HOOK

60 HOOK spring4me hike into OK Slip Falls near Indian Lake; I'll never forget hearing the weight of its body snap and crunch leaves and vegeta4on, and watching it scamper away once it heard me. Summer provides 4me for backpacking trips along the 138-mile Northville Placid Trail or through the High Peaks, as well as swimming hole hun4ng and kayak- camping. In autumn, changing leaves erupt from northern eleva4ons and down, at- trac4ng many who look forward to relishing in one of mother nature's finest shows. And winter doesn't mean "stay indoors" in the north country, especially as Lake Placid has been home to the Winter Olympics on two occasions, in 1932 and 1980. Snowfall benefits the ski resorts in the park, and as inches accumulate, the backcountry wel- comes skiers and snowshoers. my thoughts on this fulfilling trip wander to debates of traveling to another coast, or exploring other mountains and water- ways in the northeast. Am I biased about the outstanding offerings New York has when it comes to playing outside? most likely— but intrigue travels with the curiosity of having barely scratched the surface. I've gone snowboarding in the High Peaks, but what about Gore mountain, New York's largest ski opera4on? What about the steep spur trails that jut off from the main route, but reward you with stunning waterfalls? What about bike-packing across the state on the Erie Canal Trail? No ma5er the season, there are few dull moments in New York and always plenty to do, most likely within an hour or two drive from your home. All it takes is 4me away from the city, away from monotony, to appreciate everything there is and more. My first black bear sighting came on a springtime hike into OK Slip Falls near Indian Lake; I'll never forget hearing the weight of its body snap and crunch leaves and vegeta- tion, and watching it scam- per away once it heard me.

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