Double your (hiking) pleasure

Howie and I climbed two more peaks with fire towers on Sunday.

Goodnow Mountain

Summit Elevation: 2690 ft
Round-trip Distance: 3.8 mi
Elevation Change: 1040 ft

Goodnow mountain is located in the central Adirondacks near Newcomb. The fire tower on top is open and there are great views of the high peaks to the north.


Fire tower on Goodnow



Looking north from tower (at high peaks)

Blue Mountain

Summit Elevation: 3759 ft
Round-trip Distance: 4.0 mi
Elevation Change: 1550 ft

Blue mountain is a 20 mile drive from Goodnow. It is one the most climbed peaks in the Adirondacks.


Fire tower on Blue mountain



Looking north from tower

Water, water, everywhere!

It's been very hot here lately. So, I decided to give myself a break and visit some waterfalls and swimming holes in the Southern Adirondacks. I went with Paul from work and his black lab - and of course my beagle Howie.

Tenant Creek Falls

Round-trip Distance: 3.8 mi

The path followed along a pretty creek. There were three waterfalls to visit. Some good swimming spots here, but the water was a little too cold for that. That didn't stop the dogs though.


First falls


Second falls


Third falls

Griffin Falls

A gorge on the East Branch of Sacandaga with a couple of drops. A good swimming hole and the water seemed warmer here too.


Griffin gorge


Howie

Austin Falls

A series of drops on the Sacandaga River.


Austin falls

Auger Falls

Round-trip Distance: 0.8 mi

A waterfall and flume in a rugged gorge on the Sacandaga River below Auger Flats. Plenty of caution is advised here.


Auger falls


Auger falls

The Two Towers

Howie and I climbed two peaks with fire towers on Sunday.

Hurricane Mountain

Summit Elevation: 3694 ft
Round-trip Distance: 5.2 mi
Elevation Change: 2000 ft

Hurricane mountain is located in the northern Adirondacks. The old fire tower on top is closed to the public. Even without climbing it, you get great views from the open rocky summit.


Fire tower on Hurricane


Looking south

Poke-O-Moonshine Mountain

Summit Elevation: 2180 ft
Round-trip Distance: 2.4 mi
Elevation Change: 1280 ft

Poke-O-Moonshine is a short drive from Hurricane. The fire tower is open, but views can be had without climbing it. This is also a popular spot for rock climbers because of the steep eastern face.


Fire tower on Poke-O-Moonshine


Looking south