Heart Lake

North Elba, NY





Heart Lake is a gem in the High Peaks Region of the Adirondack
Mountains, near Lake Placid. This lake earns its name on many levels.
Seen on a topographic map, the lake tends to appear as a rather
anatomically correct heart. However, from other views, especially
atop some of the nearby mountains, it looks like a valentine. If you
concentrate, you can make out this shape from the lakeshore. Heart
Lake is also considered by many to be at the spiritual heart of the
Adirondacks.

Heart Lake is on the Adirondak Loj property owned by the Adirondack
Mountain Club. Non-members are welcome. The Loj has overnight
accommodations available for up to 46 people in private rooms, family
bunkrooms, and a coed bunkroom. There is also a campground on the
property, with tent sites, canvas platform tents, and lean-tos
(sorry, no RV facilities). There is a fee for day use, with plenty of
parking, an information center, rest rooms and coin showers, a small
store, and a beach for swimming in the lake. You can look up fees and
reservations arrangements at www.adk.org or call 518-523-3441.

An almost endless array of trails leave directly from this area.
Shorter hikes include the unnamed trail that goes about a mile around
the lake and the 2-mile loop trail over little Mt. Jo. Some
intermediate hikes are available. Those wishing a strenuous day hike
can scale some of New York's 46 high peaks over 4000-feet
elevation,
including the state high point, Mt. Marcy at 5344 feet. Extended
wilderness backpacking trips can be planned as well. The High Peaks
Information Center is on the grounds, and guidebooks and maps can be
purchased in advance at outdoors stores or by contacting the
Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK) at the website above.


Hiking: The letterbox is hidden on a deliberately short walk. That
way you can choose other hikes that suit you while you are here. Plan
to stay a while- it's worth it.

Clues: easy

Driving directions: From Interstate 87, take exit 30, Route 73 toward
Keene and Lake Placid. Stay on Route 73 for 26.5 miles. Look
carefully for the High Peaks Trailhead sign at Adirondak Loj Road, on
the south side (left side) of Route 73. Turn down this road and go
4.8 miles. On the other hand, if you are coming from the west, take
Route 86 through Lake Placid. At the third traffic light, turn right
onto Route 73 towards Keene. Go 2.8 miles and turn right onto
Adirondak Loj Road at the High Peaks Trailhead sign. Go 4.8 miles.

At the entrance booth, stop and explain whether you are there for day
use, overnight camping at the campground, wilderness camping, or
lodging at the Adirondak Loj. You will be told where to park
according to your use type.



CLUES: