Just a scant four-and-a-half miles north of Old Forge in the Adirondacks there waits a delightful one mile hike up Bald Mountain.
A trek that won't take long and presents one with few steep sections but promises a wonderful view at the summit with its grand view of the Fulton Chain of Lakes.
But to gain the splendor of the beautiful panorama you must first climb the steps of the restored Rondaxe Fire Tower-a climb that, in itself, provides a thrill! The summit of Bald Mountain stands at an elevation of 2,350 feet, crowned by the fire tower.
As you walk the mile-long trail to the top you face an ascent of about 500 feet.
Deceptively easy at first as the trail winds through woods, you soon find yourself negotiating an eroded trail along the steepest section of the climb onto a descending ridge.
You'll be rewarded with occasional views of the Fulton Chain as you follow the ridge with its varied sequence of modest ups and downs.
The trail is over bedrock and narrows at times to a degree uncomfortable for some.
But there are always alternative paths offered by which you can avoid the most challenging straits.
At the summit looms the Rondaxe Fire Tower-a must climb if you want to take in the most spectacular views Bald Mountain has to offer.
And if you're part of a group of fellow adventurers, you'll appreciate the summit's ability to handle a good number of hikers.
But don't be surprised if you're not the only one vying for a place in the tower! The trail is a popular one and yields a visual reward far surpassing the modest effort involved in the climb.
If you enjoy the Adirondacks and are planning a trip to Old Forge you'll want to be sure to include the Rondaxe trail in your itinerary.
Bald Mountain is part of the Adirondack Mountain Club's "Fire Tower Challenge," a series of climbs for those enthusiasts who get an extra burst of pleasure in mounting the many fire towers adorning the peaks of the Adirondacks.
In addition to the Rondaxe Fire Tower trail, the nearby Rocky and Black Bear Mountains offer companion hikes.
Their proximity to Bald Mountain make it possible to take in all three hikes in a single day.
Just be sure to load your backpack with plenty of water and healthy snacks to provide you with the needed energy to make your foray a pleasurable one!
A trek that won't take long and presents one with few steep sections but promises a wonderful view at the summit with its grand view of the Fulton Chain of Lakes.
But to gain the splendor of the beautiful panorama you must first climb the steps of the restored Rondaxe Fire Tower-a climb that, in itself, provides a thrill! The summit of Bald Mountain stands at an elevation of 2,350 feet, crowned by the fire tower.
As you walk the mile-long trail to the top you face an ascent of about 500 feet.
Deceptively easy at first as the trail winds through woods, you soon find yourself negotiating an eroded trail along the steepest section of the climb onto a descending ridge.
You'll be rewarded with occasional views of the Fulton Chain as you follow the ridge with its varied sequence of modest ups and downs.
The trail is over bedrock and narrows at times to a degree uncomfortable for some.
But there are always alternative paths offered by which you can avoid the most challenging straits.
At the summit looms the Rondaxe Fire Tower-a must climb if you want to take in the most spectacular views Bald Mountain has to offer.
And if you're part of a group of fellow adventurers, you'll appreciate the summit's ability to handle a good number of hikers.
But don't be surprised if you're not the only one vying for a place in the tower! The trail is a popular one and yields a visual reward far surpassing the modest effort involved in the climb.
If you enjoy the Adirondacks and are planning a trip to Old Forge you'll want to be sure to include the Rondaxe trail in your itinerary.
Bald Mountain is part of the Adirondack Mountain Club's "Fire Tower Challenge," a series of climbs for those enthusiasts who get an extra burst of pleasure in mounting the many fire towers adorning the peaks of the Adirondacks.
In addition to the Rondaxe Fire Tower trail, the nearby Rocky and Black Bear Mountains offer companion hikes.
Their proximity to Bald Mountain make it possible to take in all three hikes in a single day.
Just be sure to load your backpack with plenty of water and healthy snacks to provide you with the needed energy to make your foray a pleasurable one!
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