Hopkins Mountain is located in Essex County in the state of New York.   Hopkins Mountain climbs to 3,156 feet and is located near Keene Valley, NY.  There is an almost 360 degree view from its summit.

The trail initially skirts private property and hunting camps so make sure to follow the trail markers carefully. At one half mile into the hike, after hiking on old logging roads, the trail becomes less logging road and more forest trail. It is at this point when you will hear the wondrous sounds of water rushing through the Mossy Cascade.

You are now hiking alongside a delicate waterfall. Stop all along the way here to admire the sights and sounds. The springtime is the best time to view and listen to the various waterfalls along the cascade. The snowmelt from the mountains brings the cascade to full glory. Make sure to bring your camera. The photo opportunities are plentiful. The trail alongside the cascade is challenging. You are hiking along the rim of the cascade and there is a considerable drop off. Be sure to know where your feet are going.

Once past the cascade your climb begins to the summit. The total ascent from NY 73 is 2120 feet. The distance to the summit is 3.2 miles. Expect to exert significant energy in this hike. In actuality you are ascending and descending into various cols along the climb so expect to take a few breathers along the way.   At the 2.3 mile point you will see a sign indicating the Hopkins summit is .9 miles away. You are now in a ravine between Hopkins and Green mountains. The ravine is a drainage area for these two mountains and in the springtime can be very wet. Spring wildflowers abound here.

Finally, at the 3 mile point in the hike there will be a sign pointing to the Hopkins summit in 0.2 miles.  A stiff  “up” over roots and boulders through a fern filled glen brings you to the bald summit. There is a “wow” factor when you arrive at the summit ridge. The view is spectacular. You will be awed at what you see. The views are unobstructed in all directions except for the northeast. There are 22 major peaks that are visible. You can look right down on the Ausable Lakes and Johns Brook valleys.

Directions:  The trailhead to Hopkins Mountain is very low profile and non descript. If you are driving into Keene Valley on NY 73 from the I-87 Northway look on the right just south of the steel bridge over the Ausable River. As for orienting as to where that bridge is, it is 0.4 miles north of the Ausable Club and 2 miles south of the sign to Johns Brook Valley in the village of Keene Valley.

There is a small green sign with the white lettering “Hopkins and Giant via Mossy Cascade” right off NY 73. There is no parking area so just pull off the road and park on the shoulder. There is no trailhead register to sign into, so for safety concerns make sure someone knows where you are hiking.

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