Cross Country Ski into Raquette Falls from Lake Clear Lodge

     Cross Country Ski into Raquette Falls from Lake Clear Lodge

Clearly Bob - Post#19

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The ski trip into Raquette Falls is popular and is  my favorite.  It is just a great ski route.  

I would call it mostly intermediate with one more difficult short downhill with curves that, if necessary, you could walk down the side.  (Not down the middle unless you want to be very unpopular with your fellow skiers who remain on their skis.)   It is a 9 mile round trip mostly on a wide trail (it's a horse trail in the summer) with interesting ups and downs that parallels the Raquette River although not often within sight of it.   

The big payoff comes at the end where you get to enjoy your lunch sitting by an impressive waterfall.  Because of its popularity most often you will find a broken trail unless there was very recent snow.

     To reach the start drive south on route 30 from the Lodge to the junction with route 3.  Turn left on 3 and go  2.7 miles to a right turn onto Coreys Road  marked by a large DEC sign saying “High Peaks via Duck Hole”.   A bridge over Stoney Creek is 2.5 miles in.  

There is a parking area just before the bridge but the last few times I've been there you could cross the bridge and continue driving another ¼ mile or so to the summer parking area on right where the sign in registration box is located and the actual trail begins.   I've heard that Coreys Road will not be plowed all the way to the bridge anymore because the large plows were sometimes unable to turn around due to parked cars.  So far this hasn't been an issue I've experienced but it could add maybe a mile each way to the trip.  Maybe someone other than the  highway department plows is clearing the last section. 

     The trail has numerous ups and downs – some minor, some longer and steeper.  There is a trail junction 2.2 miles in (counting the sign in as mile 0) at Palmer Brook.  The trail straight ahead leads to Caulkins Brook and Shattuck Clearing.  Bear right and cross the brook.   

There is one moderate, short downhill that  often, no matter how good the conditions are on the rest of the trail,  has small exposed rocks.   I can't describe where it is – I just recognize it when I see it.  This is not much help but you're forewarned.  

Near the end there a longer climb to a crest at 3.8 miles after which there is a steep downhill with turns where you will need to exhibit your proficiency at controlling your speed.  Then it is a flat run to the end of the canoe carry around the falls where there are several signs and a interior outpost building up and to the left.   

No one is manning the outpost in the winter so forget your thought about sharing a hot chocolate by the wood stove with the friendly ranger.    To get to the actual falls continue straight on the canoe carry trail for about 100 yards and look for a narrow, not too distinct trail to the right that leads  to the falls.  The narrow trail is a bit tricky and the last little bit where it drops down to the river you'll probably have to side slip your way down.  But definitely go to the falls.  

The trees are completely encrusted with frost and ice from the mist rising from the falls.  It's a scene of cold,  raw winter beauty.