Co-leader: Carolyn Eastman

Where can an Adirondack Explorer get an all-encompassing  view of Black Mt., County Line Mt., Blue Hills, South Mt., Diamond Mt., Big Shanty Mt., and Pillsbury Mt on a clear day?  The short answer- visit the Siamese Pond Wilderness and climb to the lower shoulder of Eleventh Mt., which hosts several scenic vistas.

Our troop of seven was blessed with a most perfect day – cool temperature, blue sky with plentiful sunshine, no black flies, and fairly easy bushwhacking from Diamond Brook to the cliff line.

From the Siamese Pond trail, the shoulder appears to be choked with conifers, but in reality, the narrow veneer of spruce trees is fairly open allowing hikers to poke around to find the best view spots. The shoulder has multiple vistas, but two are most prominent where there is plenty of space to accommodate a group of hikers comfortably and safely.

The most difficult part of our 4.5-mile, five hour trek was navigating down the fairly steep eastern slope to the parking area. Trekking poles were truly most helpful while descending on the dry beech and oak leaves.