Vanderwhacker Mountain - Best (distant) View of the High Peaks

Elevation: 3385 ft

Ascent: 1650 ft

Distance: 2.7 miles

Location: Moose Pond Club Road off Route 28N north of North Creek.

The turnoff from NY 28N comes just after (or before) you cross the Boreas River and is marked by a DEC sign. The 2.6 mile road into the trailhead is not the best and it does get narrower beyond where it crosses Vanderwhacker Brook at 1.5 miles (where there are plenty of places to park and turn around). After crossing the Brook on a good bridge, if you notice that you are driving on the edge of a stream to your left, you are almost to the trailhead parking.

The lower part of the trail to Vanderwhacker is broad and ascend fairly slowly up to the abandoned fire observer's cabin. Unlike many such cabins which are situated near the summit, this one is a good stiff climb from the summit and marks the end of the gentle trail. The total ascent from the trailhead is 1650 feet and around 1200 feet of that is done in the 1.3 miles after you reach the cabin.  The tower is in good shape and offers a 360 degree view. Many of the major High Peaks are visable from both the tower and the opening on the summit.

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NOTE: For a more complete description of the trail, please see ADK's guide to ADIRONDACK TRAILS - Central Region, pp 151-154.

Have a great hike!
Bob Goodwin