Coney Mountain (Adirondack Park)
Distance: 2.4 miles
Elevation: 564 feet
Time: 1 hour, 24 minutes
Hiking Challenges: Tupper Lake Triad, ADK Jr. 29er, Operation Alaska Benchmark Challenge
The Hike
Day two in the ADK! I got up just before sunrise and did the quick drive from the Long View Lodge to the Coney Mountain Trailhead parking lot. The parking lot had space for 5-6 cars with an informational kiosk and trail register. I was all by myself, and was quickly reminded that the early bird gets the spiderwebs! The forest was calm and the trail elevation was gentle - the only thing that kept my heart rate up was those spider webs, and my digestive system telling me that it was time to christen these woods.
As the trail circled around the mountain, the elevation intensified, but never getting too steep. Closer to the top, I was introduced to the mountain's main inhabitant, insane, screaming squirrels. They cheered me on as I made the final climb to the summit area and WOW. The view was lovely, but paired with the low hanging clouds on the neighboring lakes and sun shining through the fog made for truly a spectacular show. The high peaks were nearby, hiding in the clouds, and the smaller mountains were present in all directions. I took so many pictures (shockingly) and truly never wanted to leave.
I got a photo of the USGS benchmark and started my return trip, which was quick and easy. I passed only one person on my way down - I cannot stress how lovely it was to start my morning on this mountain, just me and the crazy squirrels. Soon enough I was back at the car and getting ready to drive a minute down the street to the next trailhead for the Tupper Lake Triad challenge - Goodman Mountain!
Bog River Complex (Horseshoe Lake Wild Forest) (NYDEC)
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