Adirondack 29er Challenge Finisher Profile for #223 - Mary Sue Michon

From Troy, NY


# Peak Date Summitted Comments
#1 Noonmark Mountain Aug 20, 2016 Although the hike was relatively short, we found the steep sections to be sufficiently challenging. The mountain is so distinctive when driving South thru Keene Valley, and since Noonmark Diner is a favorite of ours, we had to do it. The view is tremendous with numerous High Peaks visible.
#2 First Brother Sep 03, 2016 This hike was done as part of our hike to Big Slide. The interesting aspect of the First Brother is that when we got there, a small single engine plane was flying in the area. It was a great day and we imagined that whoever was in the plane was having a great day as well. So we waved, not expecting anything, and the pilot wagged his wings back at us. Awesome!!!
#3 Wright Peak May 20, 2017 On this hike, we did both Algonquin Mt. and Wright Peak. Very nice waterfall about 2 1/2 miles into the trail. We did Algonquin first and spoke with the DEC Summit Steward who identified all the surrounding mountains for us. Looking down on Wright Peak, it didn't look too bad, but going down into the col and then back up to the summit of Wright was challenging. It was great to see that pathways were lined with small rocks around the summit to direct hikers away from fragile vegetation. Glad we did Algonquin first, because looking at Algonquin from the summit of Wright, it looked quite imposing!
#4 Rooster Comb Aug 2017 Mostly a moderate climb with some steep grades toward the summit. The summit had a spectacular vantage point of Lower Wolf Jaw Mountain.
#5 Hopkins Mountain May 28, 2020 This was our first hike of the 2020 season, so our legs had not gotten used to hiking yet. Therefore, even though it was largely a moderate grade hike (with some steep sections), we were pretty tired after this hike. Numerous High Peaks were visible from the summit with Giant Mountain very prominent to our left.
#6 Giant Nubble Jun 04, 2020 We have done a couple of mountains using the Ridge Trail (such as Giant and Rocky Peak Ridge) and always enjoy that trail. Although challenging in spots, there are numerous opportunities for great views and scenery along the way such as the Giants Washbowl. We also enjoy looking down on Chapel Pond from an elevated vantage point.
#7 Ampersand Mountain Aug 01, 2020 Really enjoyed this hike as it was a real leg and lung burner! It was obvious that the trail crew had spent some time on this mountain as the improvements were obvious including the rock "steps", which were of considerable assistance. Saw the anchor rods for the former fire tower and the plaque dedicated to Walter Channing Rice. The 360 degree views were so awesome, we stayed on the summit for 40 minutes!
#8 Saint Regis Mountain Aug 13, 2020 On the day of this hike, students from Paul Smith College were conducting surveys of hikers using the trail. (We answered some questions on our way out.) The trail had obviously been worked on by crews over the years. In general, the trail was good and the views of various mountains to the South were good along with views of the numerous lakes and ponds.
#9 Catamount Mountain Sep 10, 2020 This is a legitimate difficult mountain to ascend and has areas on it that would not be recommended for the novice hiker. We thoroughly enjoyed the challenges of this hike, however, including the various scrambles and that awesome "chimney" area. Although there are many trail marker discs and paint blazes, a sharp eye is recommended to stay on course. Again...excellent views at the summit and just a great hike!
#10 Pitchoff Mountain Sep 11, 2020 We actually did Pitchoff twice, the 2nd time (and most recent) to fulfill part of the Lake Placid 9 Challenge. This day was gray with intermittent light rain. The trail starts off moderately steep, so no opportunity for a "warm-up". On this hike, we decided to take the side trip to "balanced rocks" as well. This was truly a unique experienced with all that rock slab surface and large boulders that looked like someone just arranged and placed them. Very interesting!!
#11 Hurricane Mountain Sep 12, 2020 We actually hiked this mountain twice, both times in the Fall. The spectacular open summit with 360 degree views coupled with a clear day and Fall colors in the trees, it was truly breathtaking. The fire tower cab was accessed where there were placards that identified the various mountains according to the direction you were facing. Very cool!
#12 Hadley Mountain Oct 01, 2020 Hike was over moderate grades with a good deal on rock slabs. Took side trip to observer's cabin and climbed tower, but cab was closed. Spectacular fall colors and great views.
#13 Owls Head Lookout Oct 10, 2020 The first 1.2 miles of this hike was relatively flat and easy walking. After crossing a foot bridge, the trail begins climbing, but still not difficult. The trail was wide thru widely spaced trees and was a great walk thru the forest. The last tenth of a mile was somewhat steep, but the views of Rocky Peak Ridge, Giant and Green Mountains was certainly worth the minimal effort. We could also see the fire tower on Hurricane Mountain.
#14 Snow Mountain Oct 22, 2020 The trail follows an old dirt road for about 1/2 mile before going into the woods. The majority of the trail had what we considered a moderate incline. All trail junctions were well marked, so no guesswork required. At one point we crossed Deer Brook on a bridge. Just before the bridge, you can follow a side trail for about 250 feet to the base of a nice waterfall. At about 1-1/2 miles in, the trail goes to the right and begins a series of relatively steep ascents and "mini-scrambles" that were enjoyable. Following across the summit, there is open rock beyond and a great view to the Southeast with mountains such as Giant, Round, Noonmark, Dix, Dial and Nippletop in view.
#15 Moxham Mountain Nov 10, 2020 Trail was very well marked and the terrain was relatively easy with several moderately steep sections as well. About a half mile from the summit, there is an excellent view of the summit with cliffs dropping off to one side. Gore Mountain was very distinct seemingly right in front of us with the fire tower on Hurricane Mountain visible to our right.
#16 Goodnow Mountain Nov 14, 2020 The trail was noted to be on the College of ESF property and was very well maintained. The grades were easy to moderate with no steep sections or scrambling required. The fire tower cab was closed and due to ice on the tower stairs, we only ascended one level. The observer's cabin was quite interesting with a photocopy of the observer's log from September 1936 posted for viewing on the door. Also, the placard on the exterior cabin wall provided some very interesting history including one observer who spent his honeymoon with his wife at the cabin!
#17 Crane Mountain Nov 21, 2020 Beautiful November day! Short hike, but steep and rocky with some ice on the trail. Observed the anchor rods for the former fire tower. The two ladders were solid and in good condition. About 180 degrees of spectacular views!
#18 Cat Mountain Nov 28, 2020 Hike was along relatively easy grades with only a couple of steeper sections in the last half mile. Edgecomb Poind was very still and serene and then then trail paralleled a stream that meandered through some very picturesque wooded areas. Excellent views of Lake George and surrounding terrain.
#19 Poke-o-moonshine Mar 23, 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.
#20 Treadway Mountain Mar 30, 2021 Rocky trail with multiple stream crossings, but nice timber bridges provided at any crossing with a substantial flow. At about 3/4 mile from summit, quite a bit of trail was on open rock which was actually enjoyable to negotiate. We spotted numerous cairns that led us safely. Excellent views from summit to South, West and East with Pharoah Mt. very prominent.
#21 Black Mountain Apr 06, 2021 Although the Guide Book talked about a very steep section, we felt the trail was easy to moderate coming from the East. Icy sections required micro-spikes. Fire tower was not available for access, but nice summit with awesome views of Lake George to North, Adirondack Peaks to Northwest and West, and Vermont mountains to east and Northeast.
#22 Vanderwhacker Apr 13, 2021 The road into the parking area was a bit sketchy, but we had our Jeep! The first 1.3 miles of the hike into the former observer's cabin was on easy grades. The door was open to the cabin, so we looked inside. Continuing on the trail, the next 0.6 miles was pretty steep, then eased a bit before following a creek bed for a few tenths. The trail again got steep approaching the summit. The fire tower is surrounded by woods, but there is a lookout with excellent views to the Northeast...Marcy Colden, Haystack and Algonquin could be identified. The tower cab was also open with great views!
#23 Blue Mountain May 21, 2021 We did this hike on our 33rd wedding anniversary! Nice aggressive climb up over 1500 feet to the summit. We were able to meet up with the DEC Land Manager who was restoring the observer's cabin and let us take a look inside. The history of the mountain was very interesting including the Cold War radar installation that used to be there, but is now gone with only the foundation slabs remaining. The views from the fire tower cab were spectacular with all of the lakes, ponds and associated islands.
#24 Owls Head May 25, 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.
#25 Wakely Mountain Jun 02, 2021 The first 2 miles of trail was on an old road, so wide and easy grades. The last mile was more of a typical ADK trail and steep. No scrambling was required, but the several "handrails" provided by the trail crew were welcomed. Near the summit, the trail flattened out and we found the timber framed helicopter pad interesting. The observer's cabin door was wide open and it appeared as if it was broken into. We contacted DEC and left a message. The bugs were horrible on this trip...even when we went up into the fire tower. Nice view of Blue Mt. to the North and a couple of the High Peaks to the East.
#26 Blueberry Mountain Jun 11, 2021 Started the hike in a light rain, but we knew it was going to stop soon (which it did). The grades were easy to moderate up until the brook crossing at about 1.25 miles in. Then, the trail got steeper and somewhat rocky and eroded. A lot of loose, small stones made for careful footing as we hiked. The grade eased a bit at about 2 miles in with a moderate to easy walk to the summit from there. After reaching the summit and actually continuing to the start of the descent into the col toward Porter, we hiked back a few tenths to a nice outlook with a cairn on it where we had lunch. Hurricane Mt., Giant Mt., Noonmark and Dix were visible toward the East and South as well as a nice view of Keene Valley.
#27 Round Mountain Jun 17, 2021 We completed this hike as a loop trail beginning about 1/10 mile up the golf course road from St. Hubert's Parking Area. The trail itself started out fairly steep, but only for a short distance as the grade eased with easy grades until about 1 mile in. The last 1 1/2 miles to the summit seemed a bit relentless with regard to challenging grades and a couple of easy scrambles. It was a good challenge and a "leg burner". There were a couple of nice lookouts toward Giant Mt. Once we were near the summit, the grade was easy along a ridge to the summit rocks. Excellent views of a portion of the Great range toward the west and northwest. Also, Noonmark Mt. was right next to us and Dix Mt. was visible to the southwest. The descent was steep for the first 7/10 mile until the intersection with the Old Dix Trail. Then, it was an easy walk through a nice forest area and good trail to Noonmark Lane; and then back to the road adjacent to the golf course.
#28 Peaked Mountain Jun 24, 2021 Completed this hike on a perfect day in the ADKS. Started at 7:15 am with temp at 48 degrees and finished at 12:10 pm with temp about 72 degrees. Thirteenth Lake was calm, quiet and serene. The blue trail in from the register was easy and followed the lake shore. About 3/4 mile in, we came to campsite #9 where two men were finishing up a breakfast of fresh caught trout and thick cut bacon. Looked and smelled great! At about 1 mile in, the trail split with the yellow marked trail heading toward Peaked Mt. Pond. No real hiking challenges as the trail followed a brook and crossed it several times, but plenty of rocks for stepping across. At about 2.9 miles in, we reached the pond which was so quiet with no one around. After walking past the pond, the steep climbing began. The first part wasn't bad, but the last 1/4 mile to the summit was quite steep with some scrambling required. The summit had excellent views toward the south with Gore Mt. very prominent, as well as a couple of the ponds we passed on the way up. Two USGS survey markers were noted. Great day and a great hike!
#29 Flume Knob Jul 15, 2021 We chose this hike to finish our ADK 29 on because of our history with the area on various vacations over the past many years. It was a short hike which took about an hour to reach the summit and was a warm, humid day with plenty of sun. Care must be taken on the first part of the trail to stay in the middle of the trail as several sections of poison ivy were noted on the trail edges (but the trail is "roadway wide" so no problem). We took the Upper Connector Trail to the Flume Knob Trail. Speacial attention is required for the first half mile or so as there are numerous trail intersections, so good to have a map with you of the Flume Trail System. The trail was wide and easy for the first mile. Then, the trail gets significantly steeper for the next 1/2 mile before moderating toward the summit. The rocky summit gave good views to the east with the town of Wilmington and The Hungry Trout Restaurant and Motel distinctive. A few high peaks as well as a number of lesser mountains were also visible.