National Geographic Names The 'Dacks As A Top Mountain Biking Destination

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A little north if us 

 

Wilmington gets a big thumbs up as a top 20 destination for mountain bikers from National Geographic, a rare and well earned hat tip. Hand-built flow trails, and challenging slick slab climbs get a special mention at The Poor Man’s Downhill Read more in our Kids and Family Fun section. 

Wilmington gets a big thumbs up as a top 20 destination for mountain bikers from National Geographic, a rare and well earned hat tip.

From National Geographic:

"Six-million-acre Adirondack Park in upstate New York, though touted as one of the outdoor capitals of the East, has never been a mountain bike destination. But in last six years, the Barkeater Trails Alliance has built more than 20 miles of new singletrack in the communities of Lake PlacidWilmington, and Saranac Lake.

Wilmington boasts a main street with ride-from access to the state trail systems, the region’s only dirt jump park, the Wilmington Whiteface 100-kilometer race, and the annual Bike Fest, which now draws more people to the town than any other single event. And Whiteface Mountain Bike Park offers 2,426-foot downhill runs, the longest vertical drop in the East, and some of the gnarliest, techiest, lift-accessed trails in the country.

Wilmington’s Flume Trails offer smooth, intermediate singletrack down low and rugged, rocky, technical riding higher on the mountain. Hardy Road attracts 20 to 45 riders every Friday evening for “Hardy Hour” on the network’s smooth singletrack, hand-built flow trails, and challenging slick slab climbs. The Poor Man’s Downhill lures riders with a $5 van shuttle halfway up Whiteface Mountain to ride down 1,200 vertical feet over three miles."

Memorial Day 2017 At Fort Ti

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From our friends at Fort Ti:

"Join Fort Ticonderoga on Memorial Day weekend, May 27-29, to remember the service of the armed forces of the United States on the very grounds where so many American soldiers fought and sacrificed. Discover the story of the American Army in 1776, rebuilding itself and digging in at Ticonderoga to defend liberty during living history programs throughout the weekend.

A full line-up of activities and programs offered throughout the weekend include daily tours in the fort, King’s Garden, and museum exhibition spaces; historic trades programs; ongoing soldiers’ life programs; weapons demonstrations; the Mount Defiance experience; and the Battlefield hiking trail.

On Saturday and Sunday, enjoy boat tours aboard M/V Carillon and sail the same shores of Lake Champlain that American sailors did in 1776. Join Fort Ticonderoga on Monday to remember the sacrifices of American Soldiers during a patriotic ceremony at 11:00 AM. For the full schedule, click here.

 

“Spend the day at Fort Ticonderoga this Memorial Day weekend,” said Beth Hill, Fort Ticonderoga President and CEO. “See Fort Ticonderoga at the beginning of the American Revolution in 1776; a hive of activity as citizens turned soldiers as they build extensive lines of defenses across the Ticonderoga peninsula and beyond to try to secure to secure this vital stronghold from the British. Throughout the weekend, visitors will witness the labor of liberty as soldiers from the Continental Army bring to life this defining story through military drill, historic trades, and fatigue duties such as carpentry.”

A 10% general admissions discount will be given to active duty military members with proof of service for this special weekend event. For more information, visit our calendar at www.fortticonderoga.org or call 518-585-2821.

Fort Ti and The Boy Scouts: Explore Living History

Photo: Courtesy Fort Ticonderoga

Photo: Courtesy Fort Ticonderoga

From Fort Ti:

"Fort Ticonderoga welcomes scouting groups of all ages to experience all that 2017 has to offer, including new experiences! Daily programs are offered May 6, 2017 through October 29, 2017. Additional program dates November-April are available upon special request. Enjoy a day trip, rain or shine, and take part in daily guided tours, weapons demonstrations, museum exhibits, hiking trails, self-exploration, and more! Additional scout experiences include the “Planting the Tree of Liberty” program, overnight experiences, and Girl Scout Day. Daily itineraries and special programming can be organized in advance by contacting our Group Tour Coordinator at (518) 585-1023 or rwiktorko@fort-ticonderoga.org. Reservations are required to obtain the group rate.

Add to the Ticonderoga experience by enrolling your scouts in the “Planting the Tree of Liberty” program. In this program, scouts form a platoon of soldiers, learning teamwork and discipline as they undergo a typical day in the life of Continental soldiers; practicing formation tactics, working with tools, learning about shelters, experiencing the confusion of battle, and witnessing a musket demonstration, all alongside Fort Ticonderoga’s interpretive staff. Scout badges are available after the completion of this program by pre-ordering them before your visit.

Give your troop the experience of a lifetime by allowing them to garrison Fort Ticonderoga for a night! Camp inside soldiers’ quarters in the fort’s barracks and discover the powerful atmosphere within these historic walls at night. Also, take a guided hike, tour original earthworks, prepare and eat soldiers’ meals, and participate in other special programs. Pre-registration is required by contacting our Group Tour Coordinator at (518) 585-1023 or rwiktorko@fort-ticonderoga.org. For more information and availability, visit http://www.fortticonderoga.org/education/scouting.

Fort Ticonderoga joins forces with the Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York for Girl Scout Day held on Saturday, October 14th. Spend the day and take part in a series of programs designed for girl scouts. While interacting with historic interpreters, girl scouts will discover what life was like for 18th-century soldiers. Special guided tours and museum exhibitions will immerse them in Fort Ticonderoga’s epic history. Scouts will also thrill at the sound of musketry during the weapons demonstration, as well as explore the King’s Garden and the Heroic Corn Maze. To register, contact our School and Youth Programs Coordinator at (518) 585-6370 or bmccormick@fort-ticonderoga.org.For more information and a tentative schedule, visit  http://www.fortticonderoga.org/education/scouting/girl-scouts/girl-scout-day.