Where: Ha-De-Ron-Da Wilderness. Tower Road, Thendara
Length: The full loop covers approximately 20 miles. The route is best done as a backpacking trip.Difficulty: As described in the video, the first half of the route is easy to moderate, much of it following the Big Otter Lake horse trail. Leaving the horse trail near Big Otter Lake, the second half of the loop to East Pond and then back to the starting point, is rough with lots of blowdown and several stream/beaver swamp crossings. It might be possible to get through with dry feet at times of low water. But, otherwise, expect to wade the South Inlet to Big Otter Lake and one or more wet areas encountered along the way. The second half of the route is moderate to difficult.
Access: From Route 28 in Old Forge, proceed south to the railroad overpass in Thendara. Immediately after the overpass, turn right onto Tower Road (note that the road sign gives a different name). Follow the gravel road for .5 miles and park near the gate. The trail starts 100 yards past the gate.
I've recently started creating videos documenting off-the-beaten track Adirondack hikes. You can view a video describing this route here. Please subscribe and like the video if you find it useful.
