Hurricane Mountain Fire Tower – 5.13.17

This past weekend, I was up in Lake Placid for a conference (my first conference in the nutrition profession!) and was reunited with my old loves.

Iconic view of the high peaks from the Plains of Abraham

Mirror Lake

Heart Lake

Since I didn’t get to do any hiking while I was up for the conference, Skyler and I drove up to hike Hurricane on Saturday. There was rain in the forecast for the afternoon, so we met at Exit 20 at 7am, arriving at the Route 9N trailhead at about 8:30.

It is Mud Season in the high peaks, so DEC issues warnings to stay off of the trails above 2500 feet in elevation. One of the trails listed under recommended alternative hikes is Hurricane Mountain, one of my favorites. Hurricane is also a great warm-up hike for the season, with nearly 2,000 feet of elevation gain in the 3.2 miles to the summit.

The trails were dry (mostly) and in great shape.

The last time I hiked Hurricane, the fire tower was closed. They have recently restored it so this time I climbed to the top.

Hurricane has some of the best views, in my opinion!

Whiteface from afar.

We also beat the rain! I was a little concerned that we’d be socked in, but thankfully the weather held off.

Hurricane Mountain, via Route 9N
Distance: 6.4 mi RT
Ascent: ~2,000′
Total time: 3 hrs, 30 minutes (not including break on the summit)

Gear used: old navy running tights, tasc performance long sleeve merino base layer, Northface rain shell, Osprey Sirrus daypack, Kelty trekking poles, Keen Durand hiking boots, Smartwool hiking socks, 2L h20