Hiking enthusiasts of all ages and abilities are encouraged to take advantage of a unique opportunity to embark on an educational guided hike where participants will venture into the great outdoors at Great Camp Sagamore and learn about the area’s rich history.

Great Camp Sagamore once had a farm, a 100,000-gallon covered reservoir, and a hydroelectric powerhouse, all hidden away in the surrounding forest. These historic structures were located conveniently close by for the workers who operated them, but hidden from view for the Vanderbilt’s distinguished guests.

Great Camp Sagamore now offers three guided hikes to the historic infrastructure that made this wilderness retreat possible:

• Tour #1: Water Flowing to Great Camp Sagamore Historic Hike

  See the innovative ways that clean water flowed to camp and used water was cleanly whisked away. Includes a guided hike to 2 century-old spring houses and a 100,000-gallon cistern, hidden away on a nearby hillside. Note: This tour involves a bushwhack.

• Tour #2: Lighting Great Camp Sagamore Historic Hike

  A guided hike to the c.1914 hydroelectric powerhouse that brilliantly lit the Vanderbilt camp for two decades. Then back to camp to study the older gasoline-powered lighting system that is still intact in the Main Lodge basement. Note: This tour involves a short, but steep climb.

• Tour #3: Feeding Great Camp Sagamore Historic Hike

  Learn how Sagamore provided elegant and abundant meals for the Vanderbilts and their guests with almost no access to commercial markets. Includes a guided hike to the sites of the historic Sagamore farm and sugarhouse. Then back to camp to tour the structures used for growing, storing, preparing and serving food, many still in use. Note: This tour involves a bushwhack.

These hikes take you behind-the-scenes to learn about the infrastructure that served the needs of its early-20th century guests—and in fact, some of the facilities still serve Great Camp Sagamore guests today. They’re relatively easy and cover mostly-flat terrain, and each hike takes about two hours to complete. This is a great way to learn about Sagamore’s hidden history—and get some fresh air and exercise at the same time. 

Interested parties may purchase tickets online here: https://www.sagamore.org/tours

Photo at top: A historic hike at Great Camp Sagamore. Great Camp Sagamore website photo.