Last winter, I “discovered” snowmobile riding from Charlie’s Inn to Malone for myself. It has become my favorite road trip. With trails open and grooming in progress up there, I was itching to get there for a ride.
But this time, I wanted to try it from Tupper Lake. That would cut at least an hour of round-trip trailering time from Indian Lake and add more snowmobiling miles. Always a good trade in my book!
Travel was a bit slushy from lightly falling snow. By the time I got to Tupper Lake, there was a fresh inch on the huge and spacious Washington Street parking lot. My truck would be the only one parked there all day.
Heading out
With Tupper Lake Snowmobile Club out grooming, riding was super from the get-go. With this in front of me on C7, my decision to ride from Tupper Lake had paid off, instantly!
After the Tupper Lake gang turned around, it wasn’t quite as smooth through Floodwood enroute to Charlie’s Inn, but still nice riding. I saw a number of people cross country skiing and walking their dogs on the trail, which is something to be mindful of when riding through this avenue.
Continuing on C7 past Charlie’s Inn was good riding for the first 4 miles. Then it got studdery with some rollers passing through Gabriels and a while beyond.
Pressing further north, snowmobile riding got smoother (but not table-top smooth) enroute through Mountain View and Owls Head. C7 is detoured through Mountain View due to a bridge closure. Just follow the detour signs for the reroute.
I think this clock house is pretty cool.
The final miles of C7 into Malone became a whoosh fest! I stopped at Roberts Sports of Malone to pick up an extra wire set for my heated shield, just because I’m starting to think it’s a good idea to have a spare. They also carry parts and accessories for all major makes of snowmobiles.
I started to run C8C for a quick run over to Burke. It was well-ridden, but ungroomed and rough, so I scrapped that idea in a hurry.
Trail around downtown Malone toward Mo’s Pub and Grill was in really good riding shape.
I did split off to take a look at The Pines. That trail was a tad bumpy in places. Their parking lot was pretty crowded with cars, which made me move onto Mo’s.
The field leading toward Mo’s was drifted over. For a while, stakes were the only indication of the trail.
Lunch at Mo’s doesn’t disappoint. This time, they threw down a steak burger and basket of sweet potato fries challenge.
I was up to the challenge, but didn’t dare take on dessert. I’ve learned to quit while I’m ahead. Had a lot of riding remaining ahead of me.
The way back
Not complicated, I retraced C7 back to Tupper Lake. Among my stops, I took this nice shot of Catamount beyond Fishhole Pond.
On my way through Lake Clear there was a small group of snowmobiles parked at Charlie’s Inn.
C7 from Lake Clear until Floodwood was tattered from the day’s traffic. But the final miles into Tupper Lake were fast and flat, a great run back to the ilsnow mobile command center.
Before I loaded the sled onto the trailer, I spun a few extra miles rolling through the Junction Pass trail to McDonald’s and back. That was groomed for a nice ride. Side trail toward Shaheen’s was rough and needed more snow. I didn’t spend much time on that one.
Bottom line
There were more than several pebbly and thin stretches on C7, with the occasional floating fist-size rock to avoid. But yet, I didn’t feel like I was beating my carbides mercilessly. There were only 2 notable water hazards.
Yes, we need more snow!! But I was abundantly happy with this ride. Along the way, I embarked on “rabbit hole” expeditions. Never got too far off C7, but was able learn the lay of the land a bit better. This padded my ride to 163 miles. As usual, much of the riding was effortless enough to make me think I could have done more! Magnificent scenery and wide-open trails will keep me coming back for more.
Pro tip
If you’re into the Facebook thing, Northern Adirondack SnowmobileTrail Conditions is an excellent source of recon info, started and ran by Marcel Carrier – THE Adirondack Snowmobiling OG! How do you think I got the word they are riding and grooming up there? Information flows both ways. We have two eyes, two ears and only one mouth. We’re meant to look and listen twice as much as we speak. It works better that way.
Do your recon, then GO FOR IT! Half of winter is done…
For the ilsnow nation,
Darrin
This report is brought to you by Pine’s Country Store. Their motto says it all: “A little bit of everything…” Conveniently located in downtown Indian Lake, NY at the corner of Routes 28 & 30 and proud home of the Pine’s Cam.
