Fall 2024 Hiking Roundup

Hiking Season 2024 got off to slow start this year. The rail trail finally opened and I was spending most of my time on two wheels instead of two boots. I spent months with an on-again, off-again knee injury, the result of a terrible 2023 fitness season and not taking it slow enough to build back up before racking up the miles. Despite it all, I was able to check off most of my peak-bagging goals. Some notables:

Mt. Van Hoevenberg

An easy 4.2 mile roundtrip with a 900' elevation that leaves from the base area of the Olympic bobsledding venue of the same name. Recently rebuilt, it's a pretty easy 40-50 minute hike up to a fantastic view of the High Peaks. It was good before foliage, and was incredible once the color changed. This is a must-hike in the area for nearly anyone that wants a nice day out in the woods

Cascade Mountain

Billed as the "easiest of the Adirondack 4000 footers", this 4.5-ish mile roundtrip with 2000' vertical is an overcrowded, eroded hellscape. It is the second-worst hike I have ever done (beaten out only by the awful Liberty/Flume). I have no idea why people would do this in the summer; I have no idea why people would do this in the winter. Unless you NEED to bag this peak as part of the 46, just don't go. Save yourself the hassle and let nature reclaim this beaten, broken hiking trail.

Owl's Head Keene

An very easy hike to an incredible 360 degree view from the ledge summit, this tiny little hill has been beaten up so badly that the landowner that owns much of the property that the hiking trail is on has eliminated parking and trail access on the weekends and, to be honest, I don't blame him. This trail needs a rest and a rebuild. If you happen to get a chance to go up this gem, tread lightly and enjoy a killer hike.

Hurricane Mountain

I have ogled this hill's fire-tower crowned summit for decades, and it did not disappoint. Think this might have been 7.5-ish miles roundtrip and 1750' elevation, but it feels like less thanks to a recent rebuild. I have heard that this trail can be very wet and flooded during the summer, so plan accordingly. Whenever you go, you are rewarded with 360 degree views of Vermont, Lake Champlain, and most of the major ranges in the Adirondacks. Run, don't walk.

Moosilauke

Back to NH for this classic to finish up the season. Hit it on a weekday and crowds were light, but this mountain and its rocky trails can take a beating from the crowds any time of the year. I think this is about 7.5-ish miles with maybe 2000' vertical. I got beat up the last mile or two just from lack of fitness, but this was a GORGEOUS hike and I definitely recommend. Watch out for lightning storms in the summer, this mountain can get gnarly quick.

Photos: Pixel 7