Unnamed Palmer Pond Peak(Lake George Wild Forest-Adirondacks)

Headed up into the southern Adirondacks to do a little exploring to an unnamed peak near Palmer Pond in Chestertown this morning.  Early morning rain had finally ended and clearing skies prevailed as I arrived at the trailhead at the end of Palmer Pond Road(road was a bit rough for my low clearance vehicle-but I made it just fine)  I was a bit surprised to be the only car there when I arrived, but I gladly set out south on the gated, wide old road that is now the trail.(Elevation 1185 feet).

 

Within just a few moments on the trail I knew the bugs were going to be more than just a nuisance today, so I donned the head net for the first time all year.  Keeping right at a fork in the trail, I hugged the west side of the pond, passing through a very wet area near the outlet flow.

The main trail on the west side of the pond is very obvious and easy going for about 3/4 of a mile, until I turned right onto a less obvious herd path/ ATV trail marked by three small barrels.  This trail heads west and is in pretty good condition.  There is even a makeshift footbridge crossing over a small stream-not bad for an unofficial/ unmaintained trail. 

The unofficial trail is quite nice, passing through a sea of ferns on its way west.

The trail literally brings you right up to the large, open areas on the steep west slopes below the summit of the unnamed peak I was heading to.  Thankfully, this broad, open area allowed for a nice gusty wind to blow, chasing the bugs away.

Heading over to a jumbled area of rocks on a steep area of ledges, I was treated to the first views of the day towards Mill and Stockton Mountains.

Contouring my way along the steep, west facing slopes I found even more views.  This view stretches far and wide to the west, reaching all the way over to Gore Mountain(distant right).

Mill and Stockton again, from a slightly higher set of rocky ledges.

To the south, Gage Mountain rises impressively.

After checking out the views, I headed up through open patches of sedge grass and rocks on my way to the summit.

Arriving at the grassy, wooded 1580 foot unnamed summit.

From the summit, I came down a slightly different route and found even more views from open rock.  This is a broad view south towards the many peaks near the Hudson River.

SW views from the open rock.  From this higher vantage point, Crane Mountain can be seen on the horizon, left of center.

An easy descent on the unofficial trail, brought me down to the main trail once again.  From there, I circled around the south and east sides of Palmer Pond, enjoying many wonderful water views.

From the NE corner of Palmer Pond, I caught this neat look back towards the unnamed peak I had just hiked.  Doesn't appear to be much more than a small bump from here.

Once back around to the north side of the pond, I picked up the main trail once again and followed it back to the car for a total of 4.2 miles round trip, and over 500 feet of ascent.  Didn't see anyone else until I got back to the car as another group was setting out.  Would've been a perfect day but the bugs were extremely irritating near the pond.  

Map Below.   Blue P=Parking   Red=Route Taken