Wilmington Notch (Half-way between Wilmington & Lake Placid on Highway 89)
As Ontario residents, this was our first occasion to stay in a New York State park. As such, we were not sure what to expect and we leave it to New York residents to confirm what one would normally find. However, we enjoyed our latest R-Pod experience and look forward to returning next year.
Wilmington Notch state park is located beside the Ausable River and is situated in a birch and pine grove at the base of Whiteface Mountain on Highway 89. [NOTE: Both the AAA Triptik and OnStar had difficulty locating it] It has 49 campsites, hot showers, flush toilets, a trailer dump station, and a recycling center. No electricity. Thankfully one of our group was there early to check us all in, because there is a deadline of 9 pm by which to do so.
The group we were with has camped at Wilmington Notch for many years now because it offers easy access to many Adirondack High Peak Wilderness trails. Many hikers are awake between 5 and 7 am to hit the trails. As novices, we chose to hike the slightly easier and more accessible Cascade Mountain.
After checking the online reviews for the campground, which are mixed to say the least, we chose site 41 because it is closer to the Ausable River than the Highway and is in the grove rather than out in the open. It was good that we booked six weeks in advance because by the time we arrived at the park it was almost full. Perhaps it was the unseasonably good weather this year which brought everyone out.
BTW, we travelled with our golden retriever and had no issues at the border. (We did have our dog’s rabies vaccination certificate with us in case it was needed at the border or at the campground)
[PHOTO: The view from Cascades Mountain with our newest cross-border traveler and mountain climber - Lily]
------------- David & Liz
2014 R-Pod 178
2019 Chevy Traverse
And Lily (our 8 yr old Golden)
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