The fire tower on the summit of 3386 foot Vanderwhacker Mountain provides a spectacular view of the Adirondack High Peaks.  There is an elevation gain of 1650 feet on this 2.5 mile hike to the fire tower.

The trail is marked with red disks. Sign in at the trail register. Within the next mile, you will cross several small creeks and pass around a wetlands. Then, the trail splits. The old road (now a snow mobile trail) continues to the left, while the path you want bears right. After passing two cabins used by the fire observer, you begin a strenuous climb. After another mile, the climb becomes more moderate.

Soon you reach the fire tower. Climb the tower and enjoy the panorama of the high peaks to the north.  The tower is in good shape and offers a 360 degree view. Many of the major High Peaks are visible from both the tower and the opening on the summit. The trick is to come on a clear day. 

The lower part of the trail to Vanderwhacker is broad and ascend fairly slowly up to the abandoned fire observer's cabin. Unlike many such cabins which are situated near the summit, this one is a good stiff climb from the summit and marks the end of the gentle trail. The total ascent from the trailhead is 1650 feet and around 1200 feet of that is done in the 1.3 miles after you reach the cabin. Part way along that section you will encounter a beautifully built section of switchback. You may also notice an almost perfect "resting" rock, almost like a chair, just when you need it the most. 

Vanderwhacker Mountain is part of the "ADK Fire Tower Challenge".

Trailhead: From North Creek, take Rte 28N north for 16 miles. Immediately after the highway crosses the Boreas River, there is an unmarked gravel road on the left. Take this road for 2.6 miles to the point where it splits. The trailhead and parking is on the right.

The turnoff from NY 28N comes just after (or before) you cross the Boreas River and is marked by a DEC sign. The 2.6 mile road into the trailhead is not the best and it does get narrower beyond where it crosses Vanderwhacker Brook at 1.5 miles (where there are plenty of places to park and turn around). After crossing the Brook on a good bridge, if you notice that you are driving on the edge of a stream to your left, you are almost to the trailhead parking.

*CAUTION* This is a rough road in spots. It is best driven with a high-clearance vehicle (like a pickup truck). It is possible to drive this stretch with a typical sedan, but you should drive VERY SLOW.  You can optionally park off NY 28N at the pull off on the right just before the bridge.

contact CNY HIKING by email at contact@cnyhiking.com

(c) 2006-today CNY Hiking - All rights reserved.  Any use of information from this site without permission is strictly forbidden.