a difficult climb, hiking boots are a must. Be prepared for cold and/or wet weather. A box lunch will be provided. There is a small fee for parking.

Excursion 2: Hike to Mount Jo summit - CLOSED

This moderately difficult hike features a forest trail with nice vistas of Heart Lake, and an open 2,876-ft (875 m) rocky summ it that provides one of the best views of the High Peaks for the effort. It is a 2.3 miles (3.7 km) loop, consisting of a long trail and a steeper short trail, and a 700 ft (210 m) ascent. Mt. Jo is located southeast of Lake Placid. Please be sure to sign up for this hike if you are interested, since there is a 21-person limit for this hike, and we will need to organize car transportation for the 15 minute ride from the Hotel to the trailhead. A box lunch will be provided. A small fee is charged for parking. For those going on this hike, good boots are essential, as is taking along some weather-appropriate (i.e., warm) clothing. A detailed description of the trail and driving directions may be found here, and a youtube here.

Excursion 3: Tour of Olympic Village and walk to Cobble Peak

This is an entertaining guided tour of the Olympic Arena, which is a must-see for visitors to Lake Placid. The 1932 rink is named for Sonja Henie and Jack Shea. The 1980 rink is named for the "Miracle on Ice" hockey team and coach Herbert Brooks (entry tickets will be provided). After the tour, the group will then take a relatively easy hike though the town of Lake Placid, and then takes a forest trail that ascends to the top of Cobble Peak. This is a loop of about 2.5 miles (4 km). There are some lovely views of Mirror Lake and the surrounding area from the top. There is no limit to the number of persons for this hike. A box lunch will be provided. A view from the summit may be seen here.