Groff Creek Trail

One of my favorite corners of the southern Adirondacks is Groff Creek, a secluded stream that flows through a deep-cut valley between Groff and Southerland mountains. It is located west of the Sacandaga River, and while this part of the park is not known for copious amounts of snowfall, the Groff Creek valley sees little direct sunlight and therefore retains snow a little longer than its immediate surroundings. More to the point, though, is the fact that this is a great woodland walk for snowshoers who revel in secluded wilderness nooks. It is one of my favorites, actually. What draws me to Groff Creek is the richness of the surrounding mixed woods, which abound with eastern hemlock (and to a lesser degree red spruce). There are few things more beautiful than a hemlock stand on a sunny winter day, when the boughs and twigs strain the light to cast intricate shadows on the snow.