ADK Leaf Peeping

I spent Wednesday to Friday of last week leaf peeping in the Adirondacks. The beginning of the week had some light rain so the leaves were starting to come down but there was still plenty of color and views were as usual fairly awesome.

In no particular order, I visited the following "shorties":

• Owl's Head: The short trip up was worth it for the vibrant colors although the low cloud cover hid all the high peaks.
• Round mountain: Another great short hike with fine views, easier than it's nearest neighbor (Noonmark) with slightly better (just my opinion) views. Again, the low cloud cover messed with my view of the Dix range but no complaining here. I'll be back here soon, perhaps next winter.
• Big Crow: This one is a hidden gem that rivals Owl's Head for lowest effort vs excellant view. The effort is slightly more but the view is much wider in scope. Low clouds again on the higher peaks but the nearest ones (Big Slide, Porter, Cascade and Pitchoff) were clear under bright blue skies.
• Mt Jo: Jo was packed at the summit including two groups of school kids from Saranac Lake (I think). Colors were brilliant and skies were clear blue. The hikers ranged in age from 4 to close to 80 (if I am an accurate judge of age!). Have to wonder if the 4 year old will hike it when aged 80?
• Mt Gilligan: Yep, I had a familiar tune in my head as I began this hike. This one is also hidden (off route 9 just west of the New Russia trailhead to RPR and Giant) though I am not ready to label it a gem.

A nice way to spend a few fall days and a great place to do it!