Hadley Mountain – A Popular Climb in the Southern Adirondacks

I have climbed Hadley Mountain many times.   It is very popular for many reasons. Not only is the summit open with good views to the east, south (including the Great Sacandaga Lake), and west, but it also has a restored fire tower which allows great views in all directions.   The trail is never very steep and is in generally good condition.   On good weather days, I have seen many families making their way up the 1.8 mile trail (ascent 1525 ft).   During the summer there may be a summit steward to greet you and answer your questions.  

The trailhead has good parking for more than dozen cars.   It is reached by finding your way to Lake Luzerne (NY route 9N), then crossing the Hudson to the village of Hadley.   Turn north onto Saratoga route 1 for about 3 miles to Hadley Hill road (0.1 miles after you cross the railroad that you have been paralleling, there are signs), turn left and go uphill for 4.6 miles to Tower road (small sign on the left).   Tower road is an excellent dirt/gravel road that is often plowed and sanded in the winter.   It leads to the obvious trailhead parking lot.

This cliff is encountered on the other side of the stream a short time after you leave the parking lot. You cross the stream 3 times before you leave its drainage.   At the first crossing you are a good half way to the ridge that leads over to the summit knob.   After the third crossing, where the stream usually is no longer running water, the trail contours up across the hill side and proceeds with switchbacks following the path of least resistance to the ridge line above.  

Upon gaining the ridge, you have a short time of easy walking to rest for the final push to the summit.   As you reach the summit knob, you pass to the right of this cliff and then the trail switchbacks above it.   Beyond this point, you will start to encounter many view points.   Take your time and enjoy this beautiful section of the trip.   In due course, you will look up and suddenly see the tower not very far above your head. A final push up the final bank and you are on the summit.   Whew!

On the December day that I took these pictures, the summit was a crystalline wonderland due to a clear day, and a ¼ inch of ice on all of the trees.   The view (below) of the peaks to the north was taken from the tower.

 

However, the trail was somewhat treacherous because maybe 30% of it was covered with rock hard ice.   I had to walk on the edges on the way up, and I used instep crampons on the way down.   Nevertheless, it was a magical day.

NOTE: For a more complete description of the trail, please see ADK's GUIDE to ADIRONDACK TRAILS - Southern Region, pp 33-35.

Have a great hike!
Bob Goodwin