Catamount Mountain
August 11, 2020 | Wilmington area, NY
The background: This peak is part of the Lake Placid 9er challenge (more info here.) I will write a full post on the challenge itself, but this was my second to last peak I had left to hike in order to complete the challenge, which I started back in June 2019. I chose this peak on a Tuesday in August during one of my vacations in the ADK, in between my longer high peaks-focused days. This is a 3.9 mile out and back hike that is certainly more on the moderate/challenging side due to a section towards the summit - more on that below!
Getting there: This is a liiiittle bit outside of Lake Placid proper, so you’re looking at a 30-minute drive northeast of town. Head east on route 86 towards Wilmington; after about 12 miles, you’ll turn left onto NY 431, then take a slight right onto 18A (right at the fork - not towards the Whiteface toll.) Continue for roughly 3 miles, until you reach Roseman Lane; at the end of this road, make a right onto Plank Road, which will turn into Forestdale Road. After approximately 2 miles, the parking lot for the trailhead will come into sight on your left. This is a designated parking lot with ample space for a decent number of cars. Your car should be fine in 3-season weather, and you will most likely…not have cell service in the parking lot (in true ADK fashion!)
The hike: It was predicted to be a beautiful, but hot, August day, so I chose to get on the trail earlier rather than later. I also had a 2AM wake-up call for the Dix Range the following day, so I would need all the rest I could get before then. I signed in at 7:30 AM and was the first car in the lot for the day. I wasn’t too surprised given that it was a weekday, so I didn’t feel compelled to start any earlier than that - I was correct in this assessment. I walked past the stop sign at the gate and signed in at the register, starting out the morning on a pleasant tree-lined trail, which proved to be the perfect warm-up for what was to come. The trail is well-marked, so I happily day-dreamed and continued on my way. I knew that a feature called the “chimney” would be soon approaching, and after gaining a bit of elevation and winding through the beautiful forest, I saw it. The chimney (see photo below) is a narrow-ish rock formation at about the 1.5-mile mark, where you will have to scramble and squeeze your way through. And yes, I really found it to be narrow! I had some difficulty getting my pack and myself up, but eventually shimmied my way through. I even felt slightly claustrophobic at one point, but don’t worry – you are never under a rock or anything like that. After climbing my way through this fascinating structure, I carried on to the open ridge, where you will now be exposed to the elements. You’ll see your final destination in sight now – so close, yet still some ways to go! I did find less trail markings and cairns from this section onward to the summit – but they are there. I just had to pay closer attention at this point. Despite having to pay more attention to where I was going, I did not find any other section to be too difficult past the chimney, as I made my way up to the summit. Before I knew it, I was standing atop Catamount, all to myself with the vast views and that hot mountain sunshine. I devoured the Stewart’s breakfast burrito I had with me, hydrated, and proceeded to soak in this ADK beauty. I had no other plan for the day so truly spent some quality time, just me, Catamount and Mother Nature. After some time, I started my descent, where I again had to be conscious and look out for the markings to lead me back to the chimney. After the chimney section is where I saw a few groups heading up to enjoy the day. I had an uneventful but peaceful descent to the trailhead, where a trail crew was now seated to educate hikers for the day. By 12:30, I had already changed back at my room in Lake Placid and was seated at the bar at Big Slide Brewery, reminiscing on the near-perfect (I rarely say this!) morning I just had.
Concluding notes: This is a fun, yet moderate hike that can be completed in a few hours or less than half a day. Just note the chimney/ scrambling section if you are bringing dogs or children – it is doable but be prepared for it. Be on the lookout for the cairns/ blazes once you are on the ridge, and you will have no trouble reaching your destination (sometimes, I daydream a bit too much and then end up off trail- such is life.) You are also exposed at the summit to the elements; as always, don’t forget your sunscreen, hat, clothing layers, etc. since you will feel it when you are on this sizeable, glorious summit. I am also sure the chimney gets a bit technical and icy in the winter months, so please be prepared should you venture out during this time.
My recommendation for an ideal day and what you can pair this hike with:
Flume Knob or Bear Den in nearby Wilmington are excellent trail choices – not too long and can be completed after or before Catamount.
High Falls Gorge: this is on private land and there is a fee to enter. This is more of a tourist attraction” walk and not a wilderness hike, but nonetheless worth checking out if you wanted to do a different / family-friendly activity (I don’t believe dogs are permitted.) Note, I went back in 2018, so check out their site for more updated Covid protocols.
Or you can do what I did – grab lunch in town 😉 My go-to when I can get a spot is Big Slide Brewery
But to be honest, there are really so many other hikes/ activities you can do after in Lake Placid/ Wilmington – you can’t go wrong.
Happy Hiking!
