Catamount Mountain
Catamount Mountain boasts great views and a really fun trail to the summit. There is one section called the “chimney” that kids love – it is brief, but steep! Catamount is not near many other peaks, so the view from its summit is unique and not one you see from other, better-known hikes in the area. This peak is also part of the Lake Placid 9er Hiking Challenge if that's anything you're inspired to do.
Trail Stats:
| Distance | 3.6 miles round-trip |
| Elevation | 3,169 ft |
| Ascent | 1,571 ft |
Taking off from the trailhead, the hike begins flat through an open meadow, filled with beautiful wildflowers during the spring and summer months. After approximately half a mile, the trail will leave the meadow and head into the trees as it begins climbing upward. After dipping briefly to cross a brook at .8 miles, the trail then begins upward in earnest towards the summit. At 1.4 miles, the trail reaches the base of the infamous “chimney”, a narrow section naturally carved in the rock. The chimney is steep and may provide a challenge for younger children, but once you reach the top of the chimney the trail opens out onto a rock face. Here it is approximately a quarter mile to the top of the peak, and you will scramble across the rock face to reach Catamount’s summit, taking in the views along the way.
Directions to the Trailhead:
📍Google Directions // Leave Wilmington as if you are headed to the Whiteface Memorial Highway. Directly before you reach the toll road, take a right at the Y and follow this road towards Franklin Falls. Continue along for three and a quarter miles until you reach Roseman Road, at which point you’ll take a right. In less than a mile, you’ll reach Plank Road, take a right here and follow this road just over two miles to the trailhead and parking area on the left.
