Adirondack Mountain Club

This is a rare opportunity to see a historically significant part of the Adirondacks that has been completely inaccessible to the public for over a century. Follensby Pond was the site of the famous Philosopher's Camp of 1858 where Ralph Waldo Emerson and 9 other prominent men camped for a month. Although they had differing opinions on many subjects, their experience on Follensby led them to a common belief in a spiritual connection to nature and the need for preservation of wild places. This was part of a very early conservation movement. For many years, Follensby was in private hands and inaccessible to the public.

The Nature Conservancy has owned the property for 15 years during which time it was also not open to the public. The Conservancy has now made an agreement with the DEC for joint management of part of the land. Follensby Pond can now be visited by the public, but in a carefully restricted manner. This tour is restricted to 15 people to be accompanied by guides. Once on the property, there are three choices: a tour of the pond on a pontoon boat, canoe paddling on the pond (canoes provided), or a walk in the woods.

Registrants will need to specify in advance which option they prefer, and persons with disabilities will be given first choice for the pontoon boat ride.

Meeting place: Young Life Campus lodge dining room
Travel distance: Caravan 30 minutes from campus
Trip rating: C (Easy)
Trip distance: 2 1/2 hours at slow pace
Maximum group size: 12