The historic MacNaughton Cottage was recently renovated to its previous glory. (Provided photo — Open Space Institute)

NEWCOMB — The Open Space Institute has announced the completion of enhancements to its 212-acre Adirondac Upper Works property, including the exterior rehabilitation of the historic MacNaughton Cottage, significant improvements to the Upper Works Trail, and installation of new signage. The projects preserve key pieces of American and Adirondack history and exemplify OSI’s 20-year commitment to creating a welcoming, safe and accessible entry to the Adirondack’s Southern High Peaks.

At MacNaughton Cottage, OSI completed a full roof replacement; reconstructed the historic front porch; installed new replica windows, doors, and siding, and added a wheelchair-accessible ramp. Along the Upper Works Trail — a one-mile scenic footpath running parallel to the Hudson River — OSI worked with the Adirondack Mountain Club to install eight new trail bridges, reroute sections of the trail, improve the trail surface and tread, and build new stone steps.

To date, OSI has invested more than $2.1 million in capital improvements at its Adirondac Upper Works site, in addition to more than 20 years of stewardship.

“Providing a welcoming, safe, and accessible entry to the southern High Peaks has been the core of OSI’s work here for more than 20 years,” said Erik Kulleseid, OSI’s president and CEO. “Adirondac Upper Works welcomes nearly 20,000 visitors annually–a number which underscores the critical role OSI is playing in helping to disperse visitors across some of the Adirondack’s most remote and popular destinations.”

“OSI is proud to deliver a world-class destination that honors the area’s history while complementing the natural beauty of the High Peaks,” said Peter Karis, OSI’s Vice President for Parks and Stewardship. “Having consulted with numerous local stakeholders and a team of architects, architectural historians, and engineers on improvements for MacNaughton Cottage and the Upper Works Trail, OSI worked diligently to make sure the upgrades also provide durability and functionality that will meet the needs of visitors, the local community, and future generations.”

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, “DEC was proud to work with our partners at the Open Space Institute and the town of Newcomb to support the newest suite of improvements at Upper Works and MacNaughton Cottage. These projects will help protect the region’s irreplaceable environment by better dispersing visitors throughout the High Peaks region, while also helping to make this part of the Adirondacks more accessible and welcoming to visitors of all abilities. DEC commends OSI, the town of Newcomb, the Adirondack Mountain Club, and the many stakeholders who helped make this project possible.”

The improvements were accomplished thanks to the support of generous donors and public-private partnerships, including The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation/Land Trust Alliance, Samuel Freeman Charitable Trust, the Cloudsplitter Foundation, Overhills Foundation, the Tahawus Club, and other private donors. OSI was awarded a $75,000 grant for the Upper Works Trail improvements from the New York State Conservation Partnership Program (NYSCPP) and New York’s Environmental Protection Fund. The NYSCPP is administered by the Land Trust Alliance, in coordination with the state Department of Environmental Conservation.

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About Adirondac Upper Works

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Serving as a southern entrance to several major High Peaks Wilderness Area trails, Adirondac Upper Works provides easy access to Henderson Lake, a popular kayak and canoe location. Upper Works also contains three trailheads leading to scenic forested hiking trails, including the Mount Adams fire tower, and signage telling the rich history of the property. The site includes the Upper Works Trail, MacNaughton Cottage, the 1856 McIntyre Blast Furnace, and a 60-car parking area and trailhead constructed by OSI.

Constructed by OSI and opened to the public in 2017, the Upper Works Trail guides visitors on a scenic route along the banks of the Hudson River and highlights the history of the former Adirondac Village.

Built in 1834, MacNaughton Cottage is the only building that has survived from the site’s early mining era. Notably, MacNaughton Cottage is the site from which then-Vice President Theodore Roosevelt began his famous “midnight ride to the presidency” in 1901 after receiving news that President William McKinley had been shot in Buffalo.