Poke-O-Moonshine Mountain

"Moderate climb, crampons were required. The summit view was magnificent. The Fire Tower cabin was closed, but the tower could be climbed, after removing the crampons. According to the current weather forecast, all that snow may have melted." — pierredenommee • Dec 8, 2023

"The best parts of being an Adirondack 46er are the friendships you make along your journey. After two years of covid mandates I was honored to finally attend the annual banquet or the 46ers in Plattsburgh N.Y. but only after an amazing day climbing a fire tower mountain. (Poke O Moonshine) my first love in the ADK. Rainy on the accent but felt good being cooled off, Trail conditions were wet but clear, summit was a bit cooler with light winds. group of about twenty or so to share the summit with today ,, Great day doing what we love" — ramjet1963 • May 28, 2022

"Gorgeous - three beaver ponds! Bottom trail is perfect, middle is mucky and top is snow and ice. Wonderful hike with fantastic views. Gusty at the top! (Cab on the fire tower was locked)." — stacydedring • Mar 27, 2022

"Gorgeous hike! We took the Observer Trail for 1449 feet of elevation gain & 6.77 miles round trip. Lots of chipmunks & red efts, & tons of cool mushrooms, including 4 pounds of chicken of the woods. Stunning views at the summit!" — EmilyDoucet729 • Sep 18, 2021

"Took the Observer's Trail on a beautiful early Spring day. The trail was a mix of bare ground (with mud and leaves), soft ice and soft snow. Micro-spikes were necessary in areas. Beaver ponds were still frozen and lodges were evident. The lean-to at 0.3 miles from the summit had a privy. The foundation remains of the former observer's cabin and chimney were interesting...seemingly begging to be re-built! The view from the summit was very good toward the South with Giant Mt. observed and Whiteface Mt. toward the Southwest. Lake Champlain was seen to the Southeast. The fire tower cab was closed, but we ascended the stairs to the uppermost landing." — TJandMS • Mar 23, 2021

"Tom, Black and I left the trailhead about 8am with clear blue skies @ 18 degrees. 1st half of trail was heavily iced but manageable with micros. The upper half was deeper snow but well frozen. With the deeper snow came severe post holing buy inconsiderate hikers earlier in the week when it was warmer. The views from the summit were excellent! The 360 degree view from the tower was awesome but the cabin at the top was locked. On the way down we met 5 young hikers in short sleeves and sneakers. We were able to change their minds on attempting the summit. You would think I'd be used to them but they still make me shake my head! A great hike on a beautiful late winter day." — garyogden • Mar 20, 2021

"Super snowy trip up. very windy at the top with blowing light snow. NO views but a really nice hike up with very little snow till the top. Hard packed trail with a little drifting at the top." — mt-biking-grandma • Feb 27, 2021

"Needed snow shoes..snow was like flour in the sun, plus the steepness...wih the heel lifts it saves your legs. Great views, windy but sun was in and out. Total for round trip 3hours..with lunch and pic taking." — michelekaminsky • Feb 25, 2021

"Hiked up in wet, icy conditions. Warm temperatures for the time of year (high 30s). Had a to hike off trail several times since the trail was like an ice river and we had no spikes, only boots and hiking poles. Great view from the fire tower and summit. " — tlannin • Dec 28, 2019

"Amazing Solo day on the trails,Time to reflect, Trails were snow covered but packed with icy patches that microspike where very nessesary in many spots,, temp was about -7c in the sun which made it great to hike in,, drove north from Hurricane mountain on 9n,, so a two Fire tower bonus!" — ramjet1963 • Jan 2, 2019