The View from the Top

What drives us to explore? It’s an age-old question. If there is an answer to this question, it's way bigger than what my brain can comprehend. With today's technology is there really any reason for it? With the use of drones and satellites we can see every inch of this earth and beyond from the comfort of our living rooms. Virtual reality can make you feel like you are anywhere you want to be while sprawled out in our recliners. I mean, why bother to get out of bed early on a Saturday morning, drive an hour and a half to beat your body up climbing some mountain when you could have it in your face while sipping your morning coffee? At this point in society there is very little reason to even leave our homes. We can work from home, order a week's worth of groceries and have them delivered to our houses. Heck, you don’t even need to get off the couch to turn up the furnace these days. For some this is the perfect life, not having to do anything but eat and sleep with everything they need at their fingertips. But for others there is more to life, a desire to see what's over the next hill, to push themselves past a limit they didn’t know they could. These people have an internal calling to see things for themselves. They must breathe the fresh air and witness raw nature with their own eyes. As I get older this calling tugs at me more and more. I feel the need to get away from the phones, tvs, pagers and constant instant communication we are expected to have. I need to immerse myself in the wild lands that surround us. See mountain tops, lakes and rivers. Step away from society for a little bit and feel the natural energy that only the forest can give us. Yesterday I took those steps away from society and was rewarded with a mountain top view of the Adirondacks all to myself. Welcome to Loon Lake Mountain.

It was 46 degrees outside when I started my journey. I could feel autumn in the air. I made a quick stop at the bakery for a cup of coffee and a breakfast sandwich and I was on my way. The 56 mile drive to the trailhead took me through some of the most beautiful country this area has to offer. The winding back roads took me through miles of state forest preserve land and around mountain lakes and streams. I pulled into the trailhead parking lot around 10am. The smell of fall lingered in the air and the leaves were starting to show signs of changing around me.

With only two other cars in the parking lot I knew that I wouldn’t be seeing too many people on this trip. That was ok, more for me to enjoy by myself. I started down the narrow dirt path to the DEC sign in box. Resting against the brown box were two walking sticks quietly waiting for their next ascent up the mountain.

I signed in and started my way up the trail. Green forest growth lined the path as I walked along. Not far past the first trail marker the trail came to an old dirt road. I followed the road for a short distance to the next trail marker where again I was back on a single track trail. Red squirrels chattered in anger warning the others that I was there as I quietly walked through their home. Another T in the trail took me to a gravel road. I took a quick look at my map and realized that this road would be my path for the next mile.

Pretty easy walking I thought to myself as I moved on. The road opened up into a small meadow. The sound of crickets and grasshoppers chirping filled the air. I took a moment to watch butterflies and dragonflies dance in the skies that surrounded me.

Moving on I made it to the next trail marker. Back into the forest I went. The pathway was wide open with tree limbs peacefully hanging overhead.

As the elevation increased so did my heart rate. At this point it wasn't hard climbing but it was enough to feel it in my legs. I crossed several wet spots that had wooden planks in place so the trail wouldn't be destroyed.

Just off the trail large boulders sat on the forest floor, left there to wait until the next glacier comes along to move them to their next place on earth. Around the two mile mark New York Forest Preserve signs started to line the path.

A reminder that New York has some of the best publicly owned forests for us to recreate on. A few hundred yards down the path I could hear running water. A small bridge appeared up ahead. I decided to take a quick break and watched the small mountain stream trickle through the rocks. It’s places like this that truly make you appreciate mother nature.

Shortly after the bridge the real climb began. Step by step along the dirt path I slowly gained elevation. At the 2.5 mile mark the trail started to resemble a more traditional Adirondack mountain trail with rocks to maneuver over and around.

In the distance I could hear voices from up ahead so I decided to take another break. As the other hikers work their way down towards me they told me that the most challenging part of the climb is just ahead. With childlike excitement I moved on. At 2.8 miles the trail turned into a sea of rocks and boulders. Step by step I slowly picked my way through the labyrinth of stone.

Through pounding heart beats I contemplated why the hell I do this. Why do I get myself up early and drive an hour and a half just to beat my body up? But as I tried to catch my breath I realized that the answer was quite simple. For some crazy reason I’ve either been blessed or cursed with a desire to see what's out here. To witness what the North Country has to offer me. A few hundred yards farther up the trail, I decided to take another break. I turned around and was finally able to see an opening in the trees.

With mountains in the distance I knew I had to be close. I pushed on for the final ascent. Finally the trail leveled out as I worked my way to the opening in the trees. The rusted out old fire tower came into view. A shell of what it used to be.

Once upon a time it was an essential tool in the Adirondack park. Today it's a reminder of an era gone by as it sits slowly decaying back into the earth. It’s usefulness is no longer needed. Today a helicopter or drone can pinpoint a forest fire’s location faster than it takes to climb the mountain. I spent the next hour all alone on top of the mountain. I was surrounded by breathtaking views of the high peaks, lowlands, ponds and lakes off in the distance.

As I sat there I couldn’t help but notice the silence. My world was void of any sounds. I was amazed with the silence such a vast open space could have. No buzzing, beeping or talking. Not even the sounds of chipmunks chattering or birds singing. It was silent. After my traditional apple on the peak and a million photos taken, I decided that I had better head back down. With rubbery legs I slowly worked my way back down the trail. I spent the remainder of my hike thinking about the views I had and how small I felt surrounded by the towering mountains. It’s amazing that this special place sits right here in the North County. It was truly a Northern NY Adventure.

About this Location:

The Loon Lake fire tower is located in Loon Lake, New York in Franklin County. The trailhead sits about a half hour south east of Malone on the Port Kent-Hopkinton Turnpike. The trail is about 5.8 miles out and back and has just over 1,600 feet in elevation gain. The All Trails app has this trail labeled as moderate in difficulty. The first two thirds of the hike are pretty easy going as you are walking on a gravel road with a slow increase in elevation.

Once you get on the last portion of the trail that takes you to the top, the conditions change quickly. This is where you will see the most elevation gain. Be prepared to climb over and around a lot of rocks. In this area it could be really easy to sprain an ankle so take your time.

The entire hike took me close to four hours. But I was on the peak for close to an hour and I stopped along the way to take pictures. I think it could be done in three hours if you took your time but didn’t stop too many times. The fire tower on top is closed. It is in no condition to be climbed. Scattered around the top there are several open rock faces with amazing views.

This mountain isn’t on many top mountain lists so there is a good chance you won't run into a lot of people. If you are looking for a challenging climb with a spectacular view, I’d highly recommend checking out Loon Lake Mountain. You won't be disappointed. It definitely belongs on the list of Northern NY Adventures.

Aaron Hardy

Northern NY Adventures

“Make Life an Adventure”