Section E—Shattuck Clearing to Lake Placid
27.87 miles
This section of trail follows streams and log or tote roads in the heart of the Adirondacks and the grade is not difficult, although the wild rugged High Peaks lie ahead.
There are no permanent camps other than lean-tos with no opportunities for obtaining supplies throughout this section.
Maps: Long Lake and Santanoni Quadrangles
Miles
Trail Description
00.00 Shattuck Clearing. The trail follows the gravel road southeasterly for 0.15 miles, then turns left into the woods.
00.25 Cross Moose Creek on a suspension bridge. The trail continues northeasterly to the south bank of Cold River.
00.75 Cross Cold River on a suspension bridge. A lean-to is located immediately on the left and another 0.1 mile downstream. The trail turns right after crossing the bridge and follows the Cold River upstream.
04.02 In a balsam fir setting is Seward lean-to. Just beyond the lean-to is the Natural Dam formed by rock ledges across the Cold River.
06.55 Ouluska Pass lean-to.
06.80 Big Dam was once a lumber camp area and is often made a camping place. The "hermit of Cold River," Noah John Rondeau, lived here for many years on land of the Santa Clara Lumber Co., now part of the Forest Preserve. He welcomed real lovers of the woods but shunned curiosity seekers. He made a frugal living by hunting, trapping and serving as a guide. Two Wigwams from his "Cold River City" the "Beauty Parlor" and the "Hall of Records" can be seen at the Adirondack Museum at Blue Mt. Lake, He died in 1967 at the age of 84.
10.50 Mountain Pond (2,142' elev.) is in a wild setting. The trail follows the old lumber road through second growth forests to the junction with a fire truck trail. Right on this truck trail 0.4 miles to two Cold River lean-tos.
12.10 At the Duck Hole are two lean-tos and a side trail to the right (blue markers) leading to Bradley Pond, Lake Sandford and Tahawus.
12.50 A side trail (red markers) on the right leads to Indian Pass, Mt. Marcy and Tahawus. The main trail, with blue markers, continues on upstream.
16.00 Moose Pond lean-to.
17.20 This is the divide between the Moose and Chubb Rivers. Wanika Falls lean-to is on a side trail to the right at 17.50 miles.
18.20 Trail turns to the right of the former trail to Averyville and crosses the Chubb River on a log bridge.
24.25 Averyville County Road, turn right to Lake Placid. To the left is the Chubb River bridge. Across the bridge 800 feet to the right is the entrance to trailhead parking.
25.50 Old Military Road and Lake Placid Village. The end of the trail.
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