- Adirondak Loj
- Wilderness Campground
- Johns Brooks Property
- Reservation Policies
- Driving Directions
- Hike Ideas
- Weather Info
- Trail Conditions
- Join ADK
- Renew Now!
- Donate
- About Us
- Contact
- Jobs
- Chapters
- Mission Statement
- Home
Catamount Mountain – A trail for the rock-scrambling enthusiast
Elevation: 3168 ft
Ascent: 1542 ft
Distance: 1.8 miles
Location: Plank Road (County Route 48) north and east of Whiteface Mountain Road.
Catamount mountain sits by itself above the plains and lakes north and east of Whiteface mountain. The views from the summit are expansive, and include Whiteface, Taylor Pond, Union Falls Pond and even Vermont on a clear day.
This is not a trail for the faint of heart. First, it is not that easy to find. One can take the highway to the Whiteface Auto road out of Wilmington, and continue on the rougher county road (right) encountered just before the auto road entrance station. At the bottom of the hill, take the first right, right at the next T intersection, and then you will see the mountain across the meadow as you drive a little north of east. The trailhead (on the left going east) is marked by red paint on the trees and a wide place on both sides of the road to park.
The trail starts out almost flat and then gets progressively steeper as you go, culminating with a climb through a chimney (shown to the right). Beyond this point one scrambles up more rock onto the nose of the spur and then up and across to the summit ridge.
MORE
NOTE: For a more complete description of the trail, please see ADK's (guide to) ADIRONDACK TRAILS - High Peaks Region 13th Edition, pp 157-158.
Hope you have a great hike!
Bob Goodwin
