Frankenstein Ice Alternative Approach?

I asked about this last year, but didn't end up climbing at Frankenstein. Now I can't find the old post. Where is the alternative (non train tracks) trail supposed to be?

Thank You!

It’s all a bit ridiculous though when you consider that it’s impossible to avoid the tracks altogether. Not to mention how slow the train is going and how easy it is to step off the tracks if it were approaching you. I guess complying makes sense for not jeopardizing access, but the weirdest part to me is that there isn’t any additional signage concerning this situation in the parking lot (unless I’m missing something).

I've never seen a train there, but the idea of running into one while crossing the gully freaks me out. It must be moving pretty slow to not be a concern...

Seems like everyone I talk to just goes onto the tracks, but it would be a shame to lose access because people can't handle a little extra hiking. I agree though, signage would help clarify things.

Yes, it’s slow. That being said, it doesn’t take long for it to appear once you hear the horn.

I think the bigger issue is climbers actually being in the way. Walking on or crossing the tracks is one thing, but I saw people dumping their packs in the middle of the tracks and sorting gear right outside the amphitheater. They made some joke about a “yard sale.” I have to wonder if they were even aware of the train’s operation or just not concerned. If the train came up while they were doing this that would’ve likely been an actual issue.

The tourist train is loud.  It will sound a horn if you're in the way.  The other maintenance trains and truck are fast and quiet.  

The trail from the lower lot is actually a lot nicer- there's less wind and it's easy hiking. 

The best way to solve this is to go to the Adirondacks.  There is less walking and fewer trains to deal with. The routes are less pegged out too. 

And only 4 hours extra driving...

The freight train which ran until 1983 didn't even slow down in order to maintain speed up the grade. The trestle felt longer then. :)

Christian's map beta is great.  The trail from the lower parking lot is well packed these days and easy to follow.  Just be sure to take the lower trail that hikes out past the bathroom instead of the main Frankenstein Cliff Trail that takes a hard left out of the parking area.  Like Matt said, this new access trail - The Frankenstein Cutoff - is really nice.  I actually like it a lot better than using the upper parking and just walking the tracks (trains and access issues aside).  You'll pop out on the tracks just before the Trestle and this provides perfect access to the Amphitheater.

I have just been walking the Trestle and the tracks to get to the climbs further down, keeping in mind the train schedule and trying to avoid lingering on the tracks.  However, if you are trying to access the Hanging Gardens, Dracula, Standard Route, etc., the small pullout that is on the east side of the road on Christian's map works really well.  There is only room for maybe 6 cars, but it's an awesome, convenient option.

The train passes through at 11:30 AM and 1 PM on Saturdays and holiday stretches.  Maintenance vehicles and plow trains are also running with some frequency.  It seems like a strategy that avoids the tracks when reasonable and employs some general situational awareness is currently working really well.

While Matt is correct in pointing out that the Adirondacks are amazing, he is wrong to suggest that Frankenstein is played out.  Current conditions rival anything that we've seen in the past decade.  In addition to a whole host of rare formers on the South Face and an Amphitheater that is climbing like it's 1978, yesterday offered up fresh sticks and absolutely amazing ice on two of the most well-traveled routes in all of the Northeast - Dracula and Standard Route.  Sure feels like good climbing to me. 

Grant Simmons wrote:

Christian's map beta is great.  The trail from the lower parking lot is well packed these days and easy to follow.  Just be sure to take the lower trail that hikes out past the bathroom instead of the main Frankenstein Cliff Trail that takes a hard left out of the parking area.  Like Matt said, this new access trail - The Frankenstein Cutoff - is really nice.  I actually like it a lot better than using the upper parking and just walking the tracks (trains and access issues aside).  You'll pop out on the tracks just before the Trestle and this provides perfect access to the Amphitheater.

I have just been walking the Trestle and the tracks to get to the climbs further down, keeping in mind the train schedule and trying to avoid lingering on the tracks.  However, if you are trying to access the Hanging Gardens, Dracula, Standard Route, etc., the small pullout that is on the east side of the road on Christian's map works really well.  There is only room for maybe 6 cars, but it's an awesome, convenient option.

The train passes through at 11:30 AM and 1 PM on Saturdays and holiday stretches.  Maintenance vehicles and plow trains are also running with some frequency.  It seems like a strategy that avoids the tracks when reasonable and employs some general situational awareness is currently working really well.

While Matt is correct in pointing out that the Adirondacks are amazing, he is wrong to suggest that Frankenstein is played out.  Current conditions rival anything that we've seen in the past decade.  In addition to a whole host of rare formers on the South Face and an Amphitheater that is climbing like it's 1978, yesterday offered up fresh sticks and absolutely amazing ice on two of the most well-traveled routes in all of the Northeast - Dracula and Standard Route.  Sure feels like good climbing to me. 

The trail was the way go, very pleasant approach to the amphitheater. What rare formers in the South Face were you referring to?

Evan Ratzan wrote:

The trail was the way go, very pleasant approach to the amphitheater. What rare formers in the South Face were you referring to?

Cocaine, Sword and the Stone, Fang, Valkyrie, FA Gully have all been climbed in the last couple of weeks. Some are starting to get a little sunbaked so YMMV

Cocaine was super cool when we did it perhaps 6 years ago?