Off on Adventure: John Dillon Park - Long Lake, NY

Friday, August 16, 2013

John Dillon Park - Long Lake, NY - 8/10/13

We were in the vicinity of Long Lake, NY last weekend to climb Owl's Head Mountain. That hike took the morning. After lunch, I wanted to drive past John Dillon Park to take a look at it since I had heard really good things about the park. It is located 4 miles north of Long Lake. The entrance is on the East side of Route 30.

John Dillon Park is named after a former CEO of International Paper. The story is fascinating. You read about it on the park website; johndillonpark.org. Paul Smith's college runs the park. There are 9 leantos; a single leanto near the park office and 4 leanto pairs. All leantos are available free of charge and can be reserved by calling the office. Firewood is provided (also free of charge)! The main portion of the park is located on Grampus Lake. There are also 2 leantos at Handsome Lake, 2.5 miles down an accessible trail.

Entrance Sign

The park is only open during the summer months, since it is run by the college students of Paul Smith's College. Camping is available to all, not just the mobility impaired.

One of the leantos. Outstanding!

We were so impressed, we walked all the grounds including the 5 mile roundtrip trail to Handsome Pond. The grounds are spectacular. The park is reached via a rough gravel road that is 2 miles long, however any vehicle should be able to drive the road.

One of the accessible paths

If you are in the Long Lake area, but sure to stop in and check out the park, even if you are not looking for a place to stay. You will be impressed. The website gives all the information, but seeing is believing! This year the park closes on August 23rd. Too bad it closes so early, but make a mental note of it for next year.