Loon Lake Mountain (Fire Tower)
September 19, 2020 | Vermontville, NY
The background: While I enjoy hiking solo, I will never turn down a chance to hike with others if the opportunity arises. I had been connected on Instagram with another hiker, commenting and talking to one another here and there, until one day, we decided to exchange numbers and plan a hike together when I was in Lake Placid. We decided on a fire tower hike that neither of us had ever been to, so Loon Lake it was!
Getting there (in 3 season weather)
Located in the Debar Mountain Wild Forest about 30 miles northwest of Lake Placid, sits this charming less-trafficked trail. From Lake Placid, head west on route 86, then turn right (northbound) on route 3. Follow the signs for route 3, passing the towns of Bloomingdale and Vermontville (if you see signs for moose crossings, you’re in the right place!) for about 15 miles, then turn left onto Port Kent-Hopkinton Turnpike. You’ll drive for about 7 more miles, passing Loon Lake to your left, and very remote, serene wilderness surrounding you, until you reach the trailhead, which will be a set parking area on the left hand-side. Your vehicle should have no issues (my lil’ Jetta did just fine) but you will not have cell service at the trailhead and may get it about half way to two-thirds into your hike, so be sure to plan your route ahead of time.
The hike: Out-and-back, 5.8 miles round-trip, fire tower and open summit (as of when we visited, bottom stairs were missing, so it is not climbable.)
We had planned to meet at 7:30 AM on this unusually chilly early autumn day. I was the first car in the lot and waited for her to arrive. After a few anxious minutes, wondering if we were going to have a good hike (would I be too slow? Would I talk too much?) she pulled up - and we instantly connected! It was honestly so refreshing to meet an amazing individual who also loved hiking and had similar goals.
We were soon on our way, the first hikers on the trail for the day. The trail is easy to follow from the lot, and turns into an old logging road for a bit, before it picks up into the forest again (follow the sign with the arrow!) We were laughing and talking until we finally came upon the steepest section, with nearly a mile left to the summit – and this is some significantly steep terrain. Fortunately, we had each other and had nowhere else to be, so took our sweet time ascending, until a kind gentleman swiftly passed by us (he would go on to have his morning coffee at the top, where we would encounter him again.) After what seemed like an endless ADK mile to the top, the trail leveled off, and we were soon greeted by the tower – and a gorgeous summit view. We said hello to our speedy friend and spent some time exploring the summit and staring at the tower we couldn’t climb. It didn’t matter though; the views were plentiful from all around the summit. We eventually (sadly) started our descent, passing a few other hikers on their way up. The temperatures began to warm up, and we were back at the trailhead before we knew it - eager to see each other again (which we would a few weeks after that!)
Meeting up with a new hiking partner(s) for the first time? Here are some of my tips:
Manage expectations; be honest about your hiking experience so that you can decide on a hike that makes sense for everyone going. This is critical to ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment.
That said – it is also crucial to be honest while on the trail, whether you start to feel ill, run out of water, and so on– don’t be afraid to speak up. (Most) people are very understanding.
Since many trail heads have limited to non-existent cell service, set the meeting time and exact meeting spot, but allow a grace period should there be unexpected roadblocks (literally) en route to the trailhead.
Let each other know your vehicle type so that a crowded trailhead is no big deal and it’s easy to find one another.
As with any hike, discuss a backup plan (or 2) should the original plan not work out.
Go with an open mind - it’s a wonderful thing to meet others, especially amongst nature and on the trail. You never know what you can learn from them, and it can expand your horizons in ways you didn’t know were possible.
Have fun – because hiking is meant to be fun…and not too serious (this is actually a reminder to myself 😉)
