Great Camp Santanoni

Nestled in the woods, 5 miles down a dirt road, is the deteriorating Great Camp Santanoni. Built between 1892-93, it was regarded at its time of completion as being the grandest of all such Adirondack camps. To read a detailed history of the camp, check out the Adirondack Architectural Heritage Website here. And when I say deteriorating, I guess I should also add they are in the midst of a massive revitalization of the camp, so it is being cared for. But if you go to visit be prepared for a bit of construction going on around you.

My husband and I have ventured down the Great Camp road twice prior to this visit without ever making it as far as the main camp buildings so we decided that on this past trip to Newcomb we would bring our bikes and cycle the 4.7 miles to the camp. We started at our cabin located near the Lake Harris Campground, so that added an additional 2 miles each way, but it was worth it, as the trip was beautiful.

We passed many hikers along the way, and saw signs of horses, but never ran into any. A few other bikers were also on the road, but it was a bit chilly, so cycling was definitely the cooler option. The first half of the ride in is a fairly steady flat, and slow climb to about the half way point where the road then takes a sharp turn downhill to coast the remainder of the way to the camp. That of course means quite the climb going back out, but it didn't feel as bad as I thought it was going to be. Mentally I was prepared for a long arduous climb from the camp to that mid-point, but it went quickly and without too much complaining on my part :-).

Here are some photos from the journey, enjoy the views I captured along the way!

This is the view east towards Lake Harris when crossing the one lane bridge into the Santanoni Preserve.

This is the Gatehouse, the first building you see when crossing the bridge and entering the Santanoni Preserve.

Trail sign at the sign-in booth.

Sign seen when arriving at the main lodge area.

Inside the Great Room of the lodge. A HUGE fireplace sits in the middle of this room, it was very impressive.

One of the areas of massive reconstruction work. It appears as though they are working on the foundation under this part of the building.

One of the buildings in the farm complex area. I love the stonework of this building, it's very impressive, and in excellent condition.

Jake taking a rest at the farm buildings on the way out.

Me! (also resting on the way back out)