Jabe Pond and Surrounding Hills - Lake George Wild Forest - 2/21/16

It was a cloudy 40 degree day, but no reason to stay indoors.  Leesa and I ventured to Jabe Pond to do a little exploration of the small mountains surrounding the pond.  We tried to approach Jabe Pond from Battle Hill Road, but that is a seasonal road, so we took Split Rock Road from Route 9N to get to the Jabe Pond access road.

The access road gate was closed, but we had planned to walk it anyways.  An easy mile later we were at the boat launch at the north end of the pond.  The ice was still safe to walk on (although some surface water and slush existed) so we walked out onto the ice and ventured out to the islands.  One of the islands in the middle boasts a large stone chimney; a reminder to life before this parcel becamse a part of the Lake George Wild Forest.    

Nice Map at Jabe Pond

Rev tested the ice for us.  Catamount Mountain (back left).

Designated campsite on the east point.

Island chimney.

Middle Mountain (back left)

After looking at the islands we went over to the east shore and climbed Number 108 Mountain (~1668').  How do these mountains get numbered as such?  This mountain boasted a lot of oak trees.  There were filtered views of Catamount Mountain and Jabe Pond. 

Coming back down Number 108 Mountain, looking at Catamount Mountain (L), Middle Mountain (R)  and Jabe Pond. 

Catamount (L), Middle Mountain (R)
  

When crossing the ice again we noticed there was even more staning water on top of the ice.  Perhaps our dismal winter is coming to an end.  We passed by the islands again and made our way over to the west shore to climb Middle Mountain (~1858').  Catamount Mountain was in constant view to the south, but we didn't venture that direction.  I've been on Catamount before, but it was a nasty day.  it was winter time with snow on the ground, but it was raining and foggy and I had zero visibility.  I'll go back there on a nice day.

   

Ice flows on the way to Middle Mountain.

Middle Mountain is an easy climb from the east and the forest is open hardwoods.  From the true summit you can see Jabe Pond and Lake George (when the leaves are down).  I dropped off the true summit to explore the SW corner of the ridgetop.  I thought this offered the nicest views.  There were sweeping views west and south. 

Zoom view of Lake George from the summit of Middle Mountain.

Leesa climbing Middle Mountain with Jabe Pond down below.

Catamount Mountain from Middle Mountain

Views from the SW corner of Middle Mountain 

Looking SW from the SW corner of Middle Mountain

Rev atop Middle Mountain

Summit of Middle Mountain 

From Middle Mountain we headed NE to Little Jabe Pond then climbed the small bump known as Indian Mountain (~1672').  Once again we could see Lake George and Jabe Pond (only visible with leaves down),

Summit of Indian Mountain

Zoom view of Lake George from Indian Mountain.

While we'd rather be out XC skiing or snowshoeing in some nice powder, the lack of snow has been making for easy bushwhacking and the 40 degree temperatures are easy to handle. 

Hike Stats:

Hike Distance:  7.3 miles

Hike Time:   5 hours

Total Vertical Gain:  ~2000' 

The route (click image to enlarge)