Noonmark

On the summit with the Great Range at my back

Noonmark from Keene Valley

Giant of the Valley

Not sure what a Secretary of War had to do with Noonmark

First view of the summit

This dog had a lot of energy.  Ausable Club down below.

Myself and the Great Range

Looking out towards Vermont

Dix

Hurricane Mt.  I was happy to see the fire tower still exists

Keene Valley and Whiteface in the distance on the left

Making my way down some nice slabs

The friendly part of the trail

More friendly trail

That's how I felt most of the way up

I first really noticed Noonmark a few years ago when I was on Nippletop.  I wondered what mountain it was and I thought, "I really would like to go there."  The climb up would not disappoint. 

Noonmark gets its name from the fact that its due south from Keene Valley.  At noon the sun sits directly above it and its where the popular diner in town takes its name.  At 3,556 feet, Noonmark may not be a 46er, but it's one of the Adirondacks' 100 highest peaks.  It also would have to rate highly as far as its view rating. 

The start of the walk begins on Ausable Club property.  The trails here are some of the best to be found in the Adirondacks.  After a half mile you are on state land.  Unfortunately for myself, the 2,200 feet elevation gain in 2 miles really kicked my ass.  Regardless, I still found myself enjoying this hike.  How could I not?  The trail ascended steeply on slabs of rock.  The more elevation gained, the more views the hardy hiker would be rewarded with. 

The summit came into view with about a half mile left.  On this day, it looked so far away.  After taking many breaks inthis last stretch to take in the views (and rest my ailing body), I reached the rocky summit.  The views were stunning.  360 views can be seen here.  The Great Range peaks dominated the foreground to the west.  Big Slide and Porter were also in view to the north.  Whiteface could be made out in the distance.  Dominating the view north were Giant and Rocky Peak.  To the east, Dix loomed large.  Unique to this hike (at least from my experience) are  the views of the Ausable Club and into Keene Valley.