Chasing Waterfalls

When I was younger, my mom and I would always go on different hikes throughout the summer.

It had been a while since we had had this opportunity - you know how life is... I've gotten older and started working!  Last week when I saw the weather report, and the sunny and 70-degree days, I started craving a hiking day with mom.

This time I thought we could switch it up and hike into some waterfalls that she has never been to. This started my idea of spending the day in Hamilton County, where they are known for their awesome waterfall hikes. We packed a backpack and took off chasing waterfalls.

Starting Out

Mouth Watering!

It was the first warm day of spring, and I was ready to get out of the house. I had been suffering from cabin fever —  especially after we got hit with 35 inches of snow in March.  Seventy degrees and sunny in April is almost unheard of!

Before heading out, we planned a stop at one of my favorite spots in Long Lake for lunch. I wanted to take my mom there so she could experience the great food that I am always telling her about.

The Adirondack Trading Post has the best sandwiches I've ever had. I am still trying to figure out how it took me 21 years to find this gem of a lunch spot. Now that I have found it, I am hooked. From sandwiches to paninis, and homemade soups and mac and cheese, everything from the Trading Post is fresh and delicious. Not to mention they have the cutest store to buy all kinds of Long Lake and ADK goodies. To me, it is a complete hidden gem.

Buttermilk Falls

This Way!

The Roaring Falls

After we picked up lunch our first stop was Buttermilk Falls. I decided this was a great spot to have our lunch with the nice picnic area next to the falls. When we pulled up and got out of the car I could hear the water roaring all the way from the road. We started the short hike into the falls and saw the white rapids raging over the rocks. It looked so different from when I had been in the summer, I was so excited that I made the trip again.

I pulled a picnic table into a sunny area, and we sat and had lunch listening to the roaring from the falls. Seeing the Falls in the spring time was a totally different experience because of the high water level. It gave Buttermilk Falls a totally different feel; very intense and powerful.

Going in the summer is also a great experience, but it is a more peaceful and tranquil feeling. These falls are one of my favorite spots to keep going back to because of the different view you can have each time you go.

Death or Secret Falls

Brrrrr. That water looks cold.

The next stop we made was to Death Falls in Raquette Lake. These falls are also referred to as Secret Falls. Secret Falls is a fitting name for these falls because my mom and I had no idea they were there. We saw the sign, parked on the side of the road and headed for the trailhead.

The hike is very short, but the view is definitely worth it. The hike in is a bit strange, walking past a metal gate, and down a trail until you come to a large open field. Walk across the field, and down the rest of the trail and in a short matter of time you will see the falls. The trail takes you right to the base of the falls.

I loved this viewpoint because it makes the falls look so dramatic and big.  The whole right side of the falls was still frozen so it looked like a glacier next to the waterfall. I could have stood there at the bottom all day looking up at the water gushing over the cliffs. Death Falls is definitely at the top of my waterfall list.

Limekiln Falls

The hike was worth it!

The last stop we made was to Limekiln Falls in Inlet. We decided to go here last because it was a longer hike and we would go home after we finished.

We found Limekiln State Campground, went to campsite 87, parked the car and started our hike. Just like Death Falls, you also have to cross a large, wide open field on this hike which I found to be strange - I'm used to hiking in the woods! Generally, there is a day-use fee to get into the campground, but because we went in the beginning of spring and the campground wasn't open yet, we got in for free. The hike ended up being about two-and-a-quarter miles into the falls. The part that made these falls so different was they were about a half-mile long. They continued on for quite a while which made them really cool visually.

We sat on a rock for a bit once we found the falls. Once we felt rejuvenated we decided to start the hike out. I liked these falls because the trail is not too difficult and multiple people of all ages could hike this. When we got back to my car we were both exhausted and our feet were soaked. Note to self: next time I go hiking in the spring bring a couple extra pairs of socks and shoes!

Until Next Time...

Heading home my mom and I talked about how much fun the day was and how we missed the hikes we went on when I was younger. We both vowed to continue to find time to go on more hikes together, and enjoy the assets Mother Nature has given us. Our goal is to finish the Waterfall Challenge this summer. We also discussed how delicious that lunch was...and how we can't wait to go again to start our next trip.

Checkout the waterfall challenge, and start planning your next trip!


This week in related ADK news:

Tour de falls

Fave first ride

Trout ’n about

Wet and wild

Cool fishing gear

Hikes with tykes

Adirondack Weddings

As you may have guessed, the timeframe between Thanksgiving and Valentine's days is the most popular time to get engaged. Maybe you've just gotten engaged or are just thinking to...

Short Hikes

Known for its High Peaks and tough trails, hiking in the Adirondacks can seem a little daunting for beginners or those with families. But, I’m here to tell you, while we do have...

5 Reasons to Snowmobile Hamilton County

Winter is most fun when you get outdoors and play in the snow, and this doesn’t change the older we get. A favorite winter pasttime in the Adirondacks is snowmobiling, and the...

Top 4 Ways to Enjoy Winter

You may be thinking “I’m getting the winter blues and I need a vacation,” and I know the first thing that pops into your head is somewhere tropical, but why not try something...

Snowshoeing at Dog-Friendly Fern Park

As we pull into the quiet lot next to the ice skating rink, I can hear the swish of fresh snow under my tires. I step out and take a deep breath. The air is crisp and cold. It...

Skates, Skis or Snowshoes!

Wintertime gear includes so many innovative contraptions to strap onto your feet! And maybe you JUST got those brand new ones and you are DYING to try them out! Well, come on up to...

Your Guide to Holiday Shopping

Summer is now just a tiny speck in the rear view as we fly through fall, headed straight for winter. That means it's time to pack up the Halloween decorations, maybe put up a few...

It’s Time To Think Snow!

OK, I know what you're thinking: No. Way. "I haven't even gone trick-or-treating with the kids yet." "I have 17 relatives coming for Thanksgiving dinner!" But...YES, WAY! Now is the...

Top 4 Scenic Foliage Drives

Indian Lake to Speculator   Trip distance: 34 miles This drive will give you gorgeous scenic views of the fall foliage, as well as views of two beautiful Adirondack lakes. Starting...

Summertime = Beachtime

One of my favorite summertime activities here in the Adirondacks is taking my kids and spending the day at the beach. We love to go to the public beach in Speculator. This is the...

Skis and Snacks

The air is super crisp, cold, and clean as I drop my skis down at the trailhead. A fluffy poof of snow jumps into the air where the skis land. I take a deep breath and look around....

Things To Do Indoors

We are right in the thick of winter here in the Adirondacks and let me tell you what, it has been COLD! There have been many consecutive nights of negative temperatures — some...

A Gift For Everyone

We all know people who are just impossible to shop for. Well, let me break down the perfect Adirondack gifts — by personality! The Adventure Seeker Do you know someone who's an...

Holiday Shopping Ugh

We all know that sometimes holiday shopping can be a real drag. Going to the same stores, shopping for the same people - who seem to have everything ... This year, why not mix it up...

Plan Out Your Adirondack Winter!

C'mon, everyone! Get ready for some winter fun! (And maybe cross a few gift purchases off your list!) When I woke up this morning, it was 4 degrees. There's also a nice 2-inch layer...

Getting Ready for Winter

We are just getting our first official snowfall, so now is the time to get prepared so you are not caught off guard! Snowmobile If you own your own snowmobiles, now is the time to...

Stories of the Adirondacks

A place this full of history needs people to tell its stories, which is why we are fortunate enough to have a rich supply of historians, songwriters, and storytellers.  INLET'S...

Adirondack Oddities

Driving through the Adirondacks, no matter what time of year, is always beautiful. But if you've ever driven though our little towns, you have probably seen a few of our roadside...

Fall Events

We are just as sad as you that summer seems to be coming to an end far too quickly. However, just because summer is almost over, it doesn't mean the fun has to stop! There are tons...

My Favorite Restaurants

The Adirondacks are a great place for many things such as hiking, paddling, and camping. But one of the things done really well here is food! I haven't had the chance to eat at all...

Adirondack Saddle Tours

It was a beautiful day in July when my friend Stephanie and I hopped in the car and headed north. Our end goal was Inlet, or more specifically, Adirondack Saddle Tours. I was going...

Adirondack Fourth of July

One of my favorite times of the year is coming up — and it's coming up fast! I don't know about you, but when I think about summer, I think about camping, s'mores, fireworks, and...

Golfing in the Adirondacks

The following was written by Christy Wilt, the director of tourism and economic development for Hamilton County. Christy has lived in the Adirondacks for over 20 years and has been...

Black Fly Challenge... Accepted!

 Editor's note: The annual Black Fly Challenge will be held on Saturday, June 10, 2017. Not sure what the challenge is or why you would want to take it? Check out this fun blog...

Things to Do Along the Way

Memorial Day is right around the corner, and you know what that means... It's time for the Great Adirondack Garage Sale! With sales from Speculator to Inlet to Indian Lake to Long...

Chasing Waterfalls

When I was younger, my mom and I would always go on different hikes throughout the summer. It had been a while since we had had this opportunity - you know how life is... I've...

Down on one knee in the 'dacks

What is romance? When some people think of romance, they immediately imagine the classics: candlelit dinner, fancy restaurant, picnic in the park... For romantic gifts, they revert...

Cross-Country Skiing in the Adirondacks

So far this year, we have had a fantastic winter. There is certainly no shortage of snow! Storm after storm has dumped plenty of the fluffy white stuff on us.  The fantastic thing...

Valentine's Day Tradition

While this will be mine and my husband's first Valentine's Day as a married couple, it is hardly our first rodeo. This will be our 11th Valentine's Day together. Our first being on...

Ice Skating In The Adirondacks

With temperatures regularly lingering below freezing, don't forget to pack your ice skates this winter for your next Adirondack adventure! While most people come here to go skiing...

Winter Events

This year, I made a resolution to stay home more.  Well, that went out the window fast! There are just way too many great events going on to sit at home. There is a little something...

Fall Festivals

A notable temperature shift has been happening over the last couple of weeks, making many people realize summer is coming to an end! While we may be packing away the beach chairs...

Swimming Holes in the Adirondacks

Take a Swim There are some really great places around the region to take a dip, from public beaches to hidden swimming holes, and they are all worth checking out! Public Beaches...

Bar Hopping

Here in the Adirondacks we know how to enjoy life. We're always up for camping, paddling, fishing, hiking, and more. But we also enjoy relaxing, and what better way to do that than...

Gluten Free on the trail!

Trying to eat gluten free is one of the hardest things I have ever tried to do - I love wheat and wheat products. While being a celiac is not something we have to deal with, Corenne...

Prepping for the 90-Miler

  The Adirondack Canoe Classic (a.k.a The 90-Miler) Adirondack Canoe Classic, Day Two Start - Photo by Alexandra Roalsvig, provided by The Town of Long Lake. The weekend after...

Summer Events

Ready for a Summer Vacation? Its time to pack up the RV and hit the road! Summer is just around the corner and the Adirondacks is the place to be. Whether you prefer to immerse...

Care and storage of winter gear

The end of a long winter season is once again upon us, and even though the conditions weren't all that conducive to what might be called an excellent winter season, our gear did get...

Historical Landmarks

The celebration of Hamilton County's Bicentennial is happening this year, and we have been doing a little delving into our history! While 1816 marks the inception of the county, ...

A memorable wedding getaway in Inlet

Inlet is the perfect place for an Adirondack wedding getaway. My boyfriend Andy and I were invited to a wedding in Inlet last summer, and we decided to make a full weekend escape...

Get ready for camping, Part 2: Sleeping bags and pads

Picking a sleeping bag is not all that difficult once you get a grasp on your personal comfort level. There are numerous companies out there making sleeping bags, and some are...

Birding in March: A Transitional Time

In the Adirondacks, March and October are transitional months, with October representing life falling into a slumber, and March a reawakening. The stillness of winter settles in...

Birders Flock to the Central Adirondacks!

 Winter Birds in the Central Adirondacks The winter birds of Long Lake, Newcomb, and Minerva have been a magnet for visiting birders this season. In addition to our year-round...

Adirondack Ice Bowl

The Annual Adirondack Ice Bowl Pond Hockey Tournament, which has been happening since 2009, will once again be held on 4th Lake in Inlet. Participants and spectators alike look...

5 Destinations to Visit Via Snowmobile

Destination Snowmobile! Got the itch? No, not that kind of itch! I'm talking about the one where you are pacing back in forth in front of your sled, just waiting for enough snow to...

2015-2016 Winter Events

As the cold sets in you may want to bundle up and wait the winter out - but then you would miss out on so many great events going on in the heart of the Adirondacks! From ice...

Avoid the Madness and Shop Local!

Crowded Malls? No thanks! Black Friday shopping is a phenomenon that has taken over the country. People are camping out for days waiting for the hottest, newest merchandise at the...

October events in the southern Adirondacks

October has always been my favorite time of the year. The cool crisp air, the new colorful landscape, and Halloween! There is still so much going on in the Adirondacks! Try Your...