Hiking Big Crow and the Nun-Da-Ga-O Ridge – 9.26.20

Looking for a less-crowded hike in the Adirondacks with outstanding views of the high peaks? Look no further! The views from Big Crow and the Nun-Da-Ga-O ridge loop (also called the Soda Range) were fantastic. It was the perfect day for a hike, too. My friends Frank, Brendan, and I arrived at the trailhead at around 9:30 am. The parking lot was crowded, so we parked on the side of the road near the lot.

The hike up to big crow was a little steep but really short. We just followed the signs for Big Crow. We were on the top in about 37 minutes.

We explored the rocky outcroppings on Big Crow for a little bit then headed back down the way we came. At the junction, instead of going back down toward the parking lot we went left and followed the Nun-Da-Ga-O trail.

There were lots of rock scrambles and ups and downs along the ridge but gorgeous views in every direction.

 

We took our time and stopped to enjoy the views at almost every spot. We only saw one other group of people on the trail, which I couldn’t believe since the parking lot was so crowded. I guess they were all hiking Hurricane.  We got to the top of Weston Mountain and after enjoying the summit for a little bit we headed down. We could see Lost Pond below–one of our destinations on the loop.

The trail from the top of Weston is super steep. It was very dusty and dry–the driest I think I’ve ever seen in the Adirondacks. And I’ve been hiking for a long time. Eventually, the trail flattens out and comes to another junction–a trail to the pond and a lean-to. Take a right at the Lean-to, walk past and continue on to Gulf Brook Campsites.

From here on out the trail is lovely and mostly flat.

We arrived back at the car and then immediately snacked on some Stewart’s pumpkin donuts.

The hike was a little more challenging that I was expecting, but still a lot of fun. I was a little worried about my knee since it felt a little “off” during the hike. But it held up and feels great today. I’m so happy to be back out hiking in the ADK again.

Big Crow and the Nun-Da-Ga-O Ridge

Distance 6 mi (?) Note: my GPS devices had a lot of discrepancies. My Gaia GPS app clocked 7 miles, my apple watch strava app clocked 8.5 (way off I think) and then adjusted to 7.5 miles, while most everything else I read said it was a 6 mi loop. It felt longer than 6 miles to me.
Time 6 hrs, 54 minutes (very relaxed place. Gaia GPS calculated 2 hr total stoping time)
Ascent 1532′