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Location

The trailhead Lodge is located in Benson Township, in the southern extreme of Hamilton County. Situated at the southern end of New York's most pristine hiking trail, it provides a perfect place for hikers to begin or finish their trips. The Northville-Lake Placid Trail winds through the beautiful Southern Adirondacks to the spectacular high peaks area 120 miles to the North, traversing some of the wildest country in the Adirondack Park.

History

The Lodge was originally built as a two-room, fireplace-heated, Adirondack cabin in the 1850s and has grown to its present form through numerous additions and renovations. It was purchased in the 1880s by William Washburn, grandfather of the present owner. William, and his wife Julia raised five children during Benson's heyday as a lumbering and farming area. Julia also rented rooms to "sports" who came to hunt the whitetail. William and his two sons, Robert and Leo, often served as guides for many of these parties. Leo's son, John, and his wife. Jane, have restored the building to its former 19th century style, with the exception of modern utilities. Five recently restored bedrooms provide guests with contemporary comfort in 1890s surroundings. John, and his son Michael, carry on the family tradition as licensed Adirondack guides.

Activities

Trailhead Lodge enjoys a remoteness that is rare today. This is where the road ends and the wilderness begins. In the winter season guests enjoy cross county skiing and snowshoeing. The Lapland Lake Cross Country Ski Center, with 48km of groomed ski trails, is only 1/2 mile away. The first several miles of the state-owned Northville-Placid Trail also provide good skiing opportunities. Trailhead offers guided snowshoe trips to remote locations. The Trailhead also packs out three miles of wilderness snowshoe trails for our guests to enjoy on their own. Snowshoe rentals are available.

For those of more sedentary persuasion, loafing on our old fashion wrap around country porch, or wine and cheese in the warm winter sunshine are activities designed to fit the restful seclusion that typifies the Southern Adirondacks.

Your host occasionally performs some of the best loved poems of Robert W. Service, as well as some of his own work. Mr. Washburn is a free lance writer and has received two national awards for stories  that were published by the Seattle Klondike Gold rush Centennial Committee, in their anthology of gold rush tales.  He also writes feature stories for several area newspapers.  His book Point Last Seen, is a training manual for search and rescue teams.

The Trailhead Lodge is located only 60 minutes from the NYS downhill ski area at Gore Mountain. Country breakfasts, fireside evenings, story telling and warm hospitality round out your stay at this hundred-year-old Adirondack inn. Come and enjoy the Southern Adirondacks at the Trailhead.

Accommodations

The Trailhead offers four double rooms at $80.00 and one single room at $60.00 Country breakfasts are included. Guests also may enjoy a cozy living room downstairs, with a fireplace and good company. Hot chocolate or coffee is available in the late afternoon when guests return from the day's activity. Guests may bring their own beverages if they wish. Trail lunches are available with adequate advance notice and the coffee pot is always ready.

Updated on November , 26 2007