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Trails–Newcomb VIC

Peninsula Trail

The Newcomb VIC features 3.6 miles of interpretive trails on its 236-acre property, along the shoreline of Rich Lake and Rich Lake outlet. Trailheads are located at the building.

R.W. Sage Jr. Memorial Trail This 1.1-mile loop starts from the Sucker Brook Trail after it crosses the Rich LakeOutlet. Enjoy an easy walk along the shoreline of Belden Lake through a mixed forest of coniferous and deciduous trees. Make sure to stop at the two overlooks along the lake for a photo opportunity, wildlife viewing or a serene break away from society. The loop ends at the Little Sucker Brook bridge on the Sucker Brook Trail. The Sage Trail is open for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the winter. A 0.7-mile Connector Trail to the Great Camp Santanoni road is located about 0.5 miles from the Sucker Brook Trail. (YELLOW markers)

Rich Lake Trail This 0.6-mile trail is a terrific warm-up with great views of Rich Lake and Goodnow Mountain. This short trek gives you a glimpse of what the other trails have to offer. This trail is only open for snowshoeing in the winter. (RED markers) Easy access.

Peninsula Trail This 0.9-mile loop starts from the Rich Lake Trail, continuing farther up the peninsula with excellent views of Rich Lake. There are lots of ups and downs as you travel through old-growth hemlocks. This trail is only open for snowshoeing in the winter. (GREEN markers)

Sucker Brook Trail This 1.0-mile trail leaves the building to the north and runs along the outlet to Rich Lake. You will be walking parallel to the same route the logs took during the Hudson River log-driving days. This is a wonderful trail to see wildlife. The northern section of this trail (from the VIC to the Sage Trail) is open for cross-country skiing in the winter (about 0.4 miles), and the entire trail is open for snowshoeing. (BLUE markers)

Newcomb VIC Summer Trails Map


[download the trail map]

Trail Use
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Hiking: Yes
Snowshoeing: Yes
Cross-country skiing: Yes, on part of the Sucker Brook Trail and all of the R.W. Sage Jr. Memorial Trail. Ski to Great Camp Santanoni (a 12-mile round-trip) using the 0.7-mile Connector Trail!
Trail running: Yes
Dogs: Dogs are allowed during non-winter months only, and they must be leashed.
Fishing: No
Canoeing/kayaking: No. For access to Rich Lake, contact the SUNY ESF Adirondack Ecological Center in Newcomb.
Camping: No.
Natural object collecting: No
Hunting: No
Bicycles: No
Horses: No
ATVs/Snowmobiles: No

Winter Trail System at the Newcomb VIC: Snowshoe/ski
Most of the Newcomb VIC's 3.6-mile Winter Trails System is only available for snowshoe use during the winter. Cross-country skiing is available on select trails.

ski trails now open

On Dec. 15, 2007, the VIC officially opened 1.5 miles of its trails -- part of the Sucker Brook Trail and all of the R.W. Sage Jr. Memorial Trail -- to cross-country skiing. The 0.7-mile Connector Trail from the Sage Trail to the Great Camp Santanoni road was finished in 2007 and is now open for people to ski from the VIC to Camp Santanoni, a 12-mile round-trip.

newcomb vic -snowshoe hq

Learning the basics of snowshoeing is easy. Staff naturalists offer Snowshoe How-to programs and trail walks throughout the season, and donít forget to attend the annual Chilly Snowshoe Festival in January.

Don't have snowshoes? Don't worry. Use our snowshoes for FREE on the Newcomb VIC trails. Itís easy! Stop at the front desk, sign in, leave a driverís license, go snowshoeing and return snowshoes after you are done. Weíll even show you how to use them.

Newcomb VIC Winter Trail Conditions
For current conditions, call (518) 582-2000.

Newcomb VIC Winter Trails Map

Newcomb VIC Winter Trails Map
[download the trail map]

WINTER TRAIL RULES

  • No dogs are allowed on the trails.
  • Stay on the marked trails.
  • Stay off the ice.
  • Stay away from closed areas.
  • Report trail maintenance needs to VIC staff.
  • Do not collect natural objects or disturb wildlife.
  • Building closes at 5 p.m.

WINTER SAFETY TIPS

  • Dress for the weather. That means wool or synthetics, which will keep you the warmest.
  • Keep your feet, hands and head warm and dry.
  • Drink plenty of fluids.
  • Allow ample time to return to the building.
    The gate closes at 5 p.m.
  • In case of emergency, alert VIC staff to location of injured persons in need of assistance.
  • Be careful when trail conditions cause ice to form.
VIC locator map

Problems or comments? Contact webmaster@adkvic.org.