Autumn Colors are Beautiful... and a harbinger of bug-free hiking

Summer hikes can be made miserable by too much heat and humidity and too many bugs. In the Adirondacks we look forward to the arrival of dragonflies. They emerge from their larval stage in May to feast on mosquitoes and black flies which helps to a limited extent. The same holds true in the Lewis County Baker Woods Preserve (BWP) where deer flies, black flies and mosquitoes can mar an otherwise delightful hike or paddle. Of course, experienced outdoors people can prepare for buggy periods by donning appropriate protective clothing and a bug spray of choice. But nothing beats the bug free days of fall.

We sometimes get comments that while our trails are interesting and well-maintained the hike was too hot or too buggy. Unfortunately, our stewardship team can’t address these issues. But in the fall, Mother Nature addresses both, creating comfortably cool hiking and paddling conditions sans bug spray and protective netting.

Now is an ideal time to visit our preserve which features nine miles of trails ranging in difficulty from easy to moderate. Visitors can take a short walk to a deck overlooking the headwaters of the Indian River and explore four miles of trails through BWP North.Our new trail system in BWP South is also a great option, but requires a short paddle from the canoe / kayak launch. The newly-christened BWP South features over five miles of lightly trafficked trails with river views, wetlands, and a wide variety of forest habitats. There is no better time to throw on your favorite flannel shirt and join us for a hike or paddle in the bug-free Baker Woods!

Happy hiking...and happy paddling.