Kane Mountain (Fire Tower)
June 28, 2020 | Caroga Lake, NY
The background: To be honest, this wasn’t really on my radar for this given trip. I was on a mission to complete the Lake George 12ster challenge about an hour and a half from here, but the weather had different plans for me. The thunderstorms predicted in the Lake George region would not have made for an enjoyable day in any way (see my Tongue Range posts for the actual day I went back!) Instead of simply heading home downstate and calling it quits this weekend, I decided to follow the weather and explore shorter hikes at lower elevations. I knew I had some time before I had to head home, so decided to explore an area I hadn’t been to yet. The weather looked like it might hold out for me in this section of the park, but as you might know… Adirondack weather is unpredictable and will do as it pleases at any given time.
Getting there: Kane Mountain is in the southern section of the park. From 29A in Canada Lake, turn down Green Lake Road, until the end of the road (about 0.6 miles) where you will see a parking area and trail register. I’m sure it gets very crowded on summer weekends as it’s both a short and rewarding hike. My Jetta made it just fine on the roads and I don’t recall any “watch-outs”, so your car should be OK, too (in 3 seasons.) In true ADK fashion, AT&T cell service will be sparse, until you reach the tower.
Note: I read somewhere there used to be a different trailhead and route a few years ago, but it has been re-routed to the spot I describe above.
The route: The sign at the trailhead indicates there are two trails you can take to get to the tower. I decided to complete the loop clockwise, so I hiked the steeper 0.6-mile East trail on the ascent and the more gradual North trail on the descent (1.2 miles back to the trailhead.) If completing the loop as I did, the hike is a total of about 1.8 miles. I prefer to climb steeper sections than descend them, but I would recommend the loop (either clockwise or counterclockwise) if you want to make the most of the trail.
The weather, so far, was in my favor – except for a few clouds in the distance, the sun was shining bright and I (as always) was thrilled to be outdoors and on the trail. I started on the East trail, which I found to be slightly steep but not unmanageable, and within 15 minutes, encountered the tower. There was a group I met on their descent, and a group at the tower, but it was not crowded by any means. The summit is mostly treed-in but once you climb the tower, you are greeted with the most phenomenal views of the rolling hills of the region and Canada Lake. As of June 2020, the tower and cabin were both open. After soaking in the views, I then descended the tower and explored the summit itself. There was an old, abandoned observer’s cabin behind the tower to the left, which I walked over to and snapped some photos of. I love the history behind all the fire towers and their trails – I can never get enough!
After spending some quality time at the summit and saying farewell to the tower I loved so much, I began my descent down the longer, but more gradual North trail. This was a scenic walk through some beautiful trees and wildlife and is mostly treed-in. Suddenly, I heard something – it was the pitter patter of water drops falling atop the trees that shaded me. It had begun to lightly rain, which added to the beauty of the trail. I enjoyed the cool drops on that hot mountain day, until it started to pour...but before I knew it, I was signing out at the trailhead. On my drive south, the storm would pass nearly as quickly as it started.
Concluding notes: Despite its short length, this trail was one of my favorites from the summer. The greenery, the peacefulness, the sun and mix of rain, along with the tower views and old observer’s cabin made this a special afternoon. The views from the tower of Canada Lake and the region are hard to beat.
To me, the only downside is how far away it is from me to get to and where I normally stay in the park (but not for everyone; it’s only an hour from Schenectady); however, after doing some post-trip research, I have listed suggestions on how to make use of your time wisely (in terms of driving around and exploring the area!)
My recommendation for an ideal day and what you can pair this hike with:
Since it is a bit more isolated from other hikes and a shorter trail that won’t take up the whole day (or even a half day), here are some recommendations below, if you’re up for making it a (fun) day full of hiking. If you have any more suggestions, please reach out and I will add them!
Hike Good Luck Cliffs: From Kane trailhead, turn right on to 29A/state highway 10, and trailhead will be on your right after about 8 miles.
If you are leaving the park from the north:
First, stop at Tenant Creek Falls near Hadley for a mostly flat, not-too-long, scenic waterfall trail, and then head southwest to Kane Mountain.
Pillsbury Mountain Fire Tower is about 42 miles north - I haven’t been here yet so can’t speak to it.) If heading south after, you could then hike Kane on your way out of the park.
Happy Fire Tower Hiking!
