Owls Head Mountain

"Trail condition and the weather were fine, but the black flies are out in force. We came prepared with our spray and bug nets and largely had no problems today. Took a detour to see the lake before heading up to the summit. Great views here." — Henriettaheroes • Jun 16, 2025

"Trail starts off with a moderate ascent, but then continues on rolling, muddy terrain for first 2 miles. Begins a steep, rocky ascent to a pass, and then descends to the old observer's cabin site. Final ascent has some moderately difficult rock scrambles, but they are quick. Nice views of Long Lake, Owl's Head Pond, Blue Mountain, and the Northwestern Adirondacks." — elimihuta • Aug 22, 2024

"A bitter sweet climb today of Owlshead mountain in Long Lake N.Y. 6 years ago, I lost a great friend and mentor on this mountain due to a major heart attack Dec 1st, 2018. I'm still remembering that fateful hike and how it changed so much within me . A day of healing" — ramjet1963 • Jul 13, 2024

"Tom and l left the trailhead at 9:20 am under blue skies at 28 degrees. Trail had a light dusting of fresh snow and about an inch and a half fresh at the summit. We donned trail crampons about halfway up due to ice. Summited at 11:07. Beautiful blue skies. Cabin on the fire tower was open for 360 degree views! Returned to car at 1pm." — garyogden • Apr 2, 2022

"IT WAS PERFECT DAY FOR HIKE STARTED OUT ,815AM HARDLY ANY BUGS.The temperature was perfect 60's breezy.Starts out straight couple traverses, roots rocks beautiful wooded climb.little tricky towards top.Overall good hike recommended for all ages." — craigjohnson • Jul 24, 2021

"The trail begins at a moderate grade and then eases up until about the 2.2 mile mark where it gets fairly steep, but no scrambling was necessary. Near the summit, the foundations from the former observer's cabin were seen and a sign was present. Great views from the tower cab with Blue Mountain and its three "towers" quite prominent toward the Southeast. " — TJandMS • May 25, 2021

"What can I say............Jubilation followed by pure trauma and heartbreak. Our good friend, hiking partner & brother finally completed the Fire Tower challenge, on what would prove to be, his final peak. Mark Earle (Peakery Member MarkEarle67) sadly suffered a massive heart attack on the way down, and despite our best efforts with CPR, he sadly passed away in his "happy place". He always wanted to go out this way, quick, painless and in the Mountains. Fly high Brother, keep climbing..............RIP MarkEarle67." — HikingViking • Dec 1, 2018

"Beautiful day for a snowy snowshoe hike with the Trails and Ales crew (Paul Curless, Shane Curless, Mark Earle and myself Roger Meunier) and one guest from the Brockville hiking club (Michelle Cassibo), Unfortunately we lost a brother that day (Mark Earle) on the decent of an apparent heart attack,, A sad day for everyone involved! As far as the summit goes was a beautiful view and a fire tower bonus covered in fresh snow and ice feathers,, So glad that Mark was able to make the summit and finished his ADK Fire Tower Challenge quest before his untimely death,, A toast to Mark and all his endeavors,,, you will be missed and this trip never forgotten As a reminder to my fellow hiker to always be prepared with trip planning, gear and carry emergency numbers of all your party members,, You just never know! " — ramjet1963 • Dec 1, 2018

"The rain set in about a third of the way through the hike. It was a light gently rain and I hadn't hiked in the rain in some time so it was enjoyable. Steep section right before the summit and great views from the top. " — Right-On • May 13, 2017

"Hiked with Dad. A relatively warm day, hike was easy for the first 2 miles but, especially after summiting Blue Mountain earlier, the last mile was more strenuous. No ice on the majority of the trail, but a large patch just before the summit." — RangersApprentice • Mar 26, 2016