Moxham Mountain (NY) *5/31/20206*

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.

Hunter Mountain (NY) *5/17/2026*

Hunter Mountain

Location: Hunter/Lexington, New York
Mileage: 7.6 Miles
Elevation Gain: 1914 Feet
Trails Used: Spruceton Trail
Views: 360 from Inside the Fire Tower Cab
Difficulty: Moderate

Hiking Lists: Catskill Fire Tower Challenge/Fire Tower Challenge (Adirondack/Catskills)/Catskill 3500 Club

Since we were tackling the Catskill Fire Tower Challenge and had hiked Red Hill and its fire tower the day before, Hunter Mountain was next on our list. I figured this one wouldn’t be too difficult, as the route follows old roads all the way to the summit, with the elevation gain spread out over the roughly 7.5-mile round trip. When we pulled into the parking lot off Spruceton Road, a few cars were already there. We geared up and started up the road.

The Catskill Fire Tower Challenge requires you to climb all eight Catskill fire towers between January 1st, 2026, and December 31st, 2026. Hunter Mountain is #1 on the Catskill Fire Tower Challenge and #1 on the Fire Tower Challenge (Adirondacks and Catskills).

The start of the Spruceton Trail, just off Spruceton Road. 

The Spruceton Trail is an old jeep road that leads all the way to the fire tower and the summit of Hunter Mountain. Back in the day, it was used by the fire tower staff when the tower was active.

About a mile and a half from the trailhead, you’ll reach Jones Gap, where the Hunter West Trail, Spruceton Trail, and the herd path leading to Rusk Mountain all meet. You’ll also find a horse hitching post here.

The John Robb Lean-To sits just a few feet off the Spruceton Trail, perched on a ledge. We skipped checking out the views since there were still people sleeping there.

Just before the junction to the John Robb Lean-To, there’s an interesting spring that’s also used by the horse's people ride to the summit of Hunter Mountain.

After passing the spring, this well-kept stretch of the Spruceton Trail leveled out, making for a fairly easy hike to the summit of Hunter Mountain.

The junction where the Spruceton Trail meets the Colonel's Chair Trail leads to the Hunter Mountain ski area.

Perched on the grassy summit of Hunter Mountain at 4,034 feet, the fire tower and warden’s cabin offer a striking and scenic landmark.

The Hunter Mountain Fire Tower, standing about 60 feet tall, is the highest fire tower in New York by elevation. It was originally built in 1917 and relocated to its current spot in 1953.

The 360-degree views from the fire tower cab on Hunter Mountain were stunning today, with hardly a cloud in sight.

 

We hiked down the Spruceton Trail, passing the summit, to a viewpoint near where it meets the Becker Hollow Trail.

I think this is the original site of the fire tower on Hunter Mountain, which was first built out of logs.

We turned around and made our way back down, an easy and uneventful walk along the road and trail. I wish more hikes in the White Mountains of New Hampshire were this straightforward and relaxed. The footing was never tricky, and the varied terrain kept things interesting without being challenging. Combined with the beautiful spring day, it was a great hike to check this peak off the list.