Crane Mountain is in the southern Adirondacks in Wilcox Lake Wild Forest near Wevertown.   It is not very easy to find the trailhead without a good map, and good directions or a GPS.   It is located off of a steep side road from the Garnet Lake Road (county road 72), which in turn is a side road from the South Johnsburg Road (county route 57) which you take south out of Johnsburg from NY 8.

You can either just hike one mile to the summit or make a loop hike of 3.2 miles.  Other guide books vary on how long this loop hike is. I have seen as much as a 4.6 mile loop, our gps track had the hike at 3.2 miles.  We are pretty sure it is more than 3.2 miles for the loop hike and a bit more than a mile to the summit.

Not only is there a number great views of the area from lookouts around summit, but there is also a very scenic pond on the shoulder of the mountain.   You may encounter fishermen at the pond.   There are two trails to the summit (both having very steep sections) which makes a loop trip possible.   The shortest route to the summit is about one mile (other guide books have it as much as 1.4 miles) with an ascent of about 1375 feet.   Occasionally there are nice views as you ascend either trail.   The less direct trail to the summit is the more direct trail to the pond. This direct trail to the pond crosses its outlet stream near to the pond.  

In the vicinity of the outlet is a faint herd path going north (and a little west) out onto a northwest ridge of the mountain.   If you can find your way out there, you can sit on the edge of a cliff and let the breezes from the west cool you while you rest from your climb.   There is also a second loop possible from the pond to the summit and back to the pond.  

The more direct route to the summit has a short ladder as well as a long ladder near the top which avoids a short scramble on a rocky pitch.   Some with an adventurous spirit will climb the rocks and skip the ladder.  Most dogs won't be able to climb these steep ladders and the second, longer ladder could make those hikers scared of heights hesitant to climb. 

Be advised that in the spring, portions of the trail around the pond, and especially on the trail going up to the summit from the pond, will be covered with ice even while the trail in the valley is totally clear.

Directions:  From Wevertown take NY 8 south a short distance to Johnsburg.  Turn left on County Route 57 aka South Johnsburg Road.  In Thurman turn right on County Route 72 aka Garnett Lake Road.  In just over a mile veer right on Ski Hi Road.  Ski Hi Road steeply ascends to a gate.  Turn right and a parking area is 500 feet away.  The GPS coordinates are N43 32.250 W73 58.084 for those who have a GPS devise in their vehicle.

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