Goodnow Mountain (Temporary Closure)
Goodnow Mountain Trail Temporary Closure
Effective 1/10/2023 through 3/15/2023
The Goodnow Mountain Trail (Newcomb, NY) will be closed from January 10, 2023 through March 15, 2023 (subject to change) to accommodate an on-going timber harvest taking place in the vicinity. During that time, the public will not be allowed to access the Goodnow Mountain trailhead, trail or fire tower.
The Goodnow Mountain Trail leading to the fire tower is part of the Archer and Anna Huntington Wildlife Forest which is managed by SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry and forms the Newcomb Campus. The mission for the Campus is to lead research, education and demonstration, advancing our understanding of forest and wildlife management.
The project is Adaptive Capacity Through Silviculture (ACTS), an experiment to determine how different forest treatment methods and resulting changed light levels affect the regeneration and growth of future forests as impacted by a changing climate. As a key carbon sink, forests are increasingly important to accumulate and sequester atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations and help mitigate climate change. ACTS is new network of experimental cutting designs that tests alternative strategies for managing hardwood forests across the northeastern US from New York to Michigan.
The project is designed to include several different timber harvest scenarios covering approximately 104 acres. Permanent research plots have been established to document forest conditions before and after the harvesting, and to evaluate the long-term effects of the different treatment strategies and climate change mitigation/adaptation. Learn more about the project at www.esf.edu/forestproperties/about/news.htm
Please direct questions to Mike Federice, Assistant Forest Property Manager, 518-582-4551
Goodnow Mountain is a quick and easy hike that is perfect for families. While it is in the same region as Vanderwhacker and Mount Adams, Goodnow is more easily accessible than the other two – and the shorter, easier drive is another reason it is a perfect choice for families. At the top, the fire tower adds an element of excitement for the young hikers and greatly improves upon the view you can see from the summit alone.
Trail Stats:
| Distance | 3.9 miles round-trip |
| Elevation | 2,690 ft |
| Ascent | 1,040 ft |
The trail up Goodnow is rolling and easy at the start, and after a half-mile it reaches some man-made steps and a low bridge over a bog. Here the trail steepens a bit and goes up more strenuously for a short while before it mellows out again. Continuing to roll easily upwards, at 1.4 miles the trail comes to the remains of an old barn that once belonged to the owners of the mountain. When you reach this point you are already less than a half-mile from the top, and you will continue along gradually from here until you reach the summit.
Also, be sure to visit our Adirondack Fire Towers page if you're looking for more details and a full list of the towers.
Trailhead:
If you are coming from Route 87 you will take exit 29 towards Newcomb. Take a left onto Blue Ridge Road and follow it for 19 miles until you reach 28N. Turn right onto 28N and follow the road for 8 miles until you see a parking area on your left – there will be a DEC sign designating the parking area.
