Bald Mountain Trail

jderuby  Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Adventure Review

We’ve taken this hike up Bald Mountain a couple of times.  It’s also known as Rondaxe Mountain.  Go about 4 miles north of Old Forge on Route 28 and you’ll see Rondaxe Road and a sign for the trail on the left.  There is a parking lot at the trail head.

The trail is one mile to the top, with less than a 400 foot climb.  It starts out fairly level and then gets rocky and steeper.  The beginning would be rated easy and the later part moderate.  It took us an hour to get to the top.  Going back down is not that much quicker because of all the boulders and the steepness.  Look around and enjoy the woods and wildlife.

The top is at 2,350 feet and an incredible view of the Fulton Chain Lakes.  There are some edges you definitely need to stay away from, but it is mostly smooth rock to walk around on.  There is a fire tower.  Those brave enough to climb the tower will be rewarded with an unobstructed view of the Adirondack Park- lakes, mountains, and trees as far as you can see.

This is a very popular trail because it’s ease and incredible view.  There is lots of room on the trail and at the top, but you aren’t likely to have any solitude unless you go very early.