Chubb River Paddle - who needs shopping ?

An interesting paddle is up the Chubb River in Lake Placid. The what ? Water wise, Lake Placid the village is all about, well, Lake Placid the lake (and Mirror Lake).  And shopping and crowds - ugh!  The town turns a blind eye to its riparian asset. The Chubb is unique because as you paddle along it guides you right into the mountains. I can't think of another paddle where such tall mountains are this close. Plus, except for one out of place residence up high on the bank about 10 – 15 minutes into the trip, it is a total wilderness experience. The first time we paddled the Chubb there was a seemingly upset otter sticking its head out of the water and yelling at us. Well, he was making a lot of noise at least. There are sections where the river is very narrow but mostly it is of moderate width as it meanders back and forth along the valley floor. Thanks to hurricane Irene the several beaver dams we had to pull over on our first trip were gone this year (August, 2013). There is one ¼ mile portage part way up the river that bypasses some rapids. Continue half as much time as you want to paddle and turn around. There is an end to navigable water but we didn't reach it on our trips. Bring something to eat. You can paddle for several hours easily. The first time we paddled the Chubb, on my recommendation, we brought only a small snack and we were hungry. Now, my wife recalls that nutritional misstep every time I think we need less food for an day outing than she does.

To reach the Chubb drive toward Lake Placid (From Saranac Lake)

and turn right onto Old Military Road which is the route that bypasses town, is signed for ski jumps, Keene, etc and is the first right after the golf course in Ray Brook. Turn right onto Averyville Road which, in about 1 mile, crosses the river. Go another 0.2 miles and look for the opening in the trees on the left that is the start of the less than 1/10^th mile trail down to the river. Parking is just along side the road.   

Deer Pond hike

     If you want a nice half day walk to a pretty pond that is not a climb Deer Pond is a good option. It's a 2.4 mile one way trail with a few moderate ups and downs to the southern end of this pond. There is a rock to sit on overlooking the water and good swimming off the rocky shore. We were there recently (September, 2014) and the fall colors were not quite peak but still very beautiful. Drive south on route 30. About 3 miles past the very large Fish Creek Ponds campground look for a large parking turn out on the right and a DEC sign. If you reach the junction with route 3 you've gone 1.8 miles too far. The trail is totally level to an open wetland area and a substantial bridge over a beaver dammed small waterway. Shortly after the bridge there is a junction which is 0.8 miles from the start. Go straight, not left. At 2.3 miles there is another junction where, again, go straight. The trail drops down to the Deer Pond shore in 0.1 mile. Just after crossing a bridge go up very briefly and look for a clearing on the left and the rock. Someone placed a memorial plaque on a tree by the rock. I don't know the story behind it. Typically this is something DEC does not allow but, so far, it's still there.  I wouldn't be surprised if a ranger removes it.