Iron Man

Howie and I climbed Iron mountain (AKA Elizabethtown No. 2) in the Adirondack high peaks. It is a trail-less mountain in the Giant mountain Wilderness area. Parked in small pull-off on Route 9. Started out following an old woods road. It was going in the general direction I wanted to go. Kept on it for nearly a mile, and then headed off trail. From here on, it was a fairly easy bush-whack. There were areas of open rock alternating with deciduous woods. A couple of the rocky knobs along the way were a bit tricky to climb, and I had to find easier ways up them (usually on the less steep northern side). Continued on the ridge taking in the views until I reached the summit. Headed back a slightly different route (more in the woods and away from the rock) and soon picked up the road again. After that, it was smooth sailing back to the car.

Summit Elevation: Iron mountain 2400
Round-trip Distance: 4.5 mi
Elevation Change: 1840 ft

 Had some extra time after the first hike. So, I did another short hike just down the road. Followed the ADK trail to Gilligan mountain. On the way down, Howie had a close encounter with a porcupine. He got within a foot of being quilled. Luckily, I was able to pull him away.

Round-trip Distance: 2.2 mi
Elevation Change: 750

Overall, a nice partly sunny day for our hike. There were a few bugs, but not too bothersome.

Iron mountain