Buck Mountain
Location: Long Lake, New York
Mileage: 2.7 Miles
Elevation Gain: 527 Feet
Trail(s)Used: Buck Mountain Trail
Views: From Ledges around Coot Hill Summit
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Hiking List(s): Fire Tower Challenge (Adirondack/Catskills)
The first hike of our three-fire tower day on Saturday was a bit of a puzzle to plan. We had a few hikes in mind but needed to figure out the logistics, since they were far apart and separated by lakes and mountains. We decided on Buck because it was the closest and easiest to reach. The night before, rain seemed unlikely, but when we woke up, the radar and horizon showed rain bands moving in, so we set out to see what we could get done before the weather turned.
Buck Mountain is #23 on the Fire Tower Challenge (Adirondack/Catskill) list.
The kiosk at the trailhead parking lot for Buck Mountain, located just off South Sabbatis Road.
The first stretch of the Buck Mountain Trail crosses several bridges and bog boards, offering a flat, easy path to follow, though it can be muddy and soft underfoot.
The middle part of the Buck Mountain Trail transitions from flat, wet areas to steeper sections with rocky steps.
As the trail steepens near the summit of Buck Mountain, you'll encounter around 10 to 11 ladder sections to help with the climb.
The actual wooded summit of Buck Mountain, at an elevation of 2,424 feet, was just a short bushwhack from where the fire tower stands.
The fire tower on Buck Mountain is a 60-foot steel structure that was built in 1933.
The panoramic 360-degree views from inside the fire tower cab on Buck Mountain.
Amy is making her way down the ladder section.
As we headed back down the mountain toward the car, the rain started and kept falling until we reached the gentler part of the Buck Mountain Trail. The first hike was quick and fairly easy, with decent views despite the drizzle, which lingered through the other two hikes and the rest of the day. Another fire tower peak checked off the list.
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