Adirondack High Adventure Area
Website: https://senecawaterways.org/massawepie-adirondack-treks/
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While not an official Scouting America High Adventure Base, six Scouting America councils sponsor high adventure programs in the Adirondack State Park in upstate New York. Three and six-day itineraries from easy to very difficult. Itineraries, including backpacking or canoeing or a combination of the two, originate at Massawepie Scout Reservation in the park.
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The Adirondack Park in upstate New York offers a wide range of high adventure opportunities. It encompasses 6 million acres, which is larger than Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, and Everglades National Parks combined and 45 times the size of Philmont. There are 46 peaks over 4,000 feet with some very challenging off-trail rock climbs. For hikers and backpackers, there are 2,000 miles of hiking trails. For paddlers, there are 3,000 lakes and ponds and 6,000 miles of rivers and streams. All of this is accessible to National Capital Area Council units with an 8-hour drive north.
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Six Scouting America councils have high adventure bases in the Adirondacks with established programs or facilities to assist independent crews. Most programs include summer canoeing treks, backpacking treks, or a combination of paddling, backpacking, and mountain climbing. Some also provide programs during other parts of the year and other special programs including whitewater rafting, mountain biking, rock climbing, and ice climbing. Most are based out of Scouting America council camps that also offer traditional summer camp programs.
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Information on treks (routes and capacities) is at: www.ghvbsa.org/summitbase. Trips are generally from Sunday through Saturday but details can be worked out with the Trek Director if you wanted something longer. Pricing is $2,400 for a group up to 5 people (at least 1 leader, then up to 4 Scouts) and $480 for each additional (max of 7). The participant limit is due to reducing the camping “footprint.”
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Eligibility: For the Seneca Waterways Council program, participants must be 13 or older by January 1 of the year of participation. All crew members must be currently registered members of Scouting America.
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Crew Size: A guide is provided and the maximum crew size is limited to 7.
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How to Register: Registration information is available through NCAC High Adventure Committee and this document. Contact (as of 2021) is Sandy Owens, Program Assistant, Greater Hudson Valley Council, Sandra.Owens@scouting.org.
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Cost: Costs are based on length of trip and size of crew. For reference, the cost for the 2017 summer season is $250 (3 days) and $400 (6 days) per person with 5 person minimum (does not include travel costs). An Adirondack trek can be done at a very reasonable price when compared to other high adventure alternatives.
Great maps showing details on camping opportunities are provided on this website. Raquette River Outfitter also provides great guidance and can help organize and supply a trip.