Events

Events, 2026

Thu, Jan 1: Laurentian Chapter Annual New Year Outing at Higley Flow State Park 1-4 pm. Ski, snowshoe or hike at the park to kick off the new year in nature. At 3:00 we’ll gather at the Lodge for a potluck finger-food social. Bring a snack to share. The lodge will be open; weather permitting, we will have a bonfire. Joint outing with Friends of Higley Flow State Park.

Thu, Jan 8: Weekly Walk, Red Sandstone Access Roads We will walk the dirt access roads for approximately 2 miles, 1-hour round trip. If the roads are icy, traction devices such as micro spikes are recommended. Meet at 7:30 a.m. at the Red Sandstone trailhead, north entrance parking lot off Back Hannawa Road (CR59) between Potsdam and Hannawa Falls. From Potsdam, at the intersection of Rt. 11 and Clarkson Ave (CR59), drive south for 2.5 miles. The access road is on the left just past Sweeney Road. A brown “trail parking” sign marks the entrance. Leaders for each week will vary. Contact Tom Ortmeyer, tortmeye@gmail.com, 315-244-3707. Level C.

Sat, Jan 10: Winter Tracking at Indian Creek Nature Center beginning at 10 a.m. Snowshoes will be provided if needed. We’ll wrap up by noon and could share lunch around a campfire if people are interested. Level C. Contact Tom Van de Water at 315-261-1723.

Wed, Jan 14: rescheduled from Dec 10, 2025 Adirondack Discussion Group At this month’s discussion we will discuss environmental issues and the writings of Bill McKibben, George Perkins Marsh, and others. While some of the materials are easily accessible, we will also provide others which are less accessible or even rare. Contact Tom Wheeler (northflow@gmail.com, 315-244-9958) or Tom Van de Water (tblaisdellvandewater@gmail.com, 315-261-1723) for details and location.

Thu, Jan 15: Weekly Walk, Red Sandstone Access Roads We will walk the dirt access roads for approximately 2 miles, 1-hour round trip. If the roads are icy, traction devices such as micro spikes are recommended. Meet at 7:30 a.m. at the Red Sandstone trailhead, north entrance parking lot off Back Hannawa Road (CR59) between Potsdam and Hannawa Falls. From Potsdam, at the intersection of Rt. 11 and Clarkson Ave (CR59), drive south for 2.5 miles. The access road is on the left just past Sweeney Road. A brown “trail parking” sign marks the entrance. Leaders for each week will vary. Contact Tom Ortmeyer, tortmeye@gmail.com, 315-244-3707. Level C.

Thu, Jan 22: Weekly Walk, Red Sandstone Access Roads We will walk the dirt access roads for approximately 2 miles, 1-hour round trip. If the roads are icy, traction devices such as micro spikes are recommended. Meet at 7:30 a.m. at the Red Sandstone trailhead, north entrance parking lot off Back Hannawa Road (CR59) between Potsdam and Hannawa Falls. From Potsdam, at the intersection of Rt. 11 and Clarkson Ave (CR59), drive south for 2.5 miles. The access road is on the left just past Sweeney Road. A brown “trail parking” sign marks the entrance. Leaders for each week will vary. Contact Tom Ortmeyer, tortmeye@gmail.com, 315-244-3707. Level C.

Sat, Jan 24: Massawepie Scout Camp XC Ski/Snowshoe This is a Black River Chapter event. About a 5-mile RT leisurely paced trip. Level 1 trip. For more information please contact Linda Burns at lindaburns1008@gmail.com or blackriveradk@gmail.com.

Thu, Jan 29: Weekly Walk, Red Sandstone Access Roads We will walk the dirt access roads for approximately 2 miles, 1-hour round trip. If the roads are icy, traction devices such as micro spikes are recommended. Meet at 7:30 a.m. at the Red Sandstone trailhead, north entrance parking lot off Back Hannawa Road (CR59) between Potsdam and Hannawa Falls. From Potsdam, at the intersection of Rt. 11 and Clarkson Ave (CR59), drive south for 2.5 miles. The access road is on the left just past Sweeney Road. A brown “trail parking” sign marks the entrance. Leaders for each week will vary. Contact Tom Ortmeyer, tortmeye@gmail.com, 315-244-3707. Level C.

Sat, Jan 31: Slush Pond Ski We will ski the Slush Pond Road, near Paul Smiths. Slush Pond is associated with the kettle ponds created at the end of the last Ice Age. Six miles round trip, with minor elevation change. Contact Tom Ortmeyer, 315-244-3707 or tortmeye@gmail.com. Level B.

Thu, Feb 5: Weekly Walk, Red Sandstone Access Roads We will walk the dirt access roads for approximately 2 miles, 1-hour round trip. If the roads are icy, traction devices such as micro spikes are recommended. Meet at 7:30 a.m. at the Red Sandstone trailhead, north entrance parking lot off Back Hannawa Road (CR59) between Potsdam and Hannawa Falls. From Potsdam, at the intersection of Rt. 11 and Clarkson Ave (CR59), drive south for 2.5 miles. The access road is on the left just past Sweeney Road. A brown “trail parking” sign marks the entrance. Leaders for each week will vary. Contact Tom Ortmeyer, tortmeye@gmail.com, 315-244-3707. Level C.

Wed, Feb 11: Adirondack Discussion Group This month’s discussion will focus on the impact of naming (peaks) and classifying (land) in the Adirondacks. Contact Tom Wheeler (northflow@gmail.com, 315-244-9958) or Tom Van de Water (tblaisdellvandewater@gmail.com, 315-261-1723) for details and location.

Thu, Feb 12: Weekly Walk, Red Sandstone Access Roads We will walk the dirt access roads for approximately 2 miles, 1-hour round trip. If the roads are icy, traction devices such as micro spikes are recommended. Meet at 7:30 a.m. at the Red Sandstone trailhead, north entrance parking lot off Back Hannawa Road (CR59) between Potsdam and Hannawa Falls. From Potsdam, at the intersection of Rt. 11 and Clarkson Ave (CR59), drive south for 2.5 miles. The access road is on the left just past Sweeney Road. A brown “trail parking” sign marks the entrance. Leaders for each week will vary. Contact Tom Ortmeyer, tortmeye@gmail.com, 315-244-3707. Level C.

Sat, Feb 14: Summerstown Trails Near Cornwall, Ontario, about 15 miles from the international bridge. There is an extensive network of groomed trails for both cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, and our trip will accommodate either. About 5-10 miles round trip, very adjustable. Level C, suitable for beginners. Equipment for either skiing or snowshoeing is available for rental on site. Contact John Barron, 613-828-2296 or johnbarron@sympatico.ca.

Sun, Feb 15: Outdoors-Indoors - Hiking the Highlands David Katz describes two weeks in June 2025 walking in the Edinburgh, Glencoe, and Inverness regions of Scotland, with a side trip to the Inner Hebrides. 7:00 p.m. in the Potsdam Civic Center Community Room. For more information, contact Jeff Miller, jeff@stlawu.edu.

Thu, Feb 19: Weekly Walk, Red Sandstone Access Roads We will walk the dirt access roads for approximately 2 miles, 1-hour round trip. If the roads are icy, traction devices such as micro spikes are recommended. Meet at 7:30 a.m. at the Red Sandstone trailhead, north entrance parking lot off Back Hannawa Road (CR59) between Potsdam and Hannawa Falls. From Potsdam, at the intersection of Rt. 11 and Clarkson Ave (CR59), drive south for 2.5 miles. The access road is on the left just past Sweeney Road. A brown “trail parking” sign marks the entrance. Leaders for each week will vary. Contact Tom Ortmeyer, tortmeye@gmail.com, 315-244-3707. Level C.

Sat, Feb 21: Snowshoe to Lost Pond Near Cranberry Lake, a joint outing with North Woods Chapter. Impressive rock formations, lots of beaver activity, attractive pond. Photo opportunities. 2.5 miles RT, generally level; we’ll probably be breaking trail. Level C. Limit 10. Must be chapter member. Leader: John Omohundro, omohunjt@northnet.org.

Sun, Feb 22: Outdoors-Indoors - Deciphering the Geological History of the Barren Lands One Rock at a Time Jeff Chiarenzelli. In two consecutive nine-month canoe trips in 1893 and 1894 the Tyrrell brothers, under the direction of the Geological Survey of Canada crossed the Barren Lands filling in what was essentially a blank spot on the map of northern Canada. So little was known about the geography of the area west of Hudson Bay that where their trips down the Thelon, then Kazan rivers, would end was unknown. On these trips, accompanied by three expert Mohawk canoe men (the French brothers from Quebec), they encountered people (Caribou Innuit) who had never seen a person of European ancestry before. By the 1950’s the area was depopulated, and survivors of widespread starvation were relocated to communities near or on Hudson Bay. In this talk we will explore this remote and unique area through the eyes of a geologist. 7:00 p.m. in the Potsdam Civic Center Community Room. For more information, contact Jeff Miller, jeff@stlawu.edu.

Thu, Feb 26: Weekly Walk, Red Sandstone Access Roads We will walk the dirt access roads for approximately 2 miles, 1-hour round trip. If the roads are icy, traction devices such as micro spikes are recommended. Meet at 7:30 a.m. at the Red Sandstone trailhead, north entrance parking lot off Back Hannawa Road (CR59) between Potsdam and Hannawa Falls. From Potsdam, at the intersection of Rt. 11 and Clarkson Ave (CR59), drive south for 2.5 miles. The access road is on the left just past Sweeney Road. A brown “trail parking” sign marks the entrance. Leaders for each week will vary. Contact Tom Ortmeyer, tortmeye@gmail.com, 315-244-3707. Level C.

Thu, Mar 5: Weekly Walk, Red Sandstone Access Roads We will walk the dirt access roads for approximately 2 miles, 1-hour round trip. If the roads are icy, traction devices such as micro spikes are recommended. Meet at 7:30 a.m. at the Red Sandstone trailhead, north entrance parking lot off Back Hannawa Road (CR59) between Potsdam and Hannawa Falls. From Potsdam, at the intersection of Rt. 11 and Clarkson Ave (CR59), drive south for 2.5 miles. The access road is on the left just past Sweeney Road. A brown “trail parking” sign marks the entrance. Leaders for each week will vary. Contact Tom Ortmeyer, tortmeye@gmail.com, 315-244-3707. Level C.

Sat, Mar 7: Jacques Cartier State Park This late winter hike/ski is a Black River Chapter event. More information available at blackriveradk@gmail.com with detailed description and mileage.

Sun, Mar 8: Adirondack Architectural Heritage (AARCH): A Gateway into North Country Histories Tom French, a regular contributor to Adirondack Explorer and AARCH board member, will discuss the preservation work of AARCH and highlight the dozens of opportunities every summer to tour historic properties. 7:00 p.m. in the Potsdam Civic Center Community Room. For more information, contact Jeff Miller, jeff@stlawu.edu.

Thu, Mar 12: Weekly Walk, Red Sandstone Access Roads We will walk the dirt access roads for approximately 2 miles, 1-hour round trip. If the roads are icy, traction devices such as micro spikes are recommended. Meet at 7:30 a.m. at the Red Sandstone trailhead, north entrance parking lot off Back Hannawa Road (CR59) between Potsdam and Hannawa Falls. From Potsdam, at the intersection of Rt. 11 and Clarkson Ave (CR59), drive south for 2.5 miles. The access road is on the left just past Sweeney Road. A brown “trail parking” sign marks the entrance. Leaders for each week will vary. Contact Tom Ortmeyer, tortmeye@gmail.com, 315-244-3707. Level C.

Sat, Mar 14: cancelled due to trail conditions Snowshoe at Cranberry Lake We will start at the Brandy Brook Flow Trailhead and end up somewhere along the shores of the flow. This will be a 5–6-mile RT snowshoe. Level C+. For information contact Dana Chudzinski, 315-244-5345 or chudski63@yahoo.com.

Thu, Mar 19: Weekly Walk, Red Sandstone Access Roads We will walk the dirt access roads for approximately 2 miles, 1-hour round trip. If the roads are icy, traction devices such as micro spikes are recommended. Meet at 7:30 a.m. at the Red Sandstone trailhead, north entrance parking lot off Back Hannawa Road (CR59) between Potsdam and Hannawa Falls. From Potsdam, at the intersection of Rt. 11 and Clarkson Ave (CR59), drive south for 2.5 miles. The access road is on the left just past Sweeney Road. A brown “trail parking” sign marks the entrance. Leaders for each week will vary. Contact Tom Ortmeyer, tortmeye@gmail.com, 315-244-3707. Level C.

Thu, Mar 26: Weekly Walk, Red Sandstone Access Roads We will walk the dirt access roads for approximately 2 miles, 1-hour round trip. If the roads are icy, traction devices such as micro spikes are recommended. Meet at 7:30 a.m. at the Red Sandstone trailhead, north entrance parking lot off Back Hannawa Road (CR59) between Potsdam and Hannawa Falls. From Potsdam, at the intersection of Rt. 11 and Clarkson Ave (CR59), drive south for 2.5 miles. The access road is on the left just past Sweeney Road. A brown “trail parking” sign marks the entrance. Leaders for each week will vary. Contact Tom Ortmeyer, tortmeye@gmail.com, 315-244-3707. Level C.

Thu, Apr 2: Weekly Walk, Munter Trail Potsdam, 7:30 a.m. We will walk the trails for approximately 2 miles, 1-hour round trip. Meet in the parking lot behind the Clarkson Walker Arena and Hantz Field off Clarkson Ave., aka Back Hannawa Rd and CR 59. Leaders for each week will vary. Contact Tom Ortmeyer, tortmeye@gmail.com or 315-244-3707. Level C (Easy).

Thu, Apr 9: Weekly Walk, Munter Trail Potsdam, 7:30 a.m. We will walk the trails for approximately 2 miles, 1-hour round trip. Meet in the parking lot behind the Clarkson Walker Arena and Hantz Field off Clarkson Ave., aka Back Hannawa Rd and CR 59. Leaders for each week will vary. Contact Tom Ortmeyer, tortmeye@gmail.com or 315-244-3707. Level C (Easy).

Thu, Apr 16: Weekly Walk, Munter Trail Potsdam, 7:30 a.m. We will walk the trails for approximately 2 miles, 1-hour round trip. Meet in the parking lot behind the Clarkson Walker Arena and Hantz Field off Clarkson Ave., aka Back Hannawa Rd and CR 59. Leaders for each week will vary. Contact Tom Ortmeyer, tortmeye@gmail.com or 315-244-3707. Level C (Easy).

Thu, Apr 23: Weekly Walk, Munter Trail Potsdam, 7:30 a.m. We will walk the trails for approximately 2 miles, 1-hour round trip. Meet in the parking lot behind the Clarkson Walker Arena and Hantz Field off Clarkson Ave., aka Back Hannawa Rd and CR 59. Leaders for each week will vary. Contact Tom Ortmeyer, tortmeye@gmail.com or 315-244-3707. Level C (Easy).

Sat, Apr 25: Gould Lake Conservation Area About 5 miles RT of hiking in this area north of Kingston, Ontario. Less than 100 ft net change of elevation but trails are rugged in places (about 500 ft total gain). Pace: slow. Trailhead is at Conservation Area barn parking lot at south end of Gould Lake (44.46N, 76.59W). Contact John Barron, 613-828-2296 or johnbarron@sympatico.ca. Level C.

Sun, Apr 26: Outdoors-Indoors - SCUBA, Jungle Treks, Bathing Elephants, Bangkok Wats, and Fabulous Food Relive two weeks in April 2024 with Danielle Jerry and Bob Platte in Ko Tao with their SCUBA instructor son, boating, trekking, and wildlife viewing in Khao Sok National Park, and touring and eating their way through Bangkok, Thailand. 7:00 p.m. in the Potsdam Civic Center Community Room. For more information, contact Jeff Miller, jeff@stlawu.edu.

Thu, Apr 30: Weekly Walk, Munter Trail Potsdam, 7:30 a.m. We will walk the trails for approximately 2 miles, 1-hour round trip. Meet in the parking lot behind the Clarkson Walker Arena and Hantz Field off Clarkson Ave., aka Back Hannawa Rd and CR 59. Leaders for each week will vary. Contact Tom Ortmeyer, tortmeye@gmail.com or 315-244-3707. Level C (Easy).

Sat, May 2: Whalen Park to Nicandri Nature Center Bike Ride We’ll ride a combination of road, paved bike path and the gravel Richards Dike Path, to the Nicandri Center in Robert Moses State Park. We’ll lunch there, and then return. 21 miles. Leader: Tom Ortmeyer, tortmeye@gmail.com or 315-244-3707. Level B.

Sun, May 3: Buck Mountain Fire Tower hike This is a moderately difficult 2.3-mile (RT) hike with an elevation gain of 493 feet. For those working on the fire tower challenge, this is a good one to check off the list. Meet at the trailhead on the Sabattis Circle Road at 9 a.m. We will organize a carpool from Potsdam if necessary. Contact Dana Chudzinski, 315-244-5345 or chudski63@yahoo.com. Level C.

Thu, May 7: Weekly Walk, Bayside Cemetery Potsdam, 7:30 a.m. We will walk the roads for approximately 2 miles, 1 hour round trip. Meet at the entrance to the cemetery (730 CR59, aka Back Hannawa Road). Leaders for each week will vary. Contact Tom Ortmeyer, tortmeye@gmail.com or 315-244-3707. Level C (Easy).

Thu, May 14: Weekly Walk, Bayside Cemetery Potsdam, 7:30 a.m. We will walk the roads for approximately 2 miles, 1 hour round trip. Meet at the entrance to the cemetery (730 CR59, aka Back Hannawa Road). Leaders for each week will vary. Contact Tom Ortmeyer, tortmeye@gmail.com or 315-244-3707. Level C (Easy).

Sat, May 16: Azure Mountain Trail and Summit Work Day We’ll do spring cleaning such as side-cutting, brushing out, water bar cleaning, and erosion control. Sign-up required, limit 6 participants. Leader: Tom Ortmeyer, tortmeye@gmail.com or 315-244-3707. Co-Leader: Mike McLean. Level C.

Thu, May 21: Weekly Walk, Bayside Cemetery Potsdam, 7:30 a.m. We will walk the roads for approximately 2 miles, 1 hour round trip. Meet at the entrance to the cemetery (730 CR59, aka Back Hannawa Road). Leaders for each week will vary. Contact Tom Ortmeyer, tortmeye@gmail.com or 315-244-3707. Level C (Easy).

Thu, May 28: Weekly Walk, Bayside Cemetery Potsdam, 7:30 a.m. We will walk the roads for approximately 2 miles, 1 hour round trip. Meet at the entrance to the cemetery (730 CR59, aka Back Hannawa Road). Leaders for each week will vary. Contact Tom Ortmeyer, tortmeye@gmail.com or 315-244-3707. Level C (Easy).

Fri, May 29: Clarksboro Trail hike to the lookout point above Twin Falls This will be an afternoon hike starting at 3 p.m. with an anticipated total hike time of 2-3 hours. The hike is about 2 miles (RT) with an elevation gain of 500 feet. Side trips to one or two falls off Tooley Pond Road. Meeting point: kiosk at junction of Tooley Pond Road and Lake George Road, east of DeGrasse. For more info contact Tom Van de Water, 315-261-1723. Level C.

Thu, Jun 4: Weekly Walk, Munter Trail Potsdam, 7:30 a.m. We will walk the trails for approximately 2 miles, 1-hour round trip. Meet in the parking lot behind the Clarkson Walker Arena and Hantz Field off Clarkson Ave., aka Back Hannawa Rd and CR 59. Leaders for each week will vary. Contact Tom Ortmeyer, tortmeye@gmail.com or 315-244-3707. Level C (Easy).

Thu, Jun 11: Weekly Walk, Munter Trail Potsdam, 7:30 a.m. We will walk the trails for approximately 2 miles, 1-hour round trip. Meet in the parking lot behind the Clarkson Walker Arena and Hantz Field off Clarkson Ave., aka Back Hannawa Rd and CR 59. Leaders for each week will vary. Contact Tom Ortmeyer, tortmeye@gmail.com or 315-244-3707. Level C (Easy).

Thu, Jun 18: Weekly Walk, Munter Trail Potsdam, 7:30 a.m. We will walk the trails for approximately 2 miles, 1-hour round trip. Meet in the parking lot behind the Clarkson Walker Arena and Hantz Field off Clarkson Ave., aka Back Hannawa Rd and CR 59. Leaders for each week will vary. Contact Tom Ortmeyer, tortmeye@gmail.com or 315-244-3707. Level C (Easy).

Thu, Jun 25: Weekly Walk, Munter Trail Potsdam, 7:30 a.m. We will walk the trails for approximately 2 miles, 1-hour round trip. Meet in the parking lot behind the Clarkson Walker Arena and Hantz Field off Clarkson Ave., aka Back Hannawa Rd and CR 59. Leaders for each week will vary. Contact Tom Ortmeyer, tortmeye@gmail.com or 315-244-3707. Level C (Easy).

Events Archive