December 20, 2012

We took advantage of living in the area and used a second car for a traverse of Hurricane Mountain. It's unfortunate that many visitors to the area don't have the same pleasure. We utilized the Fire Warden's Trail and the Route 9N State Trail.

Starting at about 8am in Lake Placid we drove toward Keene and made our left onto Route 9N toward Elizabethtown. We dropped a car at the state trailhead, filled the passenger seat of the second car and drove over to Hurricane Road in Elizabethtown. Hurricane Road is lightly maintained and during this time of year gets little to no plowing, so as a winter route, it can be very tricky. Fortunately for us there was little snow on the road, making for very easy driving to the public parking area.

We started our hike along the road and passed through the gate located just up from the road from the parking area. We followed the road and made great time through the couple inches of fresh powder. The road finally ended at a small clearing, which used to be the area where the caretaker's cabin once sat.

At this point we had to drop across the ice covered, rock-riddled brook. This was the start of the trail. The trail, getting very little use, was nice to the eyes and slightly softer under foot. It doesn't take long for this short, steep trail to begin its arduous ascent of Hurricane Mountain. On more than one occasion, actually on more than a half dozen occasions we had to utilize Mother Nature's handrails, AKA: trees, to pull ourselves up along the icy sections. These short sections of waterfall ice were super slippery, but our micro-spikes ruled the day. Not far after a very small flat area we popped out onto our first rocky view. We could see the firetower looming just below the clouds on this gray day.

tower from ridge

The final push to the summit was fantastic, continual views, cold artic breeze nipping at our every inch of bare skin and slightly rugged. The final summit view was as rewarding as any peak in the Adirondack Park. Hurricane Mountain is also the 72nd Highest Peak in the Adirondacks and sets at 3694'. Knoblock, Green and the rest of the Giant Mountain Wilderness was right before us.

Secondary view Toward the Giant ountan Wilderness

Slightly beyond were the High Peaks and the Great Range. Then the other direction was the long ridge of Nun-Da-Ga-O and the Crows. If it wasn't so cold and windy, with no protection, we would have lounged around a bit longer, but the warm protection of the trees was calling to us.

Corenne Black just above tree line

Plummeting off the opposite side of the peak we worked our way across the open rock and dropped steeply into the trees and de-layered a bit at the trail junction for Crow Clearing. From this point we began our very steep descent over littered rocky terrain. This section was very hazardous to the ankles if not careful. Eventually it leveled off and slowly brought us to a foot bridge over a marshy area. We enjoyed this area, almost as much as any other part of the day. We continued on a flat course to a final viewing area above Route 9N before our steep descent to the trailhead and our second car.

Remember, it's winter out there, even by the solstice, so be prepared and expect winter conditions and extreme conditions. Snowshoes and other traction will be required as we move further into the season. This is a fantastic loop peak, if you can have the second car option. A third trail could be used as part of a loop; it's a bit longer and would exit you out at Crow Clearing on O'Toole Road in Keene.

Interested in making Hurricane your first winter peak, or want to be guided along this loop? Check out some of our local guides. Want a gourmet bag lunch for your trip? Order one at one of our many fine shops in town. For more info on Hurricane Mountain go here.

Hurricane Mountain Trail map
tower from ridge
Secondary view Toward the Giant ountan Wilderness
Corenne Black just above tree line
Hurricane Mountain Trail map

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