Hiking in Adirondack Park Wakely Mountain Primitive Area Wakely Mountain

Wakely Mountain is located in one of the more remote sections of the central Adirondack Mountains. The 3.2 mile hike to the 3744 foot summit consists of two sections: the first is nearly hiking two miles on what's left of an dirt old road, while climbing about 500 feet in elevation and then a relatively steep 1.2 mile climb to the summit with the remaining 1150 feet gained in elevation. The total elevation change is nearly 1650 feet. The summit is wooded, however, there is a fire tower with unobstructed 360-degree views.

The 92 foot tower is one of the highest in New York State. This allows an excellent view of the West Canada Lakes Wilderness Area to the south, and great views of the high peaks to the north on clear days. You normally won't find any crowds on Wakely Mountain. It's a great place for peace and solitude. The first 2.0 miles of the trail is really an old woods road that is severely washed out in places. There is a spur trail that leads to a small pond, which is a nice place to take a break. After you leave the old road, the second part of the hike begins and the trail changes dramatically. The trail begins a steady and fairly steep ascent of about 1150 feet over the next 1.2 miles. There are a few switchbacks during this section. The summit area has the restored fire tower.

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 in 2009, which now utilizes an interior road called Gould Rd. The fire tower on Wakely Mountain reopened in July 2018 after renovations. The National Geographic map below states it's 0.1 miles from the small pond, it's actually 1.2 miles to the summit.

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.

Fulton Chain of Lakes from Wakely Mountain Fire Tower (courtesy of AndyArthur.org)