We've been spending a lot of time the last few weeks exploring some smaller areas around the Eastern Adirondacks. Just taking a little break from the high peaks as the crowds descend on fall colors there.
We spent Sunday afternoon at Cheney Pond in the
Vanderwhacker Mountain Wild Forest. The pond has easy access from Blue Ridge Road (also called Boreas Road or County Highway 2b). I shouldn't say easy access, but high clearance vehicle access from a short 1/2 mile gravel jeep road. The pond is about halfway between the Town of Newcomb to the west and Northway Exit 29 to the east.
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| Cheney Pond lean-to, built in 2008 |
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| Front view |
We had been to this pond before, and that was in the dead of winter on snowshoes, so of course it looked entirely different now. This trip was a chance to drop the kayaks in the water and go for a short paddle. The pond is only maybe 1/2 mile long but from the outlet of the pond, those wishing to explore can go through the channel into Lester Flow. You'll have to bring your water shoes and pull your boat up and over a couple beaver dams, but you can eventually get to the location of the former Lester Dam after about 2 miles of paddling down Lester Flow.
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| Looking west from near the lean-to |
It's also nice to park your boat on the east side of Cheney Pond and enjoy the nice sandy beach. There is a nice lean-to located there. It was built in 2008 and has been cared for. Please keep it that way. It's not intended to be a party spot!
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| Looking north from the beach at the eastern end of the pond |
We enjoyed the beach walk and explored around a bit. Some folks have gone into the woods behind the lean-to and chopped down live trees to try and burn them for a fire. Sad that folks do this. There is no need for it. While we were at the pond, we didn't see another person.
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| Some good fall colors |
We did see a pair of loons and a half dozen mergansers. The weather made our day quite interesting. It went back and forth from blue sky to dark clouds. On our paddle out we got "spit" on by some rain clouds. The sun was once again back out as we drove out. Adjacent to the boat launch area is a legal camping site. It could be a great spot if you think you can get the area to yourself for the night.
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| We had interesting weather while here, with sun, clouds and little rain |
On this day, we just took advantage of the fall colors and the changing weather to enjoy what mother nature has to offer, and it was spectacular!
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| Here is one of those clouds coming in |
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| Back to blue sky |
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| We got wet from these clouds |
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| A little more sun... |
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| Heading east on the outlet channel towards Lester Flow |
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| Picnic Rock and some fall color |
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| Back at the launch after a successful paddle |
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| Cheney Pond Map |
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