History Hike at Great Camp Sagamore in New York
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
5–6 hours
Fitness Level
Recommended for those comfortable walking 4.5 miles on uneven, forested terrain at a moderate pace.
Overview
Discover the hidden engineering marvels of Great Camp Sagamore on a 5.5-hour guided hike. Walk forest trails to historic hydroelectric sites and spring houses that showcase early 20th-century innovation deep in the Adirondacks.
History Hike: Engineering the Wilderness
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Embark on the Engineering the Wilderness History Hike at Sagamore, a captivating 5.5-hour journey through stunning trails. Discover remarkable engineering marvels from the early 20th century, including spring houses and hydro-electric plants, while reflecting on the vision and effort behind these innovations that transformed the natural landscape.
Rate
- Adult - $49.95
- Child - $19.95
Duration
10:00 am - 3:30 pm (5.5 Hours)
About
Explore Sagamore’s natural history and its ingenious engineering innovations on the Engineering the Wilderness History Hike.
During this 5.5 hour experience, guests walk around Sagamore and on trails through the surrounding woods to see the sites and discuss the scientific principles that made it all possible. From a series of spring houses, cisterns, and waterways to a hydro-electric power plant to a self-regulating machine that turned gasoline into naphtha lighting to massive cast iron wood burning boilers, Sagamore had all the engineering and technological triumphs the turn of the 20th Century provided.
This tour also provides opportunities to think about the extraordinary vision and labor required to create, operate, and maintain these engineering feats, and how they both altered and maintained the experience of “being in nature.”
This tour takes approximately 5.5 hours from 10 AM to 3:30 PM, with an hour to enjoy lunch in our historic dining hall included.
Please Note:
The day includes approximately 4.5 miles of guided hikes. Because these sites are only accessible by walking through state forests, this experience is for individuals who have no mobility concerns, and who have experience walking through the woods.
Our pace is leisurely and measured, and you do not need to be an advanced mountaineer. Still, if you do not often walk in the woods, this may not be the best “first” experience doing so. Feel free to consult with Sagamore staff on questions—we’re happy to discuss more, and find the right balance between caution and adventure!
Adventure Tips
Wear sturdy, broken-in hiking boots
The trail covers uneven forest terrain and occasional rocky sections—boots with solid tread help maintain footing.
Bring layers for variable Adirondack weather
Mornings can be cool and afternoons warm; dressing in layers ensures comfort through the hike.
Carry water and snacks
Though lunch is provided, bring water and light snacks to stay energized during trail sections.
Expect moderate hiking pace
The 4.5-mile route is leisurely but requires steady walking through woods; suitable for those comfortable with forest trails.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- White-tailed deer often spotted near trails
- Various songbirds native to Adirondack forests
History
Great Camp Sagamore is a preserved Adirondack Great Camp, demonstrating how wilderness retreats were engineered for comfort and sustainability in the early 1900s.
Conservation
The camp emphasizes sustainable interaction with the environment, maintaining existing structures and trails to minimize impact while educating visitors about historic eco-engineering.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Hiking boots
Provides ankle support and grip on uneven forest trails.
Layered clothing
Adjust for weather changes throughout the day.
spring|summer|fall specific
Water bottle or hydration pack
Stay hydrated during sustained outdoor activity.
Insect repellent
Protects against mosquitoes and ticks during warmer months.
spring|summer specific