Hike to Kane Mountain Fire Tower
Caroga Lake, New York
Details
Distance
2.3 miles
Elevation Gain
600 ft
Route Type
Loop
Description
Added by Shaun O'Neill
This is a family-friendly hike to a scenic fire tower that is available year-round. There are also plenty of nearby camping options.
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.
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Reviews
It poured rain the night before our climb. We started at 3pm and reached the top by 4pm. Climb the tower and started our descent at 410pm. It was a muddy walk down dogging roots and rocks. Lost the markers several times on the way down. Needless to say we made it to the parking lot in pitch darkness. Please give yourself more hiking time in inclement weather. Trail needs better and more markers. Reflective markers would be advantageous. Enjoy and be safe.
4.0
The view is well worth the easy hike. Although it can be tough to find the entrance, there is also a trailhead at pine lake.
4.0
Nice hike. Great views. A little heavily trafficked
5.0
This is a perfect hike if you don’t want to spend all day on the trail, but want something unique and a bit of a challenge. It is certainly doable for all ages and skill levels, but does contain some rock and slick surface on a decent incline, which can be tough in rainy weather. The tower offers an amazing 360 view of the surrounding environment, and a hidden cabin is waiting to be discovered nearby!
4.0
Nice hike if you don't have a lot of time. Awesome view from the fire tower.
4.0
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