The Tupper Lake Triad
August 8, 2020 | Tupper Lake Region, NY
The background: This triad of mountains located west of Lake Placid in the Tupper Lake region had been on my radar for the last year or so. My initial plan for this Saturday in August was to tackle a few High Peaks solo, but the weather forecast was just too iffy for the aggressive 12+ hour day. I switched gears the night before and decided I would head to Tupper Lake instead, still by myself as planned. This way, if the weather changed drastically or couldn’t make up its mind I could be back at the car in no time to dry off.
The challenge: Summit Coney Mountain, Goodman Mountain, and Mount Arab to complete the Tupper Lake (Hiking) Triad Challenge (there is also a Paddling challenge!) In addition to the personal satisfaction and sense of accomplishment, you can receive a patch after submitting your application/payment. There is also a patch available if you complete it in the (designated) winter months. It is an honor system and no photos are required, but you will have to document the date and time of each mountain summited. For more information, check out their official site here. I completed the “Ultra,” meaning I hiked all 3 in one day (but you don’t have to in order to complete the challenge.). If completing all in one day you will have to drive to 3 separate trailheads. They are all out-and-back hikes, with the longest route at about 3.2 miles round-trip.
If you are traveling from further away or a different area of the park, it makes sense to hike all of them the same day if you can block out a morning or afternoon to do so. If not, they make great outings on their own (no one would be upset enjoying a picnic and spending some quality time on any one of those gorgeous summits…)
In my opinion, this is certainly a family-friendly (and dog-friendly and solo-hiker-friendly!) hiking challenge, as well as one that is suitable for beginners. This is also perfect if you’re looking for a challenge on your “off” or active rest day and want shorter mileage and less time spent on the trails. It’s also a win if you don’t have a full day to spend hiking and still want to get outside and accomplish something awesome. These are nice, gradual climbs with nothing technical in order to summit.
Getting there: From Lake Placid, you’re looking at about a 50-55-minute drive to the Coney trailhead. You’ll head west on NY-86 towards Saranac Lake. If you want a break from Stewart’s, you can stop at the Dunkin’ drive-thru for your coffee and breakfast (it will be on the left😉.) You’ll then get onto NY-3 towards Tupper Lake, eventually making a left on NY-30 South. If using Google Maps, the trailheads are marked accurately and you will have no problem finding the lots, both of which will be on your left if you are driving southbound (my route described.) This was a peaceful and (thankfully) uneventful drive for me. There are no fees to park. I drive a 2007 Volkswagen Jetta and had no difficulty with my car in any of the lots.
Important notes: Did it occur to me that I was going to be attempting to park at very popular trailheads on a Saturday in August? Yes, but I took my chances anyway, since I wasn’t meeting anyone and could change my plans if absolutely needed at the last minute. As stated earlier, you will have to park at 3 separate lots. I would say start early in the morning (perhaps a little later than a High Peaks start time, but sunrise could be cool!) or much later in the afternoon on a summer or early autumn day. For those in-between seasons or winter, I think you would be fine to start at whatever time works best for you without worrying about the lots being filled. (If you have actual insight, please let me know!)
The route: I started with the furthest from my home base that week in Lake Placid and worked my way back. First up was Coney, then a 5-minute drive back up the road to Goodman, finishing with the 20-minute drive to Mount Arab. While I wasn’t necessarily in a rush, I kept a steady pace to keep the day moving, spending no more than 15-20 minutes at each summit (OK, maybe I spent more time at Mt. Arab for the finish…)
First stop: Coney Mountain (1/3)
I arrived at the trailhead at 6:45AM and only one other car was in the lot. It looked like it might be a nice day after all, despite the rainy weather projected the night before (Ah, that ADK weather is both unpredictable and charming at the same time.) I grabbed my pack and my Dunkin’ sandwich for the summit and was on my way. A long sleeve Under Armour shirt and Nike running leggings kept me warm enough for that brisk summer morning chill. I opted to wear my durable Saucony sneakers for this route, as I knew I would have to save my feet and boots for much longer and more difficult hikes the following day and later in the week. This turned out to be a good decision for me as I had no issues on the trail. I signed in at the trailhead and was on my way, passing a sign that indicated 1.1 miles to the summit and continued through a serene, lush green forest, gradually making my way up the mountain. In a rather short amount of time, I was greeted with that delicate post-sunrise glow on the exposed summit with 360-degree views. I saw the two hikers from the car in the lot and said a quick ‘good morning’ before finding a spot to enjoy the view and devour my breakfast, since I was now hungry at this point. After soaking in some of the morning goodness, capturing a few yoga poses on my tripod, and drinking some water, I made my descent in no time, signed out and headed back to the car. Onwards – down the road!
A good mountain, indeed: Goodman Mountain (2/3)
A 5-minute drive later, I arrived at the Goodman lot which I had passed earlier. Parking was not a problem at this hour. Goodman is also part of the Horseshoe Lake Forest Area like Coney is, so I expected it to be a similar trail experience. I set out on the trail at 8:05AM, with the first ~0.7 mile or so on an old road, the first quarter mile or so which is paved. This was a beautifully covered forest, so I didn’t mind the bit of road walk. You will come to a junction and will see a sign to turn left to start your ascent. Roots and rock will be present, but nothing will seem close to unmanageable. Like Coney’s trail, this well-marked trail in a lush forest setting eventually brings you to the open summit. After I basked in that mountain sunshine and enjoyed the serenity of the summit to myself, I snapped some photos and started my descent. I ran into a few hikers on my way down who were making their ascent, but it never got to the point of it being uncrowded or unpleasant. I signed out and started to mentally prep and prepare for the drive and final part of the Triad.
And finally: Mount Arab (3/3)
Yes, this is the summit with a fire tower, and you know how much I adore the towers and their history in New York State! I felt good after Goodman (I had to, right?) but also didn’t mind the short break I would have in the car. I planned on having limited or no cell service, so had my route ready to go prior to leaving Lake Placid for the 20-minute drive north to Mount Arab. The parking lot was near full when I arrived around 9:45AM, as to be expected on a Saturday in August. I changed into my trail runners and hit the 1-mile trail, ready for the finish. While this trail is steeper than the previous two trails, it is still very manageable and pleasant. It’s well-marked, maintained, and includes some wooden steps at one point, offering a genuinely nice climb in the woods. Once at the summit, you are greeted with an old observer’s cabin, followed by the tower itself. As of August 2020, you can climb the stairs of the tower, as well as enjoy the view from the cab, which was open (the top lookout.) And WOW! The view of the surrounding area is phenomenal, and it turned out to be the most magnificent summer day (despite the predictions for that day – sigh!) After relishing in my accomplishment, I took my routine tower photos and headed down to explore the rest of the summit. You can walk to a ledge (turn right if you’re coming up from the trail) where a wooden bench and lookout await you. Most hikers had left the summit at this point, so I enjoyed the solo serenity and nature’s soundtrack at its finest. After a quick reflection and gratitude practice, I (reluctantly) headed back to the trailhead, thinking about what lunch would look like and the rest of my day (spoiler alert: I would go on to hike Bear Den in Wilmington, after some lunch of course… #cantstopwontstop.)
Concluding notes: These beautiful, charming triad of trails will undoubtedly reward you with Mother Nature in her glory and views of the surrounding Western Adirondack area. I highly recommend these trails, either each alone, the duo, or all. These are quick, “snackable” hikes that will leave you feeling great.
So, what did I learn? I learned there is much to be discovered west of Lake Placid! Last year, I primarily explored the High Peaks and Southern part of the park, so I was excited I was able to expand my horizons (literally) this year. More to come on this in other posts.
This is rare for me, but I believe the way I tackled the TLT it is how I would do it again if completing the Ultra. There really isn’t much I would have done differently. I would repeat all of them again in a heartbeat, perhaps with autumn colors as the backdrop or as a winter hike.
And lastly… As always, no matter where you are, please carry out what you carry in (as the sign reminds you at Mt. Arab.) Cell service will once again be sparse (AT&T is my carrier, and it seems I have more service each time I go up there, but I will never actually rely on it.) Plan your route in advance in terms of both driving and hiking. Even though these are shorter trails, all the same principles of leaving no trace and pre-planning still apply - this includes ample water and food (including for your dog(s).) Don’t forget your head lamp if you are going later in the day in case you are enjoy it as much as I did and spend more time on the summit than anticipated!
2024 UPDATE: Although not part of the TLT, if you want to add on another nearby Fire Tower, check out Buck Mountain in Long Lake - another shorter, charming hike with a view from the tower!
