Spring Outdoor Sports

Posted in General, Spring at Garnet Hill, Things to Do

Fat Biking

Fat Bikes are one of the best ways to make the most of our trails during the spring as they adapt well to changing trail conditions.  Though the ski season will end on April 9, lodge guests get complimentary access to our trails year-round.  Winter season pass holders may continue to use the trails until the end of April.  For those who do not have a season pass, daily bike trail passes are available from the front desk, as are bike rentals.  The Outdoor Center will be back open daily in June with retail, rentals and advice to get you out enjoying the trails and facilities.  Until then, it is open on Saturdays and Sundays, and the Lodge staff are available to help you during the week.  If you are interested in biking on our trails throughout the spring, summer and fall, you may want to think about purchasing a mountain bike season pass.

Snowshoe/Hiking Tours

We will be continuing our Weekend Tours through the spring.  Look for at least one snowshoe or hiking tour to be offered each weekend.  Tours will be posted on the Outdoor Center Homepage.  As usual, these tours are free to guests and $10 for non-guests.  We have both snowshoes and micro spikes available to be used by participants if conditions dictate that equipment is required.

Yoga and Kayak Retreat (May 25-27)

It’s been a long, cold, dark winter. What a better way to embrace Spring than by playing in the Gorgeous Adirondacks at the Magical Garnet Hill Lodge! We want you to come, stretch, relax, bond and have some fun while enjoying all that the Adirondacks have to offer during this beautiful time of year.  The weekend will combine yoga, meditation, hiking, kayaking and amazing group activities and meals. All activities are designed for ALL levels so if you’ve never done yoga or been in a kayak, this weekend is for you!  Register by May 10.

Fishing

We’re looking forward to fishing season this year at Garnet Hill.  Trout and Salmon Fishing seasons officially opened on April 1, however you will probably want to wait until the middle of the month.  The Pike and Pickerel season opens on the first Saturday in May.   It’s also not too late to book a guided fishing trip with Adirondack Mountain and Stream if you need someone to help you get to the best spots with the right equipment and technique.  Here is the word from the DEC:

Streams
This February in the Eastern Adirondacks was much warmer than typical, and there was a reduced snow pack for much of it. However, a snowy March suggests typical early spring fishing conditions will prevail on streams around the region.

Lakes and ponds
While February temperatures were above normal, a cold December and January saw good ice-making conditions. Remote ponds in the Adirondacks are rarely ice-free until mid-April, and this spring’s ice out is likely to be similar.

Hiking Trails

Snowshoeing will lead to hiking as the snow melts in the area and the weather warms up, but melting snow can cause muddy conditions.  It’s always a good idea to check weather and trail condition reports before heading out on the trails.  Weather reports can be found here and the DEC Backcountry Information Page is updated every Thursday with conditions for our area and often has suggestions of appropriate equipment to bring along.