Ask John O'Donnell
Situated where the Adirondack Mountains meet the Champlain Valley, the Quinn Mountain Magic property is 175 acres of secluded forest land, including a picturesque pond that opens up possibilities for scenic vistas, wildlife viewing, and a host of recreational activities.
Quinn Pond, a 6-acre beaver pond, is the focal point of the property. It is accessible for paddling, fishing, and waterfowl hunting. The western side of the pond would be a great location to site an off-grid cabin, with spectacular views and easy access. The beavers are quite busy, constantly adding to the smaller ponds up and downstream from Quinn Pond. The constant harvesting of small trees by beavers creates a dynamic forest that changes from year to year, enhancing wildlife habitat for numerous species.
Quinn Mountain, near the southern boundary, is just over 1,500 feet in elevation, and may offer long distance views with selective tree cutting. It is easily hike-able, and would be a great spot for a lean-to or tent site. There is a hunting cabin situated on a lower height of land, which is in tear-down condition.
Past timber harvesting has created habitat suitable for a variety of wildlife species. Every turn of the trail seems to flush more than one ruffed grouse. Raspberry and blackberry species have colonized the property, offering abundant browse for deer and moose, fruit for black bear, and cover for grouse. This region is noted for the presence of moose, the second largest land mammal in North America. It is not uncommon in this area to see scat and tracks of this elusive species, which prefers young forests, brush, and expansive wetlands—all features of this property.
The northern portion of Quinn Mountain Magic is level. Once a farm, as evidenced by the presence of stone walls, this area, with its loamy soils, would be suitable for the establishment of food plots to benefit wildlife and enhance whitetail hunting.
Quinn Mountain Magic is in the Town of Peru (Clinton County) on Mud Pond Road, a seasonal town road that provides access to the property and vast acreages of State land nearby. The property shares its western boundary with 220 acres of the Terry Mountain State Forest. It is also accessible via Mud Pond Road to over 5,000 acres of the Terry Mountain State Forest/Taylor Pond Wild Forest, which allows public access for fishing, hunting, and primitive camping. In addition to the State Forest, the property is surrounded by other rural, wooded lands amounting to thousands of acres. Its location is the definition of seclusion.
The property is just under an hour from Lake Placid and Whiteface Mountain, home of the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics, and a world-renowned tourist destination. It is also just minutes from public boat launches on the 107-mile Lake Champlain, and close to the Adirondack High Peaks, with a bounty of trout fishing rivers and streams.
Quinn Mountain Magic is only 7 miles from the Village of Peru, which offers the day-to-day necessities, and has easy access to I-87 at Exit 35. The City of Plattsburgh is just 30 minutes away, with box stores, car dealerships, and other amenities, as well as the Plattsburgh International Airport just outside the city limits. Trudeau Airport in Montreal is ~1.5 hours, offering expansive flights to Europe and beyond.
