187.) Adirondack Pioneers: Noah John Rondeau the Hermit of the Adirondacks

Deep in the Adirondack wilderness, beyond the reach of roads and civilization, lived a man who became a legend—Noah John Rondeau, the Hermit of Cold River. For nearly 40 years, he lived completely off the land, building his own village, decoding his thoughts in mysterious journals, and welcoming the occasional visitor to his remote paradise.But what drove Rondeau to leave society behind? How did he survive in one of the most rugged parts of the Adirondacks? And how did he go from a true recluse to an Adirondack icon?

In this episode, we take you deep into the life of Noah John Rondeau, exploring:

✅ His life in the Cold River wilderness—how he built shelters, hunted, fished, and thrived alone
✅ His unexpected rise to fame, despite choosing to live in solitude
✅ The mystery of his coded journals and what they reveal about his life
✅ How a powerful storm forced him from his home and changed his life forever

Noah John Rondeau wasn’t just a man who lived in the woods—he was a symbol of self-reliance, freedom, and the deep connection between humans and nature. His story is one of adventure, resilience, and mystery.

So grab a seat by the fire, and let’s journey back in time to meet the last true Adirondack hermit.



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1.) The Adirondack 46 in 18 Hikes: The Complete Guide to Hiking the High Peaks 

2.) Adirondack Campfire Stories: Tales and Folklore from Inside the Blue Line



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