Baxter Mountain
The Trailhead for Baxter Mt is on Route 9N just east of Route 73 in Keene Valley. There is also another trail from Beede Road but I have not taken this trail. This is another short hike, just 1 mile to the summit and 770' elevation gain. This is a fantastic trail for families with young hikers and the inexperienced. When I pulled up to the trailhead (parking is on either side of Route 9N) there were no less than 15 cars. So if the weather is nice be prepared for a busy area.
More than half of this trail is located on private land but thankfully the owner has allowed this trail to exists so please respect the land and stay on the trail.
A small rock pile along the beginning of the trail.
A nice set of stairs.
Follow the Blue Blazes to the top. This trail is well marked and you will not have any issues following this trail to the top.
Lots of leaves on the forest floor and sun rays punching through the canopy above.
Just before the final push you will notice this is the spot where the other trail from Beede Road meets up with the Rt 9 trail. Continue to follow the Blue Blazes to the summit.
The Start of the final climb.
The first clearing before you reach the top you can spot the Fire Tower on top of Hurricane Mt to the Northeast.
The summit and sun are just over that next hill.
The view of the summit looking Southeast.
The fall colors with Giant Mt in the upper left.
A flock of Geese making their way through the valley of the Ausable Lakes
The best view from the summit. Here you can see the Dix Mountain Range and the Great Range including Mount Marcy with Keene Valley at the bottom.
On the way back down I stopped for one more shot from the top.
Looks like I "closed" the Mountain.
Final Thoughts:
This is a wonderful hike to take anytime of the year. The summit is full of rock outcroppings so be aware it may get icy in the winter. The trail is very easy with stairs and switchbacks to help as you gain elevation. It is a very popular hike so if you are looking for peace and solitude this is not the hike for you. If you want to take a visitor to the area that wants to see why we all love to live in this remote part of the state this is it. The views of the valleys and mountain ranges are amazing. I hiked this late in the afternoon to get more of the sun setting but I would recommend the opposite, instead hike this very early in the morning as the sun is rising. This will give you better light on the mountains for photos and it also might not be so busy.
For more photos and video of the hike check out
the youtube video below.
The trail to the summit of Baxter Mountain
No comments:
Post a Comment