April Newsletter

Posted in General, Newsletters

This April has been a wintry one, even by Adirondack standards.  As much as I would have liked to include a beautiful spring photo with daffodils, the above picture is closer to the truth.  This was taken a few weeks ago out on the trails, although as the month draws to a close the snow is now disappearing quickly.  Spring is a unique season in the North Creek Area that locals know well.  Now that the temperatures are warming up, we will be shedding our snowshoes and micro spikes for good-old hiking boots, and heading out to to enjoy the warmer weather before the flies catch on to spring’s arrival. Though we await their return with some trepidation, locals also know that when the flies are biting so are the fish!  Local fishing enthusiasts  are chomping at the bit waiting for the lakes to thaw so they can get out in their boats and start reeling in some trout!

The North Creek Area hosts two fabulous events in the coming months, the Black Fly Challenge on June 9 and the Hudson River Derby on May 5 and 6.  The Black Fly Challenge is a fantastic cyclocross and mountain biking event and the Whitewater Derby is a weekend-long whitewater competition on the Hudson River in the height of the fabulous high water season caused by the melting snow and ice that built up throughout the winter.

Upcoming Events at Garnet Hill

Mother’s Day (May 13)

Mother’s Day is coming up in just a few weeks.  We hope you will join us for a special Mother’s Day Brunch on Sunday, May 13.  If you haven’t gotten a chance to enjoy one of our Bluegrass Brunches, this special edition will allow you to do just that.  The elegant buffet will feature an omelette station, made-to-order Eggs Benedict, a Roast Turkey Breast and Prime Rib Carving Station, Stuffing, Sides, Ravioli with Roasted Red Pepper Cream Sauce, assorted desserts and more! We will also be offering Mimosas in addition to the popular Bloody Mary Bar that is a mainstay of our Bluegrass Brunch.

In addition to Brunch, we will also be offering complimentary hiking tours at 10am and 1pm, allowing you to make this a great day with the family where you can relax together, enjoying the peaceful mountain setting.

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 at 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.

Spring Outdoor Sports

Mountain Biking

As the weather warms up, the snow melts and the trails dry out we are looking forward to mountain biking, including fat biking.  Though Fat Bikes are one of the best ways to make the most of our trails earlier on in the season as they adapt well to changing trail conditions, the quiet roads in the Garnet Hill community make great places to enjoy standard mountain bikes this time of year.  Trails continue to see a mixture of melting snow and ice as well as mud, while area roads are clear.  Bike trail passes are now available, 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 from 10am to 3pm, 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.  Rates and More Info

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.  Currently, these tours are free to guests and non-guests.

Fishing

We’re looking forward to fishing season this year at Garnet Hill.  Trout and Salmon Fishing seasons officially opened on April 1, and the Pike and Pickerel season opens on the first Saturday in May.   Though officially the trout fishing season has been open, 13th lake remains iced over.  According to the DEC, “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 April the ice seems to be taking its time.  It’s also not too late to book a guided fishing trip for May or June with Adirondack Mountain and Stream if you need someone to help you get to the best spots with the right equipment and technique.

Thirteenth Lake on 4-26-18

Hiking Trails

Snowshoeing leads to hiking in the month of April, as the snow melts in the area and the weather warms up. However, 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.

Renovations Update

Renovations continue on the Garnet Hill Outdoor Center.  The second floor is nearing completion and will provide our guests and visitors with a casual dining space.  The most popular name for this new space in a recent GH Staff discussion was the “Bobcat Bar and Grill”.  This is a place we are looking forward to using and think you will enjoy it too.  It will also provide us with additional, flexible event space for accommodating groups looking for a casual setting.  We anticipate the space will be open in early summer.

If you are on your way up soon you may notice some heavy equipment from the installation of a new septic system. While this work has caused some disruption to the lawn outside the Log House, they will soon be laying grass on the front lawn, which is now more level and offers even better views of the mountain and lake.  This is good news if you are planning a wedding and want a great spot for your dance floor!

If you haven’t been in one of our rooms recently, we do encourage you to take a peek.  Though much of this work was completed in the fall and early winter, we still get customers who have come back to Garnet Hill after a few years away and are excited to see the upgrades.