Howard mountain

I have had this mountain on my hiking radar for a while - mainly because of the name. Maps showed no marked trails to this small peak, and it wasn't mentioned in any guide book. Aerial images showed a series of cliffs on the south side with the possibility of good views. Today, I decided to give it a go. Parked at the trailhead on Tracy Road (CR 8) in North Hudson. Started out on the Crowfoot Pond trail. At a little over half mile, left the trail and headed south toward the peak. Crossed over a small sub-peak (elev. 1520), and then up to the main summit. Spent some time checking out the different ledges along the south side of the peak. There were nice views, but unfortunately the skies were dark and cloudy. Headed back down. Passed a small beaver meadow and then reached the trail at about the same spot. By this time, the skies of course had cleared and the sun was shining brightly. Continued on the trail to Crowfoot pond. It was easy walking on the old road which doesn't seem to get much use. Reached the pond and noticed a small road heading uphill. Decided to follow it for a ways. It went partway up Stiles Hill, and then petered out. There were some openings in the cliffs where you could get some views. But, we were only a couple hundred feet above the pond, so couldn't see too far. Turned around and headed back to the car.

Summit Elevation: Howard 1713 ft
Round-trip Distance: 8.5 mi
Elevation Change: 1400 ft

Howard