Adirondack Memoir
Camping in the Moose River Plains 1964-2024
By Matthew T. Beal
EAN 979-8-9992740-1-4
176 Pages
Paperback. 6″ x 9″, 0.54lbs.
Matthew’s story begins shortly after the cleanup from the Big Blow, when Gould Paper Company, who had logged for decades in what is now known as The Moose River Plains Wild Forest, sold their land to the people of the state of New York.
Originally, the Conservation Department saw this wilderness area as a natural paradise for sportsmen. With its abundance of lakes and rivers set in a forest of pines and hardwoods, it was the ideal place to establish campsites for public use by anglers, hunters, hikers, and those who simply enjoyed being in the wild country. Matt’s family brought him camping here as an infant, and he has visited regularly since then.
A journey through wild landscapes and cherished memories, this story is shaped by whispering pines, crackling campfires, the music of rivers and wildlife, and the timeless call of the Moose River Plains. For sixty years, these woods have been a sanctuary for me, my family, and my friends-a place of adventure, reflection, and deep connection with both nature and loved ones. My hope is that this book will encourage future generations to explore the Adirondack wilderness and all its wonders, creating their own indelible memories that will last a lifetime.
NOTE: Matt Beal will be writing “The Hiking and Camping Guide to the Moose River Plains” for publication in 2027.
About the Author
Matthew T. Beal is an outdoor enthusiast and author whose life has been deeply intertwined with the landscape of the Adirondacks. Having been introduced to the region by his family when he was just a nine-month-old infant in 1964, Beal has spent six decades returning to the wilderness multiple times every season. His firsthand, lifelong experience with primitive camping in the area provided the foundation for his book, allowing him to witness and document the changing environmental policies and regulations of the Moose River Plains Wild Forest. Beyond his work as a memoirist, Beal actively shares his deep-seated passion for conservation as a public speaker, engaging with regional organizations like the Inlet Historical Society to advocate for the preservation and exploration of New York’s historic public wild lands.