Loon Lake Mt

Esther and Whiteface

As stated in the previous post, there are two relatively new fire tower hikes.  Fortunately, Loon Lake Mt is conveniently located about an hour's drive south from Lyon on the way to Saranac  Lake.

Loon Lake Mt is located about a half hour northwest of Saranac Lake.  The drive from Route 3 gives the impression its far from civilization.  There appears to be a lot of logging and fishing and hunting camps.

Grass Pond (more should be named this)

Loon Lake Mt

I found the trailhead quite easily but it only holds 4-5 cars.  I was #5 so I kind of made my own spot. It's clear the trail is quite new.  Plenty of spots were thick with vegetation.  I wish I wore pants through some of the itchy sections.  It's also apparent there is much private land.  More than half a mile uses two private dirt roads in the beginning.

Private road

Some thick brush in the beginning

Once in the woods for good the trail wastes no time with elevation.  Many new trails go straight up. This one was no exception.  I found this hike to be a bit more difficult than Lyon Mt.  The soft ground though was a pleasure to walk on.

A lot of climbing!

The trail levels off a bit on the summit.  It was quite disappointing to see the tower closed.  There were great views to the north and west and some to the south.  I could see north toward Lyon Mt and the rolling hills in between.  To the south and west I could see many of the high peaks.  Whiteface is rather impressive from here.  I chatted with a girl from Catskill for a bit.  She's a student at Potsdam.  I'd love to live here if I could find a job.

Though closed, I like its rustiness

The view north towards Lyon

High Peaks, Marcy and Algonquin

Whiteface and Lake Tushuqua