Wakely Mountain is an enjoyable day hike in one of the more remote sections of the central Adirondack Mountains. The three-mile hike to the 3744 foot summit consists of two sections: 1) Two miles of old road trace, relatively flat, that can be mountain-biked or XC skied, and 2) a relatively steep one-mile climb to the summit. The total elevation change is 1650 feet. The summit is wooded, however, there is a observation tower with unobstructed 360-degree views.

The 82-foot tower is one of the highest in New York State. This gives a unique perspective of the West Canada Lakes wilderness area to the south, and great views of the high peaks to the north on clear days. You will not find crowds on this mountain! It's a great place for peace and solitude.

The first 1.1 miles of the trail is really a woods road with excellent footing. You then cross a nice stream and walk comfortably for another 0.8 miles to a beaver pond that can be viewed to some extent by following a side trail or old overgrown woods road to the left.

After you leave this place, the second part of the hike begins and the character of the trail changes dramatically. The footing is not as good, and the trail begins a steady fairly steep ascent of about 1200 feet in the next 1.1 miles. There are a few switchbacks on this section. The summit area has a well preserved cabin and even a nice picnic table on a grassy flat.

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

Note:  The Northville-Placid Trail is a 132-mile path through the heart of the Adirondack Park. There was a relocation of the trail off Cedar River Road, which now utilizes an interior road called Gould Rd.

Directions:  The trailhead for Wakely Mountain is reached by taking the Cedar River Rd 11.6 miles from its junction with NY 28/30 about 2 miles west of the town of Indian Lake at a sharp bend in the road. You will see the trailhead parking sign on the left side of the road. The trailhead parking is down a short lane to the right.

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