"Panther" is apparently a super common name for mountains here in the Adirondacks, where I can think of at least three or four others, and elsewhere too, I suspect. This trip report is for the Panther located along Route 3 east of Tupper Lake. It is a tiny little mountain, with a short trail that's just 0.6 mile each way with about 350 feet elevation gain. Frankie and I stopped to hike it for a leg-stretcher on our way home from camping at Heart Lake with Erin and Alden. The clouds were low but it's such a small peak, it seemed unlikely to be socked in. We carried small water bottles because of the humidity, but didn't bother with packs and I let Frankie keep his sneakers on instead of lacing up his boots.
I had Frankie in the lead, so he could go at his own pace. I didn't know if he'd be tired from Wright, but needn't have worried about going too fast for him. He set a blistering pace that had us on the summit in less than 15 minutes.
We passed a few parties headed down as we ascended, but there was no one at the summit, which consists of a rocky clearing with partial views. The USGS map indicated a benchmark, so we kept our eyes peeled. None were on the apparent high ground, but we ultimately found all three.
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| the closer water body is Panther Pond |
After exploring the small summit and drinking some water, we decided to head back down. We didn't have snacks and didn't need to rest, and had a long drive still ahead of us.
As we waited for a break in the traffic to cross back to the parking area on the south side of Route 3, I asked Frankie if he wanted to check out Panther Pond, which was visible through the trees. There was a small path leading down to it from the parking lot, and he was into it, so we walked down to have a look. No moose... we'll have to keep looking.
I wouldn't travel here for the sole purpose of hiking Panther Mountain -- it's just too short a trail. But for an on-the-way stop, it is perfect! Stretch the legs, see something new... well worth the time spent.
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