Hurricane Mountain

This was our third trip to the Adirondacks in the winter.  We've been hiking only small mountains so far, to test our gear, stamina, and enjoyment.  After successful winter hikes of Baxter, Big Crow, Mt. Jo, Cobble Hill, and Cathedral Rock, we decided we were ready for something a little bigger this time.  When we hiked Big Crow back in 2019, we talked to some other hikers who had summited both Big Crow and Hurricane that same day from Crow Clearing.  They told us that the approach to Hurricane is longer, of course, but that terrain-wise, it was easier than Big Crow -- not as steep.  So we felt confident that it would be within our abilities.  Plus, it was the last peak we needed to complete the Lake Placid 9er Challenge as a family.  Win-win!

There are multiple trailheads for Hurricane, and even though the new trail from 9N seems popular, we decided to hike in from Crow Clearing, because it represented more of a known entity.  So we parked along O'Toole Road just past the snow plow turn around, and started up.  It is less than half a mile from the winter parking area to Crow Clearing, where we signed the register and crossed the foot bridge to start our ascent.

The first mile or so is pretty flat by Adirondack standards.  The trail doesn't start climbing until past the junction with the trail that leads to Weston Mountain and the Nun-da-ga-o Ridge.  [I'm very excited to return and hike that loop sometime!]

As we gained elevation, we started to encounter patches of ice, which was thrilling for Frankie -- he can't get enough ice.  Nothing too steep though, so very easy to traverse with out microspikes. 

As we approached the summit ridge, we entered a zone that was clearly within the clouds much of the time.  Every surface -- every twig and needle -- was coated with snow, making the landscape even more magical.  Vibes of Narnia!

Soon we heard voices up ahead, the first people we'd seen or heard all day.  We rounded a bend in the trail and saw they were near the junction with one of the other approaches, with one member of the party having already started their descent down the trail to 9N and the other calling ahead as he tried to catch up.  The sign said 0.3 mile to the fire tower.  Almost there!

After we rounded the corner Frankie is approaching in the picture above, we were very close.  We stopped in a sheltered spot among the boulders and krummholz to add some more layers, because the wind was howling up above treeline.  A couple with a dog passed through on their way back down, saying they did not climb the tower because it was too cold, but that the gentlemen we'd met by the junction had gone up it.  Those two parties ended up being the only other hikers we saw all day.   

After bundling, we set out across the rocky summit cone toward the tower.  Frankie had summit fever and dashed ahead (cover image) but we made him wait for us at the base of the tower so we could make sure it was safe and climb up together. 

The wind was indeed ferocious, and the views were continually changing as the summit was ensconced in clouds and then exposed again.  Mountains popped in and out of view every few seconds.  But it was bitter cold in the wind.  Even crouched down below the walls of the tower, the wind chill was biting. 

We added more layers, but couldn't stay long -- it just didn't seems safe.  So we reluctantly climbed back down the tower and scurried back across the summit cone.  I lagged behind a bit taking pictures.  It was such an incredible experience to be up there in the winter!  I was agape with joy the entire time. 

Once we got back to the sheltered spot where we'd paused to layer up, we stopped for another break to eat some lunch and drink some hot tea.  Best thing ever on a cold mountain top!

Erwin was still cold, so after we all re-fueled a bit, and snapped a last round of silly photos, we started our descent.  Frankie was reluctant to leave the summit, but was looking forward to playing more on the hike down. 

All the play slowed our descent considerably, but I didn't mind one bit.  I was still riding the thrill-high of the amazing summit experience and wanted Frankie to have his fun, too.  Free play is so important for kids and it's always interesting to see the things that grab his attention.  And once we were back in the forest and out of the wind, we were all plenty warm again.  It was very pleasant drinking my hot tea in the wonderland forest while Frankie goofed around with ice!

MapMyRide tracked this hike at 6.8 miles with about 1,550 feet elevation gain, including the short roadwalk at the start and the climb up the tower.  The summer mileage would be a little less if parking at Crow Clearing.  This is a magnificent hike!  I just loved it.