A Moderate Hike Along a Historic Stream

On August 20th my wife and I hiked the Calamity Brook trail to Flowed Lands.   This was one of the best hikes and most photographic to date. When we arrived at the trailhead at about 8 AM and started our journey, the parking at upper works was plentiful at this early time although when we came out it was jam packed.

The walk was beautiful as we traveled along a gravel road to an open area that was used for logging. Before we knew it we arrived at a suspension bridge, and we knew that this was the spot to relax on the trip back. The trail was beautiful and although a little muddy in spots, it was worth side stepping here and there as the views were exceptional. We took advantage of the muddy areas to look at the many animal tracks. The picture shown is of a bear track (photo) found at the first of the two Calamity lean-tos.

The sights at flowed lands were awesome and there were plenty of ducks around to share the beauty of this area. Indian land at its best here as you could almost hear the drums beating in the distance. The time was now 11 and a good time to eat.

A quiet lunch was over and time now to take the many photos for my collection. We started back right around noon and met over 60 hikers on their way in. On the way back we stopped at the Henderson Monument dedicated to David Henderson who was accidentally killed there.

We finally arrived back at the suspension bridge and the shoes and socks came off and the area was ours (photo) as everyone that was coming in for the weekend had already passed by us. Plenty of photos and a nice snack made for a nice close out to the trip. Arriving back at the trailhead at approximately 3:45 PM we signed out and said that this was one trip that had to be done again later this fall.

Although muddy in spots, this 4.7 mile trail (with an ascent of a little over 500 feet) was well worth the little effort involved! Flowed lands is a sight that should not be missed.

NOTE: For a more complete description of the trail, please see ADK's (guide to) ADIRONDACK TRAILS - High Peaks Region 13th Edition, pp 220-222.

Happy hiking!!!
Rick and Tammy McCorry