hike information 

The typical hike and the trail we took is from Endion Ln. However, indications on trail and from National Geographic Maps (provided by cnyhiking.com and shown below) provide an alternative starting point from Lake Eaton State Campground where there is a day use fee (adirondackexperience.com) and the condition of the trail maybe muddy or unknown (adirondackexperience.com). Alternatively, there is even a further option that seem to connect from State Highway 30 north of Lake Eaton State Campground. These trails are not indicated on current OSM maps.

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Unlike our previous days, the forecast did not call for rain. That didn’t get us to the trailhead any earlier however as we rolled up around 1:30pm. There were plenty of parking at this point as early hikers were once again on their way out. After registering at the trailhead, we crossed a wooden bridge over a dry creek and started our hike. 

Our initial steps of our hike over 0.2 miles were uphill with a 13.8% grade to get our hearts pumping. 

Then the trail flattened out for the next 1.5 miles undulating through the forest. At points there were logs down on the ground at areas where the trail potentially could get muddy. About 1 mile from the trailhead, we came to the junction for Lake Eaton going straight while our path to Owls Head Mountain turns left. 

At the 1.8 mile mark, the trail starts to gain elevation again. At first on at a 8.0% grade for a half mile. Then an average of 22.1% grade for another half mile over a rather rocky terrain with steepest incline near the top at 38.7%. 

The climb brought us to the former site of the observer’s cabin at a saddle.

We would take a few steps downwards from the saddle past the cabin site before our final push to the summit of Owls Head Mountain. The last quarter mile averaged 20.6% grade but got up to 41.3% as the trail involved some minor scrambling over rock slabs and tree roots. 

Then through the woods, we see the fire tower coming into view.

The firetower is accessible and provides for a nice panoramic view, though the scenic direction is to the east with Long Lake stretched out between the mountains. 

After hangout out on the tower, we headed down to the rocky outcrops below the tower to give other’s at the summit their turn.

The better outcrop was past the tower to the south. After a snack here, we retraced our steps back to the trailhead.

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ratings

The rating below are based on an unevenly distributed scale of 1-5. For full description of the ratings and the categories, see the explanation here.

views/experience: 2. Similar to our previous hikes, the summit was the highlight of the hike and really the only feature of interest. The rest of the hike was through the woods and wouldn’t have been much of an interest.

difficulty: 2. The elevation wasn’t too bad but most of it was over the course of a mile and is a bit rocky so I wouldn’t say this is the easiest hike. Others report that the trail could get muddy, but it wasn’t too bad for us during our hike since the fall is typically dryer. 

technical: 2. The trail is well traveled, though some thought the navigation near the summit wasn’t the easiest. There are some steepness and scrambling to warrant some additional technicality. 

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