Hike to Kane Mountain Fire Tower

The Kane Mountain fire tower is one of the more frequented Adirondack towers due to the ease of the trail and its proximity to so many Caroga Lake camping areas. The short hike is family friendly and available year round, part of the trail doubles as a cross country skiing trail in fact.

Driving down Green Lake Road, just before the end you'll see a fork to the left which leads to the parking area. Sign yourself in, and head up the trail right next to the book. This is the known as the Kane Mountain East trail, though you'll be headed west. The trail is clearly worn and easy to follow as it snakes back and forth up the mountain. The incline is steady but not too tough, and flattens out as you reach the top.

The summit gives a fairly large clearing, great for picnics and family gatherings, surrounded by trees. The fire tower is the only option to get the views, but it's sturdy and worth the climb. In the fall it's a perfect place to take in the changing leaves, hopefully you get better luck with the sunshine than I did!

To complete the loop, follow the trail markers that head north from the base of the fire tower. The path makes its way between a couple giant Adirondack "pebbles" and then makes a steady descent until it very obviously hits the cross country ski trail. Take a right, pass a picturesque little pond, and you're back at the lot.