Snowy Mountain

Snowy Mountain has a reputation as the high peak that got away. Snowy is the tallest mountain outside of the high peaks and, at 3904 feet, it is the 46th highest mountain in the Adirondacks (two of the original 4000 footers; Nye and Couchsachraga were found to be less than 4000 feet by later more-accurate surveys). But even more important to Snowy's reputation is its' striking and rugged profile. The east side of the narrow summit ridge is framed by large areas of open rock and to the west the ridge falls away steeply to the Squaw Brook Valley, 1500 feet below.

The Snowy Mountain summit ridge from Google Earth. The orange line is my GPS track. 

Snowy is also known for having great views and I found the western vista to be the most striking. Snowy is the high point in a range with a half dozen summits exceeding 3700 feet in elevation and, except for Snowy itself, these peaks are un-tracked and rarely visited. The western view from Snowy looks out over a sea of wilderness.

Northwest from the summit of Snowy Mountain. Panther Mountain -elevation 3865 feet- (far right in the photo) is the high point of the range that frames the west side of the Squaw Brook Valley. The valley floor is 1500 feet below the ledge where this photo was taken. 

Looking southwest from Snowy Mountain. Lewey Mountain (elevation, 3720 feet) is the prominent cone in the center. The rarely visited Blue Ridge (elev. 3881 feet) is visible in the distance.

Buell Mountain (elevation 3740) is directly across the valley from Snowy.

Looking northeast towards the High Peaks. This view was from midway up the tower. There are open ground-level views to the east and west, but you'll need to climb the tower to get a 360 degree view.

Looking over Indian Lake from the site of the (removed) observer's cabin.

The Snowy Mountain trail is reminiscent of the high peaks experience in other ways. Lots of people climb this mountain; and the boots of many hikers, combined with the steepness of the upper sections, has resulted in a muddy and heavily eroded trail. Recent trail work has greatly improved the first two and a half miles making it a pleasant walk through an, attractive, middle-aged forest. At that point you'll have a mile --and 1500 feet of elevation-- remaining. The trail climbs steadily at first and the last half mile is very steep; following the course of an old, overgrown, slide. This section is rough, muddy and eroded but not particularly difficult. The trail breaks out onto a large ledge at the former site of the observers cabin and then continues a short distance to the fire tower. The tower is in good shape, and can be climbed to the top for 360 degree vistas. A small ledge on the west side provide open views in that direction.

Squaw Peak looms over the trail on the steep upper section of the route. In places the trail is heavily eroded, but a lot of work has been done to improve the experience and reduce the damage done by thousands of hikers.

Little Tupper Lake and Owls Head; Long Lake Favorites

Part One: Little Tupper Lake

Our recent (partial) move to Long Lake makes it a lot easier to head out for a few hours and on the last two weekends I've done just that; kayaking on Little Tupper Lake for one outing and hiking Owls Head mountain on a separate day.

Little Tupper is the center piece of the William C. Whitney/Round Lake Wilderness area and the put-in is just a 20 minute drive from Long Lake Village. If canoeing or kayaking on wilderness lakes is your thing; it's hard to beat Little Tupper Lake.

Little Tupper is six miles long and averages about 3/4s of a mile across. It's a big lake, and its' alignment with the prevailing westerly winds means that it can get rough when the wind blows. As the signs at the wilderness headquarters note; if the wind starts to blow, or a thunderstorm approaches, head for the shore. 

The day I was there was pretty calm and what wind there was came out of the south. This made it a good day to tool around in my little 'sport' kayak; not a boat you'd want to be out in on a day when the lake was roughed up. From the landing I paddled across the lake and then followed the south shore towards the lake's major inlet, Rock Pond Stream. As the crow flies it's about five miles from the headquarters to the head of the lake and, with some time added in for exploring, it took nearly two and half hours of steady paddling to get there. I had thoughts about continuing into Rock Pond Stream and possibly all the way to Rock Pond. But I didn't go far before the Black Flies and Mosquitoes convinced me that this was not a good plan. Besides, calm, sunny, morning had given way to increasing clouds and a freshening breeze. So it was time to head back. Working my way back along the northwestern (opposite) shore made for a round trip covering about 11 miles. A good workout in a 10 foot kayak designed for doodling around on small lakes and ponds.

Little Tupper hosts a solid loon population. This pair popped up close to my kayak and I was able to get off a couple of quick shots before they disappeared again. 

Looking down the lake (to the northeast) towards the Ranger Station

Near the head of the lake, looking southwest. The inlet coming in from Rock Pond is maybe a mile further along the shore.

The stream from Rock Pond is easily navigable by canoe or kayak, with one short portage. Rock Pond itself is a large body of water and well worth a visit. But not on this early June day. Out on the lake the breeze was enough to keep the bugs away but close to shore the breeze dropped and bugs literally swarmed in. Run away!

Part Two: Owls Head Mountain

Owls Head mountain, with it prominent fire tower, is visible throughout the village of Long Lake. And the climb is a favorite of both visitors and residents. At just over three miles, with 1100 feet of elevation gain, this hike provides a sense of accomplishment without requiring a whole day.

And the views are well worth the effort. There are good views to the east, northeast and southeast from the rocks below the tower and a local volunteer group is maintaining the tower so you can climb up and get a nearly 360 degree vista. I don't know when (or if) the cab at the top of the tower is opened, but the highest landing provides clear views in all directions.

Blue Mountain, looking southeast from Owls Head. The south end of Long Lake in the foreground. South Pond is a bit further out towards Blue Mt.

Looking Northeast over Long Lake, the High Peaks in the distance. 

Looking south from the tower it's an unbroken forest as far as you can see. You have to climb at least part way up the tower to enjoy this view. 

The Owls Head tower is being maintained by a local volunteer group. Climbing up to the landing below the cab opens up views to the south and west that cannot be had from the ground.

Looking mostly south. Snowy Mountain is the dominant peak in the distant ridge.