CRANE MOUNTAIN

Hiking Crane Mountain in the Adirondacks – Directions, Hiking Info & Tips

They say, Crane Mountain is a beautiful hike if you can find it…. On Columbus Day Weekend, we hit peak colors and were stunned by New York’s gorgeous fall foliage!

Despite directions, we got lost with Google Maps directions as there are multiple road names and some without signs… so I created my own directions based on the actual road signs at the point where you will see them.

There is a shortcut, but this isn’t it.

Directions from the south:

1. Take New York Thruway to exit 24 (Albany).
2. Take (I-87) the Adirondack Northway to exit 23 (Warrensburg).
3. If coming from Lake George, follow Canada Street (Rt. 9N) north to Warrensburg.
4. Follow Route 9N (main street) north 4.3 miles to route 28.
5. Take Route 28 5.3 miles to the Hudson River.
6. Take a left onto Glen Athol Rd. at the Glen Lodge Market.
7. Follow Glen Athol Road 6 ½ miles to where it ends at Mountain Road.  Take a right onto Mountain Road, go 4.3 miles then turn left onto Garnet Lake South (sign) (also known as Henry Westcott Rd. on the other side of the road). Follow 1.2 miles to Sky Hi Road, here you can follow signs to trail head.
8. From Lake George, this is approximately a 35 minute trip.

What makes the Crane Hike so special? There are many stops for views along the way offering great rewards as you go! The shortest route to the summit is about 1.4 miles with an ascent of about 1150 feet. There is also a natural stone bridge over Putnam Brook.

Rocks, rocks and more rocks! Crane Mountain is a steep, rocky hike which made it both challenging and more interesting for our little ones (4, 5 and 8 years old).

Our 4 year old was a trooper and was able to climb the entire way with a boost now and then to the top.  She even climbed the two ladders insisting on no help.  Our five-year-old boy had no trouble either up or down. The four year old gave up halfway down and needed to be carried the rest of the way down in the pack.

Tips for hiking Crane Mountain:

• Wear shoes with excellent traction as the terrain is very rocky.
• Dress in layers; this hike will get your heart pumping!
• While this was a very steep climb, there is also a less-steep option that goes around the pond. We chose the steep climb up and the longer winding route past the pond on the bottom.
• Plan to make a day of it! For our family of five and our friends a family of four, this was a 4-hour hike. 
• Most of us hikers spend a lot of time packing just the right energy and “reward” snacks… but since this takes up most of your day, planning a crock pot dinner, ie: chili for when you come home might be just what the doctor ordered.

[+ click to enlarge]

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