8.6.23 Trail and Steward Report
In today’s edition of Critters of St. Regis Mountain, we have Ozzy and Lucy! Lucy knew where to find a cool spot to chill out after tough hike, and Ozzy enjoyed a multi-sport day, coming in by boat via the Spring Bay trail off of Upper St. Regis Lake.
8.4.23 Trail and Steward Report
The rainfall on Friday was more than the already waterlogged trail could easily drain. The first stretch of trail is characterized by standing water and ankle-deep mud, and the last steep stretch is a waterfall.
7.14.23 Trail and Steward Report
Friday’s hike to install the flag was surprisingly dry and pleasant. There is still mud in the typically muddy sections but easily walked through. Summit Steward Ethan educated several hikers about the tower and the mountain peaks seen from the summit. A family from Rochester enjoyed the views – as did their pouch Milo (see our website for other Critters of St Regis Mountain).
7.8.23 Trail and Steward Report
The mid-weekend fungi update you were all waiting for:
While some of us may be down about all this rain and humidity, the mushrooms and slime molds are absolutely thrilled! If you are hiking St. Regis soon, make sure to keep your eyes peeled on the forest floor because you’ll be sure to find some cool stuff. It took our Summit Steward twice as long to make it to the tower today because he couldn’t stop taking pictures of them.
6.30-7.2.23 Trail and Steward Report
Nothing major to report, the trail is in great shape and was enjoyed by hundreds of hikers over the weekend. There are a few new pieces of blowdown to negotiate, but all easily avoidable.
6.23-6.25.23 Trail and Steward Report
The rain, humidity, smoke, and bugs made for less than ideal hiking conditions, but that didn’t stop a lot of brave hikers from reaching the tower this past weekend.
Much of the upper trail is still running water, although the first 2.3 miles have drained off pretty well. The flies have officially developed an appetite, so be sure to pack bug repellent.
The highlight of our Stewards weekend was getting to hang out with Toby and Co. on Sunday!
6.16-6.18 .23 Trail and Steward Report
Despite the rain and intermittent thunderstorms, there were still plenty of hikers enjoying the fire tower this past weekend. The mosquitos definitely enjoyed all the rain, so don’t forget bug spray and a head net if you’re planning on hitting the trail soon. The conditions are surprisingly dry for the first 2 miles or so, and increasingly slicker as the trail gains in elevation. The mud is not as bad as you might think, but rocks and roots can be treacherous.
For the few sections of trail that are very muddy, it is important to remember to stomp straight through it. This trail is old, heavily used, and extremely susceptible to erosion in the muddier spots.
4.22.23 Tower and Trail Report
Board members Doug and Tom and friend John hiked up St. Regis to do a little maintenance and to plan for up coming projects.
The trail is fairly dry for this time of year. Just a little rotting snow and ice in the tread on the north side near the summit and a few muddy spots in the normally wet areas. Remember to stay in the tread and walk through the mud. No need for micro spikes.
4.24.22 Tower and Trail Report
Board member Rich had his first hike to the tower this season – to look things over for the painting project to resume soon. Tower looks great and survived another winter rather unscathed! The trail was half surprisingly dry – and half not surprisingly very wet. Please do your best to stay within the official trail (though one spot may require a PFD to wade through). Many thanks to the rangers, foresters and hikers who have cleared away much of the branches from the last snow storm. There are still plenty of trees that cross the path but most are no problem to step over. The top stretch of trail is icy and has plenty of snow. I had warm temps to soften up the ice/snow for safe hiking, but micro spikes are recommended for hiking in below freezing temps. Carry them with you “just in case”.
I met several hikers as I was hiking up, and these fine folks from Rochester and their dog were the only company I had while on the summit. Orion is the first critter on the mountain for the 2022 web site page!
2021 Steward/Trail Reports
5.24.21 Report: FOSRMFT board members Doug and Rich paddled the Upper St Regis Lake and hiked the lake trail. The lake trail section had some blow-down and wet spots; the main trail was basically dry and in relatively good shape. Of course the summit and tower are a wonderful site! There were several fellow hikers who were excited to receive our tower stickers and listen to Doug talk about the history of the tower and the sites from the summit. Bugs were a bit of an issue when standing still. Several folks had bug shirts on. Go prepared!
5.29.21 Steward Report
Headed to the summit today? Tower steward Ethan is on duty and already sent a report from the main trail!
Trail conditions 5/29/2021 at 8:30 a.m.:
The first 2/3rds of the trail are totally dry and free of mud and blow down. After crossing the bridge there are slight muddy patches all the way to the summit but nothing that isn’t easily walked through. Layers are recommended for the summit due to wind and cooler weather. For the first half of the hike you may see the occasional starflower and showy lady’s slippers peaking through the wilting trout lily leaves. Nearing treeline, hikers are greeted by blooming Solomon’s seal and bunchberry.
Remember to practice Leave No Trace ethics when on the trail and be prepared. This includes:
– pack out what you’ve packed in
– wear appropriate footwear
– bring lots of water, food, and sunscreen (and bug repellent!)
– take pictures, not wildflowers
– bury or pack out all human waste
– stay on the marked trail to help prevent unnecessary trail erosion
– only 6 people in the tower at a time
5.30.21 Steward Report from Ethan
6.4.21 Steward Report
The trail is surprisingly dry and not muddy until the usual spots after the bridge. There are a lot of Canada Mayflowers blooming lower down, but don’t stop and look for too long because the mosquitos are out and they are thirsty. Hot, still and sunny on the summit.
-Ethan
6.11.21 Steward Report from Ethan
Dry conditions except for the usual handful of muddy patches. Completely still on the summit with the morning fog burning off quickly, revealing blue skies and expansive views. Mosquitos, black flies and every other species of flying and biting bug are out right now and hungry.
6.14.21 Steward Report
Emily and Colden from Lake Clear sent us this photo after being the first group to the summit early yesterday morning. Thanks for clearing the spiderwebs for the rest of us and hope to see guys again soon!
Go to our Critters page to see more photos of hikers and their pets.
6.18.21 Steward Report
The drizzly afternoon did nothing to damper the spirits of this group who travelled all the way from Boston and Philadelphia to explore the Adirondacks over the weekend!
The trail was starting to get muddy this afternoon but was reasonable. I will provide an update in the morning if the mud gets worse overnight.
Ethan
6.19.21 Steward Report:
There is mud everywhere but it’s never deep. Bugs left me alone on the hike and and the breeze on the summit is keeping it comfortable in the heat. There weren’t many wildflowers in bloom but this little Amanita flavoconia popped it’s head out overnight to say hi to passing hikers today.
6.20.21 Steward Report: This group of local science teachers and their families hiked up St. Regis on the longest day of the year in order to honor those with Alzheimer’s and their caretakers!
You also can be a Steward!
6.24.21 Stewards meet the most wonderful folks on the summit. Visit our calendar page to sign up for your chance to help the tower and interact with like-minded hikers.
7.1.21 Steward Report:
7.2.21 Morning trail Report
The trail is dry and clear, although that may change with the weather this afternoon. Very humid, with a totally socked in and viewless summit.
A quick PSA those considering hiking here: the main trail to the summit has experienced high rates of erosion in recent years so it is extra important to remember the second principle of Leave No Trace, which is to only travel on durable surfaces. If you notice multiple different herd paths, try to choose the obvious marked trail (even if it means getting a little muddy). If you find yourself stepping over blowdown and piles of debris then you are off track and there is probably a more durable option close by.
7.4.21 Steward Report:
Wet and muddy but nothing impassable, although it’s a good idea to bring extra socks. The trail is clear of blowdown and debris and in good shape, other than muddy patches. This recent rain has covered the woods in every shape and size of mushroom.
I enjoyed a busy Independence Day on the summit with lots of awesome hikers.
This holiday weekend, our steward had the pleasure of speaking to hikers from all of over the state, country and even a group today from China! FOSRMFT wishes you all a great Fourth of July and thanks to anyone who came up over the weekend.
7.9.21 Steward Report:
I think we missed most of the wind from last nights storms, as there wasn’t any blowdown this AM. Just be prepared for a very wet trail today.
7.10.21 Steward Report:
Mud, mud and more mud! With the rain and high traffic we have had this weekend, the trail is not in the best of shape.
Had a blast meeting these two awesome groups of hikers today! A group St. Lawrence alum and a group of friends from Ballston Spa. Glad you all got to enjoy this spectacular day on the mountain!
7.16.21 Steward Report and PLANT FACTS!!
If you’ve been following this page for long, you will not be surprised by the report of lots of mud on the trail.
Rain isn’t always bad though, as it has caused a lot of new plant growth along the trail. This morning our steward spotted one of his favorite Adirondack perennials – ghost flower (Monotropa uniflora). But don’t plants have to be green and have chlorophyll to survive?? Not this one! It forms a parasitic relationship with surrounding trees, using vast systems of mycorrhizal fungi to suck nutrients from the roots (picture 2). What’s your favorite Adirondack wildflower?
ALSO…
Our steward got to meet this fun group from Florida today. He didn’t have the heart to tell them that there was an easier way up.
7.18.21 Steward Report:
Here is adventure pup, Forrest, taking a much needed break after hiking to the tower this weekend.
7.22.21 Steward Report:
Board member Rich was at the tower yesterday, doing some painting and visiting with at least 30 hikers (more than a page full on the register!).
The hike up was quite muddy with flowing water in some places. You’ll see in the trail pictures how wide the trail is growing! As uncomfortable as it is, it is best to stay on the trail. The “new” herd paths will quickly get muddy and washed out.
I couldn’t get pictures of all the visitors but here are some of the wonderful families. Thanks to all.
This woman works for Wildlife Conservation Society and was doing a survey at the trail head.
Pictures of the trail
7.28.21 Steward Report:
Board member Rich and volunteer Tom spent yesterday painting, greeting new friends and re-uniting with friends. Ham operator Pat and Debi graced the tower and our Facebook page a year ago.
7.31.21 Steward Report:
The wildfire haze from out west seems to be past us now and there are beautiful views for miles. The trail is extremely muddy so be prepared. Cool temps and a strong breeze are keeping the bugs to a minimum. Perfect day to spend on the mountain!
8.4.21 Steward Report:
Yesterday we had another day of painting, and visiting with LOTS of wonderful hikers from all over – Massachusetts, Rochester, Spitfire lake and the boy scout troop from NJ/Massawepie. We also had several “critters”, who will make our Critter page on the website soon.
The sky was incredibly hazy, apparently smoke from the fires out west. Bless and protect those fire fighters.
8.7.21 Steward Report:
The trail is about as dry as it gets, getting mushier throughout the day with traffic. Haze from wildfire smoke is seriously effecting views. Our Steward got to chat with a lot of fun groups today and even found an old nail wedged between some rocks (from one of several historic structures on the summit).
8.13 21 Steward Report:
Hot, muggy, buggy hike with an incredibly rewarding summit breeze and the best view in weeks! The trail is “Adirondack dry”, which means it’s great except for the several permanent mud pits. Thanks to all the hikers I met today, it was a day full of great questions and super engaging conversation.
8.16.21 Steward Report:
Board members Doug, Bob and Richard spent yesterday painting and visiting with many hikers. And their dogs! Go to our Critters Of St Regis Mt (http://www.friendsofstregis.org/critters-of-st-regis…/) page for pictures of these pooches and other critters.
Thank you for the visitors’ patience with our painting project. We have kept the tower open throughout this process, but you often need to be careful of “wet paint”.
9.4.21 See Lighting of the tower
Yesterday I climbed St Regis just for the enjoyment – not painting, not carrying up lights. But once up there I met a few people and automatically shifted into summit steward mode handing out stickers and talking about the tower and the landmarks. Which, of course, is fun. Attached is photo of a couple from Hilton Head Island, South Carolina and a lady from Rochester. Alas no dogs ! On the way down I must have past 50 climbers including a huge group of high school students from Podsdam. One fellow was sitting in the middle of the trail on a folding chair – and not a light backpacking type ! In probably 60 or so years of climbing mountains I have never seen such a thing. This drew a laugh from his fellow climbers. I should have taken a picture. Fall colors just starting to show. Bob Brand
10.9.21 Steward Report
Board member Bob was the tower steward today. He spoke with at least 75 – giving out all the stickers he had! This gentleman helped out by keeping the tower in its place.
