"Snowy Mountain is perhaps the most impressive peak in the Adirondacks outside of the High Peaks region. It's the highest peak in the ADKs outside of the High Peaks. It's higher than two of the 46ers, Nye and Couchsachraga. It's the seventh-most prominent peak in the ADKs and the second-most isolated. It's the highest fire tower in the ADKs and second-highest in the state. It's the Hamilton county high point. And it's on a few hiking and peakbagging challenges including the Fire Tower Challenge, the Adirondack 29er Challenge, and the Indian Lake 4-3-2-1 Challenge. The trail begins on route 30, a half-mile away from Indian Lake's western shore. The parking area is on the opposite side of the highway from the trailhead. The initial two-thirds of the 3.4-mile trail is relatively tame, with the only real area of concern being a wide brook crossing shortly beyond the one-mile mark. The final 1,500 feet of the ascent is where the approach hiking fades into the rearview mirror and the real climbing begins. The steep rock slabs in this section wouldn't be out-of-place in the High Peaks dozens of miles away. I am happy to report that my new La Sportiva trail runners handled this challe..." — theascent • Oct 19, 2021

"Knocked out Snowy today in town of Indian Lake! Trailhead says 3.4 miles to fire tower. I GPS'd just under 8.4 and the last mile up was a doozy with lot's of handholds! Beautiful views of the area including Indian Lake from the fire tower!" — Retiredtop2004 • Jun 27, 2021

"Hiked trail on Sunday, Jan 10 2021. Temp was in the low teen, clear blue skies and minimal wind. Total round trip distance was 8.0 miles. Trail had pack down snow except at the top were there was numerous steep icy spots. The trail was not too steep until the last 1/2 mile were it got steep and then the last quarter mile was really steep with a lot of ice. Used micro-spikes the entire trip. On the way down for the first quarter mile did a lot of butt sliding. View from the fire tower was great with the cloudless skies. There is also an viewing area just before reaching the tower. Nine other hikers on the trail besides our group of three.. 2251 ft elevation gain over the 4 miles up." — Tree2topper • Jan 10, 2021

"Holy heck, this is a tough one. I was utterly unprepared, but probably for the best because I wouldn’t have gone if I had know how challenging this is. The first 2 miles or so are mostly flat, dry, and well maintained. The rest is like climbing an unmarked run off bed. And it was wet, including spots with ice crystals forming. This was longer than advertised, I suspect due to meandering on the “trail”. The views are nice from the top, but they are nice from some easier towers too. 🤣 This will be a one and done for me; Hamilton county fire tower challenge is in the books!" — bethmorgan • Oct 17, 2020

"My first of three hikes today. Also my biggest and longest. Steep hike up. Some great views from the firetower but sadly, it was to hazy and low cloud cover to fully enjoy the day." — newenglandwarrior • Sep 25, 2020

"Celebrated the first day of fall with my friend Jona by climbing Snowy. It wasn't the nicest day, but this was a great hike! Easy warm up, steep final mile, nice views of the high peaks and Indian Lake." — PJSelmer • Sep 23, 2019

"A rainy Labor day on Snowy Mountain N.Y. Adirondacks,, Great climb to the tower with good friend Matt Peacock doing what we love. Trail was wet but not to bad with the mud,, clearly marked Bonus! " — ramjet1963 • Sep 2, 2019

"The trail was wet and muddy and at some places a stream. An easy hike for the first couple of miles and then the trail turns straight up. Amazing views from the summit, with a stunning 360 view from up in the firetower. Couldn't have asked for a better day weather wise either." — Right-On • Jul 3, 2017

"Fairly long hike and steep at the end. 1st couple of miles is a walk in the park. A great overlook just before the tower, nice place to stop and grab a snack. Up by the tower there are no views unless you climb it." — hbotc • Aug 2, 2015

"Snow above 3000' was very soft. Decided after yesterday's hike and lack of deep snow that I wouldn't need snowshoes on anything under 4000'. I was wrong, wished that I had them today, still made the summit but It was a pain." — LGH-Tom • Apr 25, 2015