Mount Adams is a steep hike in the High Peaks Wilderness Area. The summit features at 47-foot steel fire tower, used in its heyday as a tool in the forest fire prevention effort by New York state. It is no longer used to detect fires, but makes for a fine hiking destination. A successful hike of Adams involves research, physical fitness, the right gear, and knowledge of Leave No Trace principles.
Key takeaways
- Distance: 4.8 miles round trip
- Elevation gain: 1,825 feet
- Mountain elevation: 3,520 feet'
- Hike involves trail junctions and bridges
Hiking Mount Adams
For the first mile, the trail is rather mellow, crossing the Hudson River and skirting around Lake Jimmy. Be advised, it may be muddy here. At one mile is the old fire tower observer's cabin and storage building. Follow the well-worn path in front of the cabin. Just after a short rise, around 1.1 miles, the trail hangs left into the woods. (The trail to the right goes to Flowed Lands via Hanging Spear Falls.) A stream is crossed at 1.6 miles and the climbing hasn't been terribly steep until this point. Between here and the summit, the trail gets much steeper, sometimes rough and rocky. The trail levels off at 2.3 miles and finally reaches the tower at 2.4 miles. There are no views from the ground; enjoy views of the High Peaks from the tower cab or stairs.
Mount Adams in the winter
Skiing is not recommended for this trail due to steepness of the terrain, and the snowshoe up should only be done by those with extensive experience. The trailhead should be accessible in winter. Snowshoes are necessary to avoid post-holing through the snowpack, and microspikes are required to ascend the mountain's steeper sections. Extra layers of non-cotton clothing, a windbreaker, emergency blanket, first-aid kit, headlamp with extra batteries, and plenty of food and water are essential items for any winter excursion. The extra layers and windbreaker are especially important on top of the firetower, which will be much colder than the lower sections of the mountain. Adams should only be attempted by experienced winter hikers, make sure you are prepared.
Find more trails in the Adirondack Hub
Does Mount Adams sound amazing, but a little more than you want to tackle right now? With the Adirondack Hub being at the center of so many trails, we’re sure to find the best hike for you!
How to get there
Follow I-87 north for to the North Hudson Exit, #29. From here follow Boreas Road west toward Newcomb. Continue nearly 18 miles to Tahawus Road on your right. Continue on Tahawus Road for 6.5 miles. Here you will reach a bridge over the Hudson River on your right. Stay left on Upper Works Road. You will pass by the McIntyre Blast Furnace and the Santanoni trailhead before arriving at your destination 3.0 miles from the intersection of Tahawus and Upper Works roads.
