After car camping with a friend in the Adirondacks last month, I knew I wanted to return and try it alone. So recently, after a very spur of the moment decision, I made camp reservations for 2 nights near Lake Placid. Planning solo made me much more cautious about what I needed and what to bring.  Also, even though the days would be warm and sunny, it was going to be cold at night.

On the drive up, the views were so gorgeous, as the trees were just beginning to wear their autumn colors. Stopped near Tupper Lake for a quick sketch.

A tiny island in Tupper Lake

I arrived to camp late afternoon, with just enough time for a quick walk at High Falls Gorge.  Yes, it costs $, is very touristy and only a mile long, but it really packs a powerful experience in that short walk.

The next day, my plan was to hopefully find a waterfall that I was fortunate to experience in my early twenties. Back then, three others and myself hiked to the top on a hot summer day and swam in pools at the top. It was such a perfect event that I have always wanted to return, but didn’t know the name or even where exactly it was.  I was told Roaring Brook Falls sounded like what I was looking for.  (Thanks Jamey!) And it was!

After parking, as I followed the sign for the top of the falls, each step made me more sure that this was the place. At the top, there were the pools we swam in, and there was the view! Wow.

I sat and sketched, and then did the short walk to the bottom of the falls. Not much water right now, but the memories were as crystal clear as the water.

Sketched while relaxing at the top, color added at home. The view of Mount Marcy was an added surprise!

Top of Roaring Brook Falls looking back. The water was crystal clear, not at all how my sketch ended up!

Roaring Brook Falls – at the base

It was quite cold (yes, 30°!) the first night, but I doubled up on nightclothes and was plenty warm the second night.

It was an easy hike and I’m so happy to have found it again!