Goodnow Mountain

Hike to the Fire Tower on Goodnow Mountain 4.5 mi. Round Trip

Goodnow Mountain is part of the Huntington Wildlife Forest, managed by the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Goodnow Mt. is open to the public. A well-maintained trail leads to a restored fire tower at the summit, which has incredible 360º views. High Peaks, Rich Lake and Lake Harris to the north; and Goodnow Flow and Essex Chain Lakes to the south. The trailhead is on the south side of State Route 28N, about 1.6 mi. west of the Adirondack Interpretive Center. The trail is considered moderate in difficulty, but many families with small children make this a destination with no difficulties. As an added attraction there is no hunting allowed, making this a very attractive fall outing. Visitors are asked to stay on the trail.

Goodnow Mountain: Nearly 200 years ago, Sylvester Goodnow homesteaded a plot of ground at the base of the mountain that now bears his name. Now, a 60-foot-tall fire tower at the summit affords hikers a fine view of the Adirondack High Peaks region. The trip to the top of Goodnow Mountain involves a two-mile hike with an elevation gain of 1053 feet. The trail is marked with black arrows on red diamonds.

Eleven stations along the trail, designated by black letters on yellow squares, provide information on some of the forces shaping Adirondack forests. (Winter hikers should investigate stations marked with black numbers for information specific to that season.) The interpretive stations contain educational information about tree growth, water flow, and the cycle of growth and decay. Interpretive information in the fire tower's cabin teaches visitors about the tower's history and provides guidelines for identifying the surrounding landforms.