Hike Hurricane Mountain Adirondack Park, NY

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Hurricane Mountain GPX Track

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I decided to hike Hurricane Mountain by using its southern trail. The peak can also be accessed from the north using a different trail, but I liked this option because it required less driving. Hurricane Mountain isn't one of the Adirondack 46ers, but its high prominence piqued my interest. I parked on the side of the highway since there's not a real trailhead, taking a minute to sit in my car and let the caffeine help me forget about my aching legs after yesterday's Great Range Traverse. I couldn't possibly take a rest day while in the beautiful Adirondack Mountains!

I started along the well-marked trail, which climbed pretty steeply through the forest up an initial slope. There was a nice viewpoint along the way, but the morning forest lighting and green mosses had my heart so I didn't linger. Continuing north, the trail became more tame as it traversed a flatter section at the base of Hurricane Mountain. Lovingly-placed boardwalks across a pond were very welcomed. The trail eventually began ascending again, making vertical progress earnestly as tends to be the case in the 'Dacks.

After a mile or so of various switchbacks and rocky terrain, I emerged on the west ridge of Hurricane Mountain. Here I got some spectacular views that would follow me for most of the last half mile or so to the summit. A short forest jaunt led out to a puddle-pocked slickrock wonderland. Yellow blazes help navigate this lumpy portion of the hike and up to a lookout tower at the high point. The tower was open, so I climbed the stairs to get a slightly better view.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)

Peaks on hike

Elevation

Prominence

Hurricane Mountain

3678 ft

1982 rise

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Hurricane Mountain Trailhead, southern approach.

A pretty steep ascent initially.

Amazing morning forest light.

A view point shortly after starting the hike.

A flatter portion along the base of Hurricane Mountain.

The trail was in great shape and easy to follow.

Some boardwalks over a boggy portion.

And then a necessary boardwalk crossing a more substantial swamp.

View back at the swamp. It was deep enough today that even the boardwalk was underwater.

Crossing a brook.

Starting to ascend again.

The trail is typical Adirondack fare for a while.

A small opening, overgrowth tamed a bit by another boardwalk.

Ascending through the forest.

And then I emerged on the west ridge of Hurricane Mountain. Summit seen on the left.

Excellent view looking back.

Some more forest walking after leaving the initial open section.

A short obstacle along the trail.

Ascending onto lumpy slickrock.

Blazes help lead to the summit through the rocky terrain.

Hurricane Mountain seen ahead.

View back along the summit ridge.

Lookout Tower.

From within the lookout tower on Hurricane Mountain, view west.

Hurricane Mountain, view east.

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!