Mt. Arab (Adirondack Park)
Distance: 2.2 miles
Elevation: 784 feet
Time: 2 hours, 18 minutes
Hiking Challenges: Tupper Lake Triad, ADK Jr. 29er, Operation Alaska Benchmark Challenge, ADK Firetowers
The Hike
The parking lot for Mt. Arab is a large pull-off tucked away from the main road in the incredibly named "Conifer Emporium Conservation Easement." The parking lot was rather full, but there were no other humans in the parking lot when I was getting set up. The trail starts across the street and there is a register and information kiosk a few steps into the woods detailing recent trail work and brochures about rehabilitating the fire tower.
The trail was steady with one steep section that was aided with new wooden ladder steps. Very scenic forest, and overall very uneventful. I passed a few hiking groups that were coming down the mountain - a good sign for me! Uniquely, there were numbers on trees in ascending order the whole hike up. Some were closer to others, so I do not believe they were distance markers. Not sure.
Toward the top, the trail splits, both directions are red-blazed. The left side goes up a short scramble to the tower and the right goes to a viewpoint with a bench. I did not go to that viewpoint due to a couple enjoying their time, so I headed right to the tower. On the theme of this trip, there was a large family on the tower at the time. There was a group waiting at the keeper's cabin, and the family was taking their sweet time on the tower, seemingly oblivious to anybody else. When they finally descended, the other group headed up (they offered to let me go first, but who knows how long they've been waiting for). While they were up, I found the benchmark and had a snack. The tower itself was nice and provided great views in all directions, and I was joined by another solo hiker who was equally as sweaty as I, which I always appreciate. I passed one other hiker who had a collection of patches on his pack who was debating if he wanted to go up or not - I encouraged him to climb it. There was a small view through the woods, and then I did my return trip!
I did not realize that 11:30am was officially family hour on Mt. Arab. I passed endless families who were starting their hikes on my way down, and the parking lot was packed. Cars were even circling. Either way, I did my quick change in my car and headed back to the hotel for a shower. Thunderstorms were going to be rolling in, so I used that as an excuse to be done hiking for the day. I spent the rest of the day at the Adirondack Experience Museum which was EXCELLENT. Highly recommend! This ended up being the final hike of my first trip to the Adirondacks, and I will absolutely be back.
Bog River Complex (Horseshoe Lake Wild Forest) (NYDEC)
Bog River Complex (Horseshoe Lake Wild Forest) Map (NYDEC)
