Class 1 7.6 miles 2000 gain 3-5 hrs Out + Back Jul 12, 2024
Effort
Beauty
Personality
Solitude

Lyon Mountain GPX Track

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Lyon Mountain is located within the Chazy Highlands State Forest, a high-prominence peak set apart from most other hiking destinations in the Adirondacks, known for hosting a fire tower lookout. Apparently, there used to be a more direct trail that was damaging to the mountain, so a new one was built that meanders up very tame switchbacks to reach the summit. Switchbacks being incredibly rare for northeastern hikes since the trails are all historic ascents directly up the peaks, it made sense that this was new construction. I reached the trailhead from Chazy Lake Road, taking the good gravel Lowenburg Road suitable for any vehicle. Making a left from the trailhead, I followed a rocky old road converted into a trail, keeping an eye out for a sign marking where I should turn left off this section.

The Lyon Mountain Trail then ascended casually through a particularly lush forest, crossing a couple of bridges over streams. Ferns were strewn across the ground, and mosses grew on large boulders. The trail followed the typical progression from deciduous trees to coniferous, the lushness increasing as I ascended. There was only one lookout point along the way, available only because it’s where the old trail was carved into the face, and trees have not yet grown back to cover it.

Eventually, I saw the fire tower ahead. I was definitely concerned I wouldn't get any views, but fortunately I snagged a small window where the clouds dissipated when I reached the tower. The views were great from here. I could see Chazy Lake below, and with better conditions you can likely see Lake Champlain in the distance. The fire tower does not actually mark the true summit of Lyon Mountain. Instead, a social trail continues west through some boggy terrain, then south along an old road, which narrows into another social trail. You definitely want to locate the social trail because the terrain is boggy and covered in wet mosses, making travel slow. The summit is located off-trail, and I’m not certain I reached the actual highest point since the summit area is expansive and flat, but where I declared the summit was is good enough for me.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)
Peaks on hike
Elevation
Prominence
1
Lyon Mountain
3833 ft
2255 rise

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Just past the trailhead, hiking along an old rocky road.
Just past the trailhead, hiking along an old rocky road.
Junction, keep left to stay on the trail.
Junction, keep left to stay on the trail.
Bridge crossing a creek.
Bridge crossing a creek.
Pretty deciduous forest walking.
Pretty deciduous forest walking.
Another creek bridge.
Another creek bridge.
The switchbacks are long and tame.
The switchbacks are long and tame.
A very pleasant hiking grade, very much different in character compared to the other Adirondack hiking trails.
A very pleasant hiking grade, very much different in character compared to the other Adirondack hiking trails.
The mosses start popping in higher up.
The mosses start popping in higher up.
A switchback along the way.
A switchback along the way.
Image 9 from gallery
Image 10 from gallery
Yet another switchback to illustrate the tame nature of this trail.
Yet another switchback to illustrate the tame nature of this trail.
Getting mossier higher up.
Getting mossier higher up.
Image 13 from gallery
Image 14 from gallery
View back down along the slightly rockier stuff higher up.
View back down along the slightly rockier stuff higher up.
Image 16 from gallery
Lyon Mountain fire tower ahead.
Lyon Mountain fire tower ahead.
Viewpoint just past the fire tower, looking east.
Viewpoint just past the fire tower, looking east.
View back from the overlook at the fire tower.
View back from the overlook at the fire tower.
From within the fire tower, looking south toward the true high point.
From within the fire tower, looking south toward the true high point.
I found a social trail leading south.
I found a social trail leading south.
It was very pretty and casually brought me through the otherwise very thick forest.
It was very pretty and casually brought me through the otherwise very thick forest.
The social trail led to an old road.
The social trail led to an old road.
And then I had to head off-trail to reach the true high point of Lyon Mountain.
And then I had to head off-trail to reach the true high point of Lyon Mountain.

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!