Vanderwhacker Mountain - Best (distant) View of the High Peaks

There is not much I can add to the Vanderwhacker Mountain trail discription in ADK's Guide "Adirondack Trails Central Region". The turnoff from NY 28N comes just after (or before) you cross the Boreas River and is marked by a DEC sign. The 2.6 mile road into the trailhead is not the best and it does get narrower beyond where it crosses Vanderwhacker Brook at 1.5 miles (where there are plenty of places to park and turn around). After crossing the Brook on a good bridge, if you notice that you are driving on the edge of a stream to your left, you are almost to the trailhead parking.

The lower part of the trail to Vanderwhacker is broad and ascend fairly slowly up to the abandoned fire observer's cabin. Unlike many such cabins which are situated near the summit, this one is a good stiff climb from the summit and marks the end of the gentle trail. The total ascent from the trailhead is 1650 feet and around 1200 feet of that is done in the 1.3 miles after you reach the cabin. Part way along that section you will encounter a beautifully built section of switchback. If all Adirondack trails were as good as that section, what a paradise they would be to hike. You may also notice an almost perfect "resting" rock, almost like a chair, just when you need it the most.

I would recommend that you haul binoculars up on this climb. Above is a view from Marcy to Sawteeth that you could see with them. The tower is in good shape and offers a 360 degree view. Many of the major High Peaks are visable from both the tower and the opening on the summit. The trick is to come on a clear day. When I left the trailhead on this summer day, there was blue sky overhead, but the High Peaks were covered by clouds. For the best view, one either needs to choose a clear winter day and come in from the highway to the cabin on ski's and then switch to snowshoes for the final climb, or try to pick a very clear fall day.

NOTE: For a more complete description of the trail, please see ADK's guide to ADIRONDACK TRAILS - Central Region, pp 151-154.

Have a great hike!
Bob Goodwin