Goodnow Mountain Hike, Adirondack
My car camping trip with my sons at Lake Harris Campground in the Adirondack, near the Town of Newcomb, New York, included a hike to the summit of Goodnow Mountain
Goodnow Mountain, the summit is only 2,685 feet above sea level sea level, is not very impressive in terms of height relatively to the High Peaks in the Adirondack Park, but the well-marked and well maintained two-mile trail to the summit offers an interesting hike. However, be warned that the relatively short hike is not for anyone that is not physically fit. If you are in reasonably good shape you can probably complete the round trip in about two hours – a bit longer with younger kids or less fit individuals in your group, or if you linger at the summit’s 60-foot fire tower.
Trailhead sign for Goodnow Mountain along Route 28 East
Start of hike to the summit of Goodnow Mountain in Newcomb, New York
Goodnow Mountain trail
Part of the trail can get very muddy. But a series of boardwalks keep your boots somewhat dry.
Goodnow Mountain trail
The Goodnow Mountain trail goes over a few big rocks that could get very slippery get wet. Be careful.
Exposed rocks and rut along the Goodnow Mountain trail
Yellow Birch growing over a boulder on the Goodnow Mountain trail
This Yellow Birch manged to survive and dominate this boulder along the Goodnow Mountain trail.
An outcropping a short hike from the summit affort a nice view of the surrounding area around Goodnow Mountain.
View from under the fire tower on the summit of Goodnow Mountain
Fire tower on top of Goodnow Mountain
The 60 foot fire tower on the summit of Goodnow Mountain was erected in 1922 and its use was discontinued 1970. The view from the top – from what I understand – is wonderful.
Panoramic view from summit of Goodnow Mountain
I only managed to walk up to the third landing of the fire tower; the pictures above was taken from there. There are some nice pictures taken from the very top of the fire tower that you can find on the Internet.
