 Adirondack Backcountry Cabins. On a private wilderness forest in the High Peaks of New York's 6 million-acre Adirondack Park. Miles away from commercial tourism, in a hidden valley at the end of a one-lane dirt road. Each in it's own secluded setting far enough away from other buildings. Private getaways in the 19th C. Great Camp tradition. Complete kitchens. Fireplaces. Authentic handmade and antique furnishings. "A vacation away from it all . . ." CLICK & GO! (On this page.) Backcountry camping! What's a camp? The camp tradition. Where in the world is Fourpeaks? Fourpeaks Hiking Trails. Summer Swimming. A wilderness place. Guest Notes: "The simplicity & silence was a joy. The magnificent show of stars . . ." "I did peak at all the other camps . . ." "I find myself thinking of it often. Mike and I would live there if we could." "We're listing what we want to bring and had a question about the fridge." (On the next page.) 10 Best Visitor Information Pages. (Quick Index.) (Scroll Down.) All 7 beautiful. Make your choice! Phone for help! New Camp. At the end of Stonehouse Road by big Camp Field that opens up toward Bassett, New Camp sits up on a granite outcropping overlooking the "Sag"--a haying field years ago--where every year marsh marigolds mark the beginning of spring. The porch faces Rattlesnake and Ebenezer, 1-1/2 miles on a private hiking trail (2 persons). Pet-friendly. ($110-150/day Single/Double Occupancy, min. 3 days.) CLICK HERE for New Camp photos and full description.The Cabin. By an old stone fence that marked the edge of developed fields, The Cabin is a short way beyond the little brook and Well House. The Shed and Screen House are hidden in pines. The Cabin porch looks over a pretty field with meadow flowers and spruce and views of Clements, Rattlesnake and Ebenezer (2-6 persons). Pet-friendly. ($160-215/day Single/Double Occupancy, min. 3 days.) CLICK HERE for The Cabin photos and full description.Wolf's Nest is perched on rock ledge halfway up Wainwright, with clear views facing Whiteface Mountain. Pine, oak, hardack and just a small clearing mostly bedrock. The woods road up connects with another trail to Brown's Notch and The Lookout (2 persons). Jeep transport provided with rental. Pet-friendly. ($130-175/day Single/Double Occupancy, min. 3 days.) CLICK HERE for Wolf's Nest photos and full description.
Ridge Camp. At the far southwest corner of the property on the ridge connecting Ebenezer with the next chain of hills to the West, Ridge Camp offers panoramic views of the High Peaks. 1-1/2 miles from the trailhead at the end of Stonehouse Road (2-8 persons). Jeep transport provided with rental. Pet-friendly. ($170-220/day Single/Double Occupancy, min. 3 days.) CLICK HERE for Ridge Camp photos and full description. Sugar Camp. At Perkins Farm, where Stonehouse Road levels out for good, by old apple trees, lilac and trillium in season, and a brook that runs down from the Sugar Bush. Go see the old restored cellar and old firlds beyond the brook (2-8 persons). Pet-friendly. ($155-200/day Single/Double Occupancy, min. 3 days.) CLICK HERE for Sugar Camp photos and full description.Gypsy Camp. At Melvin Farm, on a big beautiful open field with views of the Jay Wilderness, Clements Mountain and our own Ebenezer close by. A Gypsy trailer and Cedar House built right over an old well. Covered sun deck added on to camp for more space, adirondack chairs, table and chairs and grill, (2 persons). Pet-friendly. ($90-120/day Single/Double Occupancy, min. 3 days.) CLICK HERE for Gypsy Camp photos and full description.Thoreau House is all by itself at Hamilton Field on Stonehouse Road. Ringed by pines with views of Wainwright and Jay, it's a freehand copy (exact for size) of Henry David Thoreau's cabin at Walden Pond, built 1845. For nature retreats following the example of the wise recluse, or just R&R (2-4 persons). Pet-friendly. ($100-140/day Single/Double Occupancy, min. 3 days.) CLICK HERE for Thoreau House photos and full description.
.Where in the world is Fourpeaks?
(In the upper right hand corner of New York State.)Just hours away from the major metropolitan centers of the Northeast, Fourpeaks is in the High Peaks, the heart of New York's 6-million acre Adirondack Park--the largest controlled use recreation area in the East. At the center of a scenic triangle with Whiteface Mountain (Wilmington, 6 miles), the Jay Wilderness (Jay Mountain, 4 miles) and the tallest 4,000-foot plus High Peaks (Keene, 10 miles away)--Spectacular Views! By the hamlet of Jay (12941) on the East Branch of the AuSable River. 6 miles from Whiteface Ski Area. 17 miles from Lake Placid Olympic Center. [CLICK HERE for map.] .  Explore Fourpeaks Hiking Trails & Beauty Spots. Home to seven pioneering families years ago, Fourpeaks is covered by roads and skid trails settlers used to access their fields, woodlots and pasture lands. Fourpeaks 4 mountains (Bassett, Wainwright, Rattlesnake and Ebenezer) are friendly 2,000-foot peaks which can provide hours and days of pleasant discovery for both the seasoned hiker and everyday walker--afoot, or on snowshoes or skis! Trails lead to summits and ridges with river, valley and mountain views, and to beauty spots worth visiting. For a private experience you don't have to drive to--away from the crowds on overused public trails. CLICK HERE to explore Fourpeaks Private Hiking Trails. 
Summer Swimming.
Discover old-fashion swimming fun in a natural place with no chlorine or crowds of people. Scenic AuSable River swimming at 2 spots nearby, plus Taylor Pond--just a short drive into the "boonies." Lake Everest, for kids, and our own cool mountain brook--no need to drive at all. CLICK HERE for Summer Swimming.
Backcountry camping was never like this! In the style of the 19th century wilderness or Great Camps--Each Fourpeaks cabin is has authentic handmade and antique furnishings. A fireplace (or woodstove). Old fashioned gas lighting. Full kitchen, complete with utensils and dishes. A gas refrigerators, cooking range. Pure luxury for campers or backcountry hikers. A satisfying adventure for those who have never lived "off the grid." 
What's a camp? In the Northcountry (U.S. border states with French Canada) a camp is a remote Adirondack cabin, seasonal home or hunting place. Years ago Great Camps were built at great expense for the fortunate few. Today one's camp may be a modest cottage on abandoned farmland or a faraway cabin in the woods. There are few Northcountry people without a camp of some kind. It's a real place and-- at the same time--an elusive state of mind--a wilderness, a dream of leisure surrounded by other natural beings--trees, animals and flowers. And very few (if any) people! [CLICK HERE for more about Adirondack Great Camps.]
Stonehouse Road "The prettiest one-lane dirt road outside the state of Vermont" and a public byway since early times, Stonehouse Road (formerly Perkins Road) provides year round automobile access to Fourpeaks camps in a hidden valley. Stonehouse Road begins at the old Stone Houses on Route 9N by the AuSable River, climbs over four hundred feet in only 7/10-mile, quickly transporting one, as if by magic, into an earlier unhurried time of home built cabins, woodfires, candlelight and shallow wells--a mountain cove with open fields very far away from the ordinary world. [ CLICK HERE for all about Stonehouse Road. CLICK HERE for map with beauty spots. ] About Early Pioneering. Fourpeaks four 2,000-foot mountains offered protection from winds and storms to the seven families who first settled here early in the 18th century. A perfect mountain cove or small valley with ample level terrain for crops and gardens, evidence of early pioneering is everywhere--stone foundations, hand-dug wells, stone fences, till lines at fields edge, and roads leveled and cut into banks and ridges. Every part of the valley is accessible by the old roads, trails and skid paths settlers used to reach their fields, woods and pasture lands. Today there are open meadows, cool pine groves and the same sense of being sheltered by the familiar outlines of Basset, Wainwright, Ebenezer Mountain and Rattlesnake Knob. [CLICK HERE for Fourpeaks Trail Map. Find the peaks and valley floor on the High Peaks Topo Map.] A wilderness place. At the center of over 3,000 acres of New York State and private forest lands with no motor vehicle access except for Stonehouse Road, Fourpeaks is a remote wilderness place by today's standards. The topography is interesting and varied. From every field and forest opening there are views of the four peaks close by, Whiteface Mountain just a few miles to the West, the tallest of the High Peaks to the South in Keene and the Jay Wilderness Range farther off to the East. The woods roads and trails that crisscross the property, provide endless opportunities for walks through the upland forest of mixed hardwood and pine. From a short afternoon jaunt to the picnic table and Lookout by Bassett to an all day (pack your lunch) hike up from the AuSable to the Big Hollow beyond Ebenezer along a two-mile ridge--there's something for every level of energy and expertise. [For maps and trail notes, see Fourpeaks Hiking/Walking Trails & Beauty Spots.] More about our history. Following the first English settlers from New England, Veterans of the War of 1812, and, later on, French Canadian and Irish immigrants settled the Fourpeaks land behind the old Stone Houses. Drawn to the shelter of the surrounding mountains only a mile up from the river, they cultivated their small fields and worked at logging or in the iron or lumber mills nearby. Look for seven old stone foundations on your walks. A sheepcote, household dumps, rusted old cars, a cow pond and miles of fencing may still be found. The schoolhouse was at the bottom of the hill. For a time the property was owned by the Lake Placid Club which operated a vegetable farm and a cannery--the old red house halfway up Stonehouse Road.
In the mountain cove at the end of Stonehouse Road, fields and meadows open up where pioneers grew crops and planted apple orchards years ago. Many of the original apples are still there, plus a great number of volunteering descendants. All rare antique varieties, especially developed for wintering over. CLICK HERE for Marigolds and Apples.Fourpeaks backcountry camps are comfortable living in any season. Winter is the quietest time--frost outside and a warm fire within. Learn more about Fourpeaks 4 Seasons at the Photo Guest Book. CLICK HERE for the best photos of The Cabin-- Paul and Renee at The Cabin 
Daughters of Utopia: A new novel that takes place right here at Fourpeaks.
Author Moss Krupnick's fast-moving adventure story is about strong women, black belt karate, a Utopian nature retreat drawn from our Adirondack backcountry camps and an insular Northcountry community very much like Jay NY. A fun way to learn about Fourpeaks from the perspective of a big-city visitor. CLICK HERE for excerpts, synopsis, book review, author note, and ordering information.   Fourpeaks Outdoor Activities. A 700-acre private Adirondack wilderness right at your door. 20 miles of hiking/skiing trails. No traveling to get there. No crowds at the trailheads and summits. An unequalled nature experience with no people. River swimming and fishing at the nearby AuSable River. A wilderness lake. Lots more. Browse our 10 activity pages. [CLICK HERE for Fourpeaks Adirondack Activities.]0026 "The simplicity & silence was a joy. The magnificent show of stars . . ." Guestbook Entry Date : 2/18/2002 Name : Brian T*** Email : w**1@mindspring.com Location : Sparta, NJ Comments : The simplicity & silence was a joy. The magnificent show of stars, constellations, planets & galaxies gave a sense of coming home. Very comfortable, nicely furnished, cozy cabin just what we were looking for. And the echo off the mountains, incredible. "Solitude begets exhilaration." Thanks again, BT 0554 "New Camp was a perfect cabin! I did peak at all the others . . ." Subject: Re: Your Fourpeaks visit 04/24/01 to New Camp Date: Sat, 28 Apr 2001 From: Alison W. M*** alison**@warwick.net To: VisitUs@4peaks.com Dear Martin~ I was planning on sending you an e-mail this morning thanking you again for the wonderful accommodations and for sharing such a beautiful place with me (if only for a few days). New Camp was a perfect cabin! It was larger than I had imagined even from the pictures at your web site. If I plan for a personal retreat I will definitely stay at New Camp again. I did peak at all the other cabins except Ridge Camp. I went up to Wolf's Nest on Thursday afternoon and experienced a lovely lunch on the back porch with the sun shining brilliantly (I left everything as I found it). I also enjoyed several other of the recommended hiking trails. Gypsy cabin is adorable! Maybe when the boys are older we will be able to enjoy the spot and accommodations (as I don't trust them yet to sleep "alone" or without close supervision). I think I favor Sugar Camp for a family trip and The Cabin with the Shed if we vacation with our close friends. Already several people have asked me for your web address and I have been careful to share the information with like minded people who will enjoy the camp "conditions" as much as I did. My only regret on this trip was that I did not meet Louise. I tried at the Stone House on 3 occasions but must have missed her. Sincere wishes for continues success at FourPeaks, Alison  More about this. (Keep reading.)Guestbook Entry Date : 4/28/2001 Name : Alison Email : alison***@warwick.net Location : Pike County Pennsylvania Comments : Dear Martin- Just got back from my personal retreat at New Camp. Thank you for sharing the awesome beauty of your property and the simplicity of cabin living. I have returned to my often crazy life, rested and refreshed and looking forward to returning to FourPeaks often. Sincerely, Alison and Georgia the dog P.S. As for reccomendations for improving conditions at camp...I would like to suggest providing visitors 2 pails for hauling water. The double handled cook pot was akward and strained the back a bit. Two single handled pails (or buckets) would make the task more effecient and ergonomic. Thank you for asking. 
A footnote from Your Fourpeaks Host.Several highly functional 7-gallon water containers (fill with as much as you care to carry) with faucet built in now available at every camp that does not (like Gypsy, Sugar and Thoreau as of 2003) have it's own kitchen-based water supply). We supply these already filled with a startup supply whenever possible and will refill on request. 1849 "I find myself thinking of it often. Mike and I would live there if we could." Subject: Re: A Road Story From: dtlu****aol.com Date: Wed, 27 Aug 2008 22:08:11 -0400 To: martin@4peaks.com Hey Martin, I know we talked a little about your road trip in July when Mike and I were at Fourpeaks, but this comes at a good time for me. The pavement seems a little hard for me right now. I suppose I need to find a little quiet, a little nature. I wish it was already time for our next visit, but I think I am going to need to look for it here. To much going on right now, but I find myself thinking of it often. I am sure you probably don't get a lot of father son teams at Fourpeaks, but Mike and I would live there if we could. It is our place to re center and find new respect for each other. Thank you Martin for this beautiful poem. It made me remember Fourpeaks, Wolfs Nest, the summer and You. We will take you up on your dinner offer next trip. Best wishes, Dean. -----Original Message----- From: Martin (Your Adirondack Guide) dtlu****aol.com Sent: Tue, 26 Aug 2008 9:23 pm Subject: A Road Story Dear Dean, I've traveled the road to camp maybe thousands of times in all the years. A five hour drive up from the city, you could say I know every turn and tree. And the states of mind as well, that come along with it. The frustration stuck in traffic, before getting out to where it's open and less travelled. The impatient sense of fun with a just a girlfriend alongide, some food and wine. The noisy excitement with all the kids aboard and Albert on a family visit. And just me after breaking up with her, alone and empty, away for months. There's a spot on 73 where the road turns up into the mountains by Keene. I feel it every time. On Stonehouse road, except for the Peckham place and a few culverts, the landmarks are all natural. A high sandpit ringed with great pine at the top, a deep hollow on the Granite Company land, the sag, a swamp, and giant maple opposite Perkins. We cut one years ago that died. It took forever and the broad stump defied Willy's saw to the end. Three feet across, you can still find it on the right near Sugar. He spotted another one not long ago, but I told him to let it be. Time enough when it falls down on it's own. (Not likely we'll bring that in any time soon.) Anticipation builds in increments along with the rise in elevation, till it levels out for good at Halsey Straight's place. His farmhouse spruce, grown tall and majestic, now join the canopy of oak and maple above. Stretched out ahead with a gentle curve, the road feels peaceful, like home. Years ago Mitch made a fine color photo of it in Fall. Looks like a cathedral interior with bright stained glass around. I'll find it and put it on the webpage. I framed some of his other stuff in the kitchen at The Cabin. B&W. Snowbound in Winter, even for just a day or two, feels like shipboard at sea. Nothing on the horizon and nothing expected either, considering the location. The town plows their part right away, but I tell Willy not to rush with my quarter-mile driveway. I don't need anything, no guests for a while, and I enjoy the isolation. White and deep, with no tracks but my own, I shovel a path to the privy, for the exercise. Later, traveling on it, even with good studded tires, you develop a special sense of control, like skiing. Maintain momentum, keep the wheels in track, and brake gently or not at all. Spring thaw, for a brief period, the road is nearly unnavigable. Ditches and culverts clogged with mud and trash, water comes down hard making deep cuts in the sandy soil. You must take care to stay off the shoulders no matter what. Up from the city in this season many years ago, I found a barricade, "Road Closed." I moved it over, and went up. Only a mile to the end, the blocked and broken road that day gave me the feel of my backcountry. They came a few days ago and plowed it smooth, but there are wet soft spots in it still and it'll be a while before it dries out enough for proper planing and shaping the ditches again. Time to clear the road to Ridge. Winter guests spoke of deadfall on the way. Got to High Meadow early on and cleared some good sized popple there. But I was more concerned about mud and water on the long flat after Great Rock. Billy's strongest with the chain saw. He came up after work just yesterday and we went up together. It was dry on the grade and we picked up rotten birch and broken limbs of all kinds. On the flat I put my wheels high on the side for traction just to be sure. No need. The water cuts Kevin put in last Summer, though they made for bumpy travel at the time, did fine. One really troublesome big jack pine, several trees hung up overhead, and lots of smaller stuff. We picked up birch at the view spot and entirely cleared the "go-round" that connects to the corner swamp and the ridge beyond. All oak mostly. We cut and loaded the blocks for firewood. It was near dark by the time we got done. Billy wants to come back to get birch bark for a decoration at his new house. And harvest more oak that's down. I said ok. Thanks for reading this. Pick your road with care. Get off hard pavement onto a nature track. Take time to look around, enjoy the quiet. And stay awhile. With just this in mind, I took a roadtrip this Winter. It took considerable effort and application to get far enough away from the miles of housing developments, Walmarts, national chain hotels, and the food and other outlets of all kinds. Read about it-- http://4peaks.com/pprdhome.htm I can make finding quiet much easier for you. Visit my Fourpeaks, a natural place just hours from home. Get the views-- http://4peaks.com/fotrails.htm Enjoy the comfort and seclusion of a real Adirondack cabin-- http://4peaks.com/fcamp.htm Make some time to experience it! (Availability Calendar.) http://4peaks.com/femail0.htm Your Adirondack Guide, Martin P.S. If you liked this letter, save it for the links, and tell a friend! If you didn't like it, please send it back with "REMOVE" as the subject. Thanks. Member Whiteface Mountain Visitors Bureau Member Lake Placid/Essex County Visitors Bureau ************************************************************* This is No.21 of a really occasional Letter, "Hints of Balsam and Pine from our Corner of the Adirondacks," for Fourpeaks guests or anyone who ever inquired about a Fourpeaks Vacation/Getaway. To get off this list reply with "REMOVE" in the subject heading. ************************************************************* 0939 "We're listing what we want to bring and had a question about the fridge." From: indigo****@yahoo.com Date: Sun, 20 Sep 2009 16:57:16 -0700 To: martin@4peaks.com Howdy Martin, We're listing what we want to bring and had a question about the fridge You mention that the Sugar Cabin has a 4-cu. ft. fridge. Is there a freezer in it, or just room for ice-cube trays? Out of curiosity, what does it run on--propane? Thanks for your help, Clare Subject: Howdy Martin, From: "Martin (Your Adirondack Guide)" Date: Sun, 20 Sep 2009 22:48:13 -0400 To: indigo****@yahoo.com Clare-- "Is there a freezer in it?" Yes. Will not keep ice cream frozen. OK for other stuff. You may have room in my freezer for a limited amount of frozen stuff. Phone from Scotty and I'll arrange a place for it. "Where/what is Scotty?" http://4peaks.com/fodir.htm#welcome "Out of curiosity, what does it run on . . ." http://4peaks.com/foshort2.htm#lighting Martin P.S. Double check your "what to bring" list? See "A Complete Vacation" at http://4peaks.com/foguest2.htm#supply and "What to Bring at Frequently Asked Questions http://4peaks.com/faq.htm#bring.
Footnote:When they were here last week, Karen and Kevin had me over to Sugar for a bratwurst BBQ with sauerkraut. OK. For dessert she had a nice apple crisp with ice cream. Soupy. We enjoyed it anyway, but I told them about the freezer at Scotty and said they could keep their ice cream there if they wanted it right. That solved that problem. Next time at the freezer I found their ice cream--frozen hard. Dear Guest: Except for The Cabin and Ridge Camp (7-cu. ft.), all the fridges at camp are just 4-cu. ft. ("under the counter") refrigerators, with a small freezer compartment for ice cubes. This will also keep frozen stuff OK for the time you'll be here. But if you bring lots (why?) just let me know and I'll arrange to keep some for you. For all about the amenities at Fourpeaks rental places, see the illustrated chart at  Four Star Camping. For answers about electricity, running water, toilets and more see Frequently Asked Questions. And please read the complete "Amenities Summary" for the Fourpeaks camp you're thinking about, before you rent. Thanks..
.  Are you in this picture? Fourpeaks hosts now welcome paying guests to a 700-acre rest and playground for vacations in the Adirondack Great Camp tradition. Couples appreciate Fourpeaks secluded settings. Outdoor loving families have fun exploring our accessible wilderness. Folks with dogs enjoy the open spaces to run their pets. A private nature rereat. For a vacation away from it all. Are you in this picture? CLICK HERE to find out! [More about this at Frequently Asked Questions.]  Inquire about a Fourpeaks Adirondack Vacation/Getaway. (Easy Inquiry Form.)
 (Easy Email form.)
 Tollfree or  Cell phone contact any time.
 
Keep up with us through occasional newsletters. CLICK for sample."Hints of Balsam and Pine from our Corner of the Adirondacks" Join our mailing list! (Easy form.) 
Please Rate Our Fourpeaks Website.
Whether you're an experienced webmaster or just a novice surfer, you may have feedback or suggestions to help us improve. We well remember the visitor who complained about the unpleasant glare from the HTML default royal blue links. That lead us to entirely revamp our background and link colors, making them softer, more eye pleasing. And the Florida expert who warned us about frustrating visitors with blind links. We followed his advice and now carefully identify links so visitors know before they "click" exactly where they're clicking to. Your comments or suggestions will be equally appreciated. NOTE: If you got here via one of our many subsidiary information pages, CLICK HERE to get the best view-- from our concise "Home Page." Thanks. [CLICK HERE for easy email form to make your feedback/suggestions.] |
What's New!