Peak Weekend: A SLU Tradition
Peak Weekend, a cherished St. Lawrence tradition seeking to get as many people as possible out into the beautiful wilderness of the Adirondacks has arrived. Conditions this weekend are looking quite stellar, with projections for sunny skies, balmy temperatures and fall foliage in the high peaks region reaching its zenith. Most of the trails, which are no stranger to muddy conditions, will likely be comparatively tame, considering the relatively dry past few weeks. There is certainly much to look forward to.
The peaks themselves are no casual walk in the park. The shortest total distance hike to Cascade and Porter is about 5.6 miles total and features a (for the park) very modest elevation gain—for the park— of around 2,300 feet. Contrast that with the Seward range, a multi-day hike featuring four high peaks with cumulative mileage at over 21 miles and cumulative elevation gain at over 6,400. The Sewards are also among 19 high peaks without an officially maintained trail to the summit.
These “trailless” peaks don’t require any sort of special bushwhacking as they all have well-defined herd paths that often follow streams or ridgelines.
Unique about the Adirondacks is that each peak has its own quirks. Macomb Mountain in the Dix Range features a massive slide filled with sand and loose rock fragments with beautiful views of Elk Lake. Saddleback Mountain in the Great Range features a large cliff-like scramble to the top. Couchsachraga, the shortest high peak in terms of elevation, is unique in that one must hike down from a higher Allen Mountain is known for its steep final ascent up a riverbed coated with slimy reddish-orange algae. Mount Marshall’s herd path ascends a sheltered brook coated in beautiful moss. Hiking these mountains, especially during peak foliage, is truly a treasured experience.
One of the Outing Club trip leaders, Henry Baker ’25 was asked about his thoughts on peak weekend. “The high peaks are a New York wonder that all St. Lawrence students should get to explore. Everyone should take advantage of this opportunity to get out into the wilderness and go hiking,” he said. Baker will be leading his trip into the rugged Santanoni range, capturing Santanoni, Panther and Couchsachraga. This will be his first time leading a peak weekend trip as a member of the Outing Club.
People participating in peak weekend are advised to bring comfortable shoes (or rather, hiking boots) that they don’t mind getting dirty. In addition, ample water and food are suggested to ensure an enjoyable hike. Hiking indeed burns a great deal of calories, and the extra water is necessary to counteract the water your body loses from sweat. Bringing layers is certainly a good idea; temperatures will be a little chilly in the morning before rising to the low 70s by midday on Saturday. Overall, look forward to an excellent weekend of hiking, arguably the best weekend to do so. Happy trails!