ADK Gateway 8 Challenge: Hike, Bike, Paddle

The ADK Gateway 8 Challenge is an exciting opportunity to explore the beauty of Saratoga and Warren Counties in and near Corinth through hiking, paddling and bike riding. Get the info on rules and how to participate below!

Bear Slides Trail, photo credit: Jennifer Kietzman

Choose Your Own Adventure: 2 Ways to Complete the Challenge

The ADK Gateway 8 Challenge encompasses 10 hikes, 4 bike rides, and 4 paddles, with two options for completing the challenge:

Gateway 8: Complete any combination of 8 activities from the designated list of hikes, bike rides, and paddles.

Gateway 8 Lite: Complete any combination of 4 activities from the list.

Whether you prefer hiking or wish to expand to biking and paddling, this customizable challenge makes it easy for you to embrace the outdoor activities you're interested in. The activities can be completed in any order.

The ADK Gateway 8 Challenge was created with the support of the Town of Corinth, Village of Corinth, Healthy Corinth Coalition, and an Economic Development Fund Grant offered by the Saratoga County Department of Planning and Economic Development.

Hadley Mountain, photo credit: Dan Novak

Scenic Trails Await: Choose Your Hikes

These are the hikes included in the challenge:

1. Hadley Mountain Trail
2. Lake Bonita to Lake Ann Loop
3. Spruce Mountain Trail
4. Potash Mountain Trail
5. Redmond's Overlook Trail
6. Baker Trail to Old Moreau Overlook Trail
7. Bear Slides (AKA Buttermilk Falls)
8. Stonewall Trail
9. Dean Farm Heritage Trail
10. Western Ride Trail

Gear Up & Go: The Bike Rides

These are the four bike rides:

1. Corinth Beach and Back (19.9 miles)
2. In & Around Northumberland (19.1 miles)
3. Lake Luzerne to Bear Slides Trailhead via River Road (16.3 miles)
4. Stony Creek to Harrisburg Lake via Harrisburg Road (21.3 miles)

Pitcher Plants on Lens Lake, photo credit: Jennifer Kietzman

Explore the Waterways: The Paddles

And these are the four paddles:

1. Hudson River Paddle (5.5 miles)
2. Harrisburg Lake Paddle (6.3 miles)
3. Stewarts Bridge Reservoir Paddle (9.6 miles)
4. Lens Lake Paddle (3.9 miles)

Hudson River between the Palmer Falls and Spier Falls Dams, photo credit: Thomas McIntyre

How to Register & Participate

To participate, interested parties must register through the challenge's official website at adkgateway8.com. Upon registration, you'll receive access to an online portal where you can track your progress and log completed activities.

The Gateway 8 is $10 to register. After completion, you'll receive a patch and a sticker, and get your name on the official list of Gateway 8 Finishers.

The Gateway 8 Lite is $5 to register. After completion, you'll receive a sticker, and get your name on the official list of Gateway 8 Lite Finishers.

When you are finished with the challenge and have entered your last activity, email adkgateway8@gmail.com to confirm the completion.

Log Your Activity & Time As You Go

Once you create your account and register, you can log in at any time to keep track of the activities you've completed, including the dates of completion, and the time taken to complete. You'll need to provide details about the specific activities completed.

There are no age restrictions for this challenge, but do research each individual hike or activity to make sure it's appropriate for your skill level, and those you may be adventuring with.

Participants are encouraged, as always, to abide by the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace.

See more info at adkgateway8.com >>

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About the Author: Erin Nudi Erin is an avid reader, yogi, jogger, and hiker living in Queensbury. When she's not perusing books at Northshire, Owl Pen Books, or Beldame Books, you can find her at a local event or park with her family.