A Night in the Adirondacks: Hurricane Mountain

On our ongoing quest for new sunrises from atop the mountains of the northeast, we saw it appropriate to return to the Adirondack High Peaks. We had already experienced a sunrise from a peak in the Adirondacks back in May, from Pharaoh Mountain. While we were going to leave it there, I thought it would be a good idea to return to the range, as the Adirondacks are a large range. I chose Hurricane Mountain (3,694') for it's open summit and fine views in all directions. This was definitely going to be a unique sunrise.

The fire tower atop Hurricane Mountain.

Even though Hurricane Mountain is in the High Peaks region, it isn't a 4,000-footer, but it does provide one of the best views in the  area. The most popular trail on the mountain climbs from Route 9N, but I chose to start the hike from the Crow Clearing trailhead to the north. My dad and I arrived at the trailhead early, where we eagerly started the hike. The first mile of the hike was smooth, following what was likely an old logging road.

The beginning of the trail.

Perhaps an old logging road?

Once at the junction with the Soda Range Trail, we continued on the Hurricane Mountain Trail, which crossed a small brook, then began at a steady grade. It brought us through an open forest, which was followed by a smooth trail over a brook. At this point, the path got rockier, and continued to climb through boreal forests. Soon it flattened out at the junction below the summit. Overall, an easy trail!

At the junction.

Some rockier portions of the trail.

After a bit of flat trail, we were brought to a steep rocky area, that when ascended, brings you to the first ledge on the summit. Upon our first time on the peak, there were no views, as the summit was completely socked in. Despite this, we still continued along the ledge all the way to the fire tower. We didn't spend too much time up there, as there was a very strong wind passing over the summit. We went back into the trees below the summit and set up camp, occasionally returning to the ledges.

The technical climb just before the ledges.

Looking up toward the summit while in the clouds.

The restored fire tower, and some remains of the former in the foreground.

Upon our last climb to the summit that day, we waited for the sun to set. We knew we weren't going to see a great one, but it was worth watching. The skies had cleared up a lot, mostly to the north. To the north could be seen the Soda Range and Jay Mountain. Since the winds had eased up, I climbed the fire tower, which doesn't offer that much more to the view. Fire towers are a better gimmick then they are practical, but none the less, it's nice to have.

Through the clouds can be seen the Sentinel Range.

Looking past the ledges toward Baxter Mountain.

Jay Mountain and the Soda Range from Hurricane Mountain.

From the fire tower, looking toward Lake Champlain.

The western horizon turned orange beneath the clouds, and it was evident the sun would be setting soon. It wasn't the best sunset, but it was something. While there were still clouds around many of the high peaks, we trusted that the skies would clear up enough for the next morning in order to see the sunrise. We carefully made our way down the peak into the woods and off the trail back to our tent, where we awaited the sunrise.

Jay Mountain and the Soda Range before sunset.

The sun shining through the clouds.

Even though this is all we got, it's still beautiful.

The sky began to brighten as we made our way back to the summit the next morning. We didn't have to wait long until the sun began to rise just over the Green Mountains and Lake Champlain, which both cleared up overnight. While clouds are usually a nuisance on hikes, they can occasionally add to the scenery, which is what I felt of them during the sunrise. There were just enough as not to block the sun, but make it more unique.

The sky before sunrise.

The sun rising over Lake Champlain and Split Rock Mountain.

A rough outline of the Green Mountains can be seen just below the sun.

The skies were much wider now that the clouds eased up overnight. Some of the high peaks were visible, including Cascade and Porter, Giant Mountain, and Rocky Peak Ridge. Dix Mountain could be seen in the distance, with Nippletop Mountain nearby. The serrated ridge of Sawteeth Mountain was plainly visible. The Sentinel Range was in and out of the clouds all morning, and Whiteface Mountain never showed through.

The fire tower in silhouette.

Giant Mtn, Macomb Mtn, Hough Mtn, Dix Mtn, Nippletop Mtn, Mt.Colvin, and Sawteeth

The serrated ridge of Sawteeth Mountain.

Mt.Whiteface and Esther Mountain from the ledges.

We made our way down to camp and packed up, then continued our way back to the trailhead. Hurricane Mountain made for an excellent spot to see the sunrise. It was one of the best ones yet, with all the clouds and fall scenery adding to it. During our descent back to Crow Clearing, we noticed how quickly fall would be approaching. Seasons change much faster in the mountains, and it was evident, with the leaves turning yellow, and the autumn breeze beginning to roll in. I can't wait for fall!

Overnight Atop Pharaoh Mountain

Within the endless forests of the Adirondack Park can be found numerous wilderness areas, one of which being Pharaoh Lake Wilderness, which houses Pharaoh Mountain. This peak towers above the surrounding land, and offers stunning views in most directions. With Pharaoh Lake at the foot of the mountain, I figured that this would make for a perfect camp out, especially because the summit is home to one of the best legal tentsites in the region.

Looking off from Pharaoh Mountain.

After finding our way to Crane Pond Road, we began down the trail, which was clearly an old road, with rusted drainage pipes, choppy pavement, and twisted guardrails leftover. The road wound through the trees and eventually found it's way to Alder Pond, which offered a view toward Pharaoh Mountain.

The beginning of the trail.

Pharaoh Mountain from Alder Pond.

The path wrapped around the water until it brought us to Crane Pond, where we crossed Alder Creek, which was moving with a fast current. We crossed over a very rickety bridge, and signed the register, which was just slightly uphill from here. After that, we continued until we found the junction going up to the summit. Here, there was also an old foundation.

The bridge over Alder Creek.

Looking toward Crane Pond.

The junction below Pharaoh Mountain.

After a few miles, we finally started gaining elevation, as the trail began to head directly for the summit of Pharaoh Mountain. The path followed an old cart road for a while, until it finally started to climb up some enclosed ledges that were laden with moss. Once the trail left the ledges, it entered the forest again, and wound up to the summit, which had great views looking west.

First view from the trail.

View from the summit.

From this ledge, which is the highest point, you can see some of the high peaks, specifically Mt.Marcy, Mt.Skylight, Macomb Mountain, Dix Mountain, Mt.Grace, Giant Mountain, Rocky Peak Ridge, and many more. You can also see Crane Mountain, Gore Mountain, and Snowy Mountain to the west.

Looking to the high peaks, with Hoffman Mountain to the left.

Looking southwest, with Crane Mountain to the far left and Gore Mountain to the far right.

The high peaks:Skylight, Marcy, Haystack, Basin, Saddleback, Gothics, Nippletop, Macomb, Dix, Grace, Giant

While this is a fantastic view, it's not the only one on the summit. Two large ledges on the northeast side of the peak offer views up to the high peaks and into Vermont and the Champlain Valley. Much of the Green Mountains can be seen, including Camels Hump, Mt.Ellen, Mt.Abraham, Breadloaf Mountain, Pico Peak, and Killington Peak. Treadway Mountain can also be seen in the foreground.

The view from northern ledge.

The view north from the other ledge, with Giant Mountain to the far left.

Looking northeast toward Treadway Mountain (foreground).

Camels Hump in the far distance.

Right beside these ledges happens to be a legal tentsite, within twenty yards of the view. We set up camp in anticipation of viewing an amazing sunrise and sunset, and even had a fire. With the temperature lowering, we explored the summit further, and discovered another ledge with views looking to Pharaoh Lake.

Looking to Schroon Lake from one of the southern ledges.

What can be seen to the south.

From this ledge, there is also a great view of the Lake George area, specifically Black Mountain and Erebus Mountain, along with the numerous peaks of the Lake George Wild Forest and the Tongue Range. There is also a great view of the Coolidge Range in Vermont from here, home to Killington Peak and Pico Peak. Equinox Mountain and Dorset Peak are also visible in the distance.

Pharaoh Lake

The peaks of Lake George, with Black Mountain in the center and Erebus Mountain to the far right.

The sky began to change color, and after sitting by the fire for a while, we went to the summit to see the sunset, but sadly, clouds had rolled in and blocked the horizon, so our sunset had been compromised. We were still able to enjoy the evening views.

Crane Mountain and Gore Mountain during what should be sunset.

Skylight, Marcy, and Haystack in the evening.

During sunset: Killington Peak and Pico Peak can be seen in the distance.

We woke up early that morning with hopes of witnessing an amazing sunrise, but that had been hidden away by clouds as well. There were some pleasant colors visible in the sky over Camels Hump, but besides that, the sunrise wasn't visible. At this point, we packed up camp and began to head for Pharaoh Lake.

The Green Mountains during sunrise.

More views during the sunrise.

Camels Hump

The other side of the mountain was steeper, but easy. The trail passed through a beautiful mossy forest, then atop some covered ledges, with minor views out to Treadway Mountain and the distant Green Mountains. We finally made it to the lake a few minutes later, where the water was calm, and the air was cool.

My dad and Bella coming down the trail.

The view from Pharaoh Lake.

An island in Pharaoh Lake.

We walked along the northern shore of the Lake, which was very quiet and still. In fact, the only way to access this impressive lake is to hike to it! While clouds lurked above, distant hills were still visible across the lake. We passed several camp sites, and several views toward the water. It was a pleasant walk, but we finally reached the junction, and began to head back to Crane Pond.

Another view of the lake.

Along the way, we came upon a few flooded areas and large blow-downs, so it's safe to say, this trail hasn't been cleared in a while. We finally came to Glidden Marsh, which, much like Pharaoh Lake, was quiet and still. We were expecting to see at least one moose, but we were unable to see one. The trail was pleasant here, and gently cruised along the shore until it reached a bridge.

Glidden Marsh

Another look at Glidden Marsh.

The final bridge.

From here, we got back to the register, and headed out of the wilderness. I hope to return here soon, as it is a beautiful forest, with many more areas to explore. Due to the cloudy skies, we will likely be back out camping later this month. I can't wait to see what summer will bring, and I hope a beautiful hike like this is only the beginning.