Challenge: ADK Fire Towers ·

Gore Mountain

Known best as a ski resort, Gore Mountain is a fun and moderately challenging climb with beautiful views and varying terrain. The trail will take you along a river, past a waterfall, and out onto open ski trails, all of which make for an interesting hike to the top.

Trail Stats:

Distance: 9.8 miles round-trip

Elevation: 3,583 ft

Ascent: 2,590 ft

The trail up Gore is somewhat new and is well marked. It begins with an easy ascent towards Roaring Brook, skirting the Ski Bowl on the way. The trail will then travel alongside Roaring Brook for a couple of miles. At this point, it is a gradual climb until you reach the 3.4-mile point at the Ives Dam clearing. The trail will then cross a meadow and begin to climb more steeply. The trail will begin crisscrossing the ski trails until you come to the Lower Cloud ski trail – you will follow this wider ski trail until you come to the service road. The service road will take you the rest of the way to the summit, where you will have an expansive view and the fire tower will be just beyond. The tower itself is not open to the public.

Trailhead:

Follow directions to the North Creek Ski Bowl in Johnsburg and take the second left after the entrance to get to the parking lot for the trailhead.

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Keep it PURE

Remember to Leave No Trace! Buy a physical map, read it, plan, and prepare. Think about the NYS Rangers and medical personnel that exhaust themselves for a rescue that could have been avoided. Pack out your trash. Use a bear canister when primitive camping and cook away from where you’re sleeping. Do the rock walk to help reduce the impact on fragile alpine vegetation. Camp at designated campsites and never camp on or near summits.

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Recommendation

Fire Towers Guidebook

Extensively revised in 2021, this popular hiking guide to fire tower trails enables hikers, history buffs, and others fond of Adirondack and Catskill trails to visit and learn about 30 historic fire towers.

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