kjoyce4Our Top Tips:
- Big parking lot at trailhead, but come early if you’re looking for less people on trail
- Easy terrain for people or dogs
- Climb the fire tower for amazing 360 views
Hike Basics:
Length: 3.8 miles out and back
Elevation Gain: 1,040’
Dog Friendly? Yes
Off Leash Friendly? Dogs should be kept on a leash.
I’ve made an effort each summer to return to the Adirondacks, even if it’s just for a few days. When my Long Trail hike was cut short, I wanted that time in the woods I prepared myself for, while I was recovering from my foot pain.
I discovered that state campgrounds only charge $15-$25 a night, and booked a spot. Between hours in the hammock, I found a short hike to try out my new insoles and blister prevention toe socks.
Goodnow Mountain near Long Lake checked all of the boxes for me, and means I’m one summit closer to completing the fire tower challenge.
We got to the trail around 8am on a weekday, and had the whole parking lot to ourselves. The log book said one person had gone up around sunrise, but we were the second people to sign in. The hike up has a couple steeper sections, but nothing difficult.
The fire tower at the top is one of the tallest I’ve seen. I only went about halfway up before my fear of falling caught up with me. Once I made it back down a few landings, Chloe and I spent about half an hour just hanging out and enjoying the view.
We didn’t see anyone else until the way down, but once we were off the summit, we saw plenty of families making their way up. This would be a great hike for kids. It’s short enough to enjoy without getting too tired, and the terrain is pretty easy for the area.
