Baxter Mountain in Adirondack Park, NY

Hike Baxter Mountain Adirondack Park, NY

Class 1 2.7 miles 900 gain 1-2 hr Out + Back Jul 6, 2023
Effort
Beauty
Personality
Solitude

Baxter Mountain GPX Track

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Baxter Mountain is a short outing, the trail clearly popular for families looking for a hike and offering a quick viewpoint along the way. While not one of my favorites in the area, this hike did work as a nice add-on to nearby Hurricane Mountain. From the trailhead, I walked through the forest on a wide trail, crossed a powerline scar, then followed the initial meandering switchbacking ascent.

After the first half mile of these switchbacks, the trail changed in character quite a bit by narrowing and ascending more steeply to a junction, where a sign marked the direction for Baxter Mountain. Heavily-eroded by years of hikers losing the poorly-marked trail, the slope had splotches of exposed rocks and roots. All obstacles had walk-arounds, but you could add some Class 2 scrambling into the mix. There were blazes nailed to trees, but I often felt some of the social trails along the way were more obvious than the official trail. All options ultimately led back to the proper route.

I reached the false summit of Baxter Mountain, which might be confused for the actual high point since there was a nice overlook to the south and only flat-looking forest in the direction of the true high point. However, the true summit is located a bit farther along the trail, requiring a short dip to a minor saddle and then up to the high point. The views here were nearly nonexistent.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)
Peaks on hike
Elevation
Prominence
1
Baxter Mountain
2428 ft
525 rise

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Baxter Mountain Trailhead.
Baxter Mountain Trailhead.
Crossing a powerline gash.
Crossing a powerline gash.
Wide trail climbing slowly.
Wide trail climbing slowly.
Meandering switchbacks led slowly up the slope.
Meandering switchbacks led slowly up the slope.
The forest wasn't particularly inspiring in the lower portion of the hike.
The forest wasn't particularly inspiring in the lower portion of the hike.
The Baxter Mountain Trail then ascended more steeply to a junction.
The Baxter Mountain Trail then ascended more steeply to a junction.
A junction clearly stating where to go to reach Baxter Mountain.
A junction clearly stating where to go to reach Baxter Mountain.
The trail is steeper here.
The trail is steeper here.
And more eroded, where rocks and roots are exposed and the trail becomes a bit convoluted.
And more eroded, where rocks and roots are exposed and the trail becomes a bit convoluted.
A nice view along the way.
A nice view along the way.
More ascending on the steeper portion of trail.
More ascending on the steeper portion of trail.
Another nice view as I near the false summit of Baxter Mountain.
Another nice view as I near the false summit of Baxter Mountain.
False summit just ahead, but this is the best the views will be for the hike.
False summit just ahead, but this is the best the views will be for the hike.
Passing over the false summit and onward to the true summit.
Passing over the false summit and onward to the true summit.
A minor saddle separating the false summit from true Baxter Mountain.
A minor saddle separating the false summit from true Baxter Mountain.
Baxter Mountain summit, obscured by trees.
Baxter Mountain summit, obscured by trees.
Minor views on the Baxter Mountain summit.
Minor views on the Baxter Mountain summit.

Hire me or show me some love!

Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I’m not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!