Balanced Boulders

The Balanced Boulders is a true Adirondack classic, perfect for all ages and abilities. The Balanced Boulders is also a great place for an unusual adventure, located close to Route 73, it also makes for a great 1/2 day outing. We guide this hike fairly often, it introduces a wide variety of visitors to hiking in the area and to outstanding views. The Balanced Boulders also offers a great introduction to a bit of rock scrambling if so desired and a short scramble through a narrow cavern to a natural rock ceiling.

So, in May we had a fun group of brothers and sister from Canada that wanted a 1/2 day outing, just to get out and experience the area and breathe our fresh air. As always the start gets the heart pumping as we climbed higher along a steeper slope to the ridge above Route 73. We took in the vistas from the two rock lookouts along the way where the #7 slide and the Cascade Waterfall showed themselves in front of us. Atop the third lookout as the trail narrows above a ledge we enjoyed the panorama before us.

Along the Trail

We were also welcomed by a wide variety of wildflowers. Small early patches of purple and painted trillium's and Dutchman's Breeches. As the day warmed up you started to see the spring beauties and trout lilies blooming in the open sun. 

After our short descent to the valley we started our long steady climb over the slightly unpleasant eroded conditions - the rock tiers added a bit of scrambling excitement as well.

We topped of along the ridge and as the views started to open up before us the awe of where we were started to come forward. The balanced boulders loomed in front of us along the open ledge with the sweeping views of the highest peaks in the state appeared in the distance. 

Looking down off the boulders

After a brief break and snack we introduced the group to the "Wind Tunnel" which is located between the boulders. The "Wind Tunnel" is simply a cleft in the chin of Pitchoff Mountain that leads through a narrow rock gully that exits the visitor under a natural rock ceiling.  It's name derives from the fierce winds that collects in there, especially during the winter season.

In the "Wind Tunnel"

Under the ceiling

Our descent was a bit quicker, but the need to practice careful footing was essential. We were right on schedule to get our group back in time for cocktails and a business meeting. For more information on guided tours through High Peaks Mountain Guides, contact us at highpeakscyclery@gmail.com or 518.523.3764