Moxham Mountain
Location: Minerva, New York
Mileage: 5.2 Miles
Elevation Gain: 1080 Feet
Trails Used: Moxham Mountain Trail
Views: 180 from Summit and Several Ledges
Difficulty: Moderate
Hiking Lists: Adk-9 Challenge/Adirondack 29er Challenge
On Sunday, before heading back home to New Hampshire, Amy and I stayed in Keene, New York after hiking Silver Lake Mountain, Cobble Lookout, and Panther Mountain the day before. We woke up early for the roughly hour-long drive to the Moxham Mountain trailhead, where parking fits about five to six cars if done correctly. We got ready quickly as the bugs were already swarming and hungry, then signed the kiosk logbook a few feet up the trail—always a smart step, since you never know what might happen on a hike.
The trailhead sign points you in the right direction, though it’s slightly tucked away among the trees at the start of the Moxham Mountain Trail.
Pink Lady Slippers were plentiful along the Moxham Mountain Trail, in numbers unlike anything I’ve seen on a single mountain. I had no idea it’s illegal to pick them in most states, so it’s best to enjoy their beauty by snapping photos and leaving them undisturbed.
About a mile into the hike on the Moxham Mountain Trail, the ledge views began to appear.
The Moxham Mountain Trail transitions from rocks and roots to rocky ledges, yet never becomes overly steep on the way to the summit.
A view of Gore Mountain, the largest ski area in New York, owned by the state.
A solitary patch of wild columbine rests just below the summit of Moxham Mountain.
The view from the ledges offers a stunning perspective toward the summit of Moxham Mountain.
More views from one of the eleven ledge outcrops just below Moxham Mountain’s summit, looking back down the ridge we climbed.
Cloudy skies surround us as we stand atop Moxham Mountain, at an elevation of 2,461 feet.
Overall, it was a pleasant hike. There was a simple water crossing, a muddy patch, and some bothersome bugs, but we made good time getting back to the car. We passed around ten people and a few dogs heading toward the summit. I brought my bug zapper racket and used it sparingly on the way down—it works, and who cares if anyone stares.
