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The state has reopened Gulf Brook Road on the Boreas Ponds Tract as far as the interim parking area created last year.
As a result, the public can drive 3.2 miles up the dirt road. From there, hikers must walk another 3.6 miles on roads to the southern end of Boreas Ponds. Mountain bikers will once again be able to ride as far as the ponds, but no farther.
It’s a long haul for paddlers, but they have the option of shortening the portage by paddling a half-mile across LaBier Flow, a dammed stretch of the Boreas River. The flow is 2.5 miles from the parking area.
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Could we build a canal? So we can paddle from the gate?
If it keeps raining, it won’t be necessary.
I still think that the second gate makes the most sense for an acceptable balance between all of the differing proposals.
Justin,
As you know, I agree. And iff the administration’s new idea of adding infrastructure for glamping or hut-to-hut trails stays on the table, it is likely the final classification decision will be kicked farther down the road. I would venture to guess the current interim plan will stay in effect until the mess gets sorted out. My only hope is that plans of this sort are shifted to MacIntyre E / W areas instead of BP, at least for any significant infrastructure changes. I think those parcels would be a better fit because of existing infrastructure – primarily a paved, public road for access.
I agree, I think the interim gate is OK, except for making the trail too short. But, it is acceptable.
And I’m happy to be able to either walk or canoe at the distance set now. Never would I want to see it developed further for glamping. And if a way develops for people physically unable (accept with permit) to share the privilege the shortest distance possible…..
Kathy,
I agree. If it looks like this may drag on for a few more years, perhaps DEC can work out a plan using the existing MAPPWD Policy (CP-3) program in the meantime.
It will be interesting to monitor the amount of use the area gets under this scheme over the summer.
I hope they keep track of what they go in there to do (hike, paddle, etc.)
If horse drawn wagons can navigate the roads surrounding the pond, so can a bicycle.
Cars could navigate the roads surrounding the pond also. That doesn’t mean they should.
Why shouldn’t bike be allowed do they cause for degradation to the trail that freaking horse. I don’t think so. I’m just here fighting for good mountain biking trails that already exist.
Yeah I got spelling at grammar errors. Sorry to many concussions from eating branches
Sean,
Until the parcel has been classified by NYS / APA, the interim plan is in effect. The final classification may indeed allow bikes.
It would be possible to bike the “inner loop” around the ponds. The “outer loop” contains stretches so overgrown they would be impassable.