Panther Peak
- Distance12.5 miRound trip
- Summit4,442 ftElevation
- Ascent~3,762 ftTotal gain
One of the trailless peaks in the Santanoni Range, Panther is an Adirondack High Peak usually hiked in conjunction with Santanoni and often with Couchsachraga as well. It is most easily and frequently accessed from Bradley Pond via the old Tahawus Club Road.
The route
The approach to Panther, Santanoni and Couchsachraga all begins the same way, from the trailhead on Santanoni Road.
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0 – 1.8 mi
Gravel road
Start with a 1.8-mile walk along a gravel road. The route then turns somewhat abruptly to the right onto the trail, so keep your eyes peeled.
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1.8 – 3.4 mi
Trail to the Santanoni turnoff
The trail runs another 1.6 miles to a view of some cascades on the left. Go another 200 yards and you will see a cairn marking the turnoff to the herd path for Santanoni. Stay on the trail for Panther.
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Next 0.9 mi
To the Panther herd path
Continue on another 0.9 miles, where you will find the cairn marking the herd path up Panther.
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Herd path
Bradley Pond to the ridge
The path continues mostly flat past Bradley Pond, then climbs steeply up past the pond before tapering to a less steep incline. It drops briefly to Panther Brook and follows the brook to the top of the mountain ridge.
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Last 0.4 mi
Ridge to the summit
At the junction of paths on the ridge, the path to the left leads to Santanoni and Couchsachraga. Follow the path to the right for 0.4 miles to Panther's summit.
The views
The summit is mostly treed, though there is a west-facing view that is worthwhile in clear weather.
Often hiked with
Panther is usually paired with Santanoni Peak and often with Couchsachraga Peak, reached from the same junction on the ridge.
High Peak details
- Difficulty
- Very strenuous
- 46er rank
- #18 of 46
- Range
- Santanoni Range
- Trail type
- Herd path, no maintained trail
- Trailhead
- Santanoni Road, off Upper Works Road
Trailhead and map
Starting in Newcomb at the intersection of Route 28N and Newcomb Lake Road, follow 28N southeast for 5.2 miles. Turn left on Blue Ridge Road and follow it for 0.3 miles. Take a slight right to stay on Blue Ridge Road and follow it for another 0.9 miles. Turn left onto Tahawus Road and follow it for 6.3 miles, then turn left onto Upper Works Road and follow it for 2 miles. Finally, turn left onto Santanoni Road, where you will find the trailhead fifty feet ahead.
Trail resources
- Conditions
- Conditions change fast. Check current trail conditions and DEC's High Peaks page before heading out.
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