The Tupper Lake Triad

Three short, rewarding summits near Tupper Lake, all doable in a single day and each one worth the drive.

3summits
~7.5 mitotal distance
~1,900 fttotal gain

The Tupper Lake Triad launched in 2015 as a local hiking challenge built around three small, accessible peaks just south and west of Tupper Lake. None of them will test your limits the way the High Peaks do, and that's kind of the point. These are the mountains you bring your kids on, or knock out on a mellow Saturday before lunch. Finish all three and you can register online for a patch. Complete them in winter (Dec. 20 to March 20) and there's a separate patch for that too.

The list

The three peaks

Peak 01 · The fire tower hike

Mount Arab

2.0 mi RT · ~750 ft gain · ~2,540 ft summit · ~1.5 hr

Mount Arab is the shortest hike of the three, but it earns its reputation. The trail climbs steadily from the start, gaining elevation quickly over about a mile before opening onto a semi-wooded summit. The main draw is the 35-foot steel fire tower, restored by the DEC and the Friends of Mount Arab. Climb it for 360-degree views across Arab Lake, Tupper Lake, and on a clear day, deep into the High Peaks. The observer's cabin at the base is now a small museum. Mount Arab also counts toward the Adirondack Fire Tower Challenge.

Mount Arab guide

Peak 02 · History on the trail

Goodman Mountain

3.2 mi RT · 581 ft gain · 2,178 ft summit · ~2 hr

The longest of the three, Goodman Mountain makes up for its distance with a gentle, enjoyable trail. The first stretch follows an old paved road. Once the trail turns to dirt, it winds gradually upward through hardwood forest before breaking out onto an open rocky summit with views north to Tupper Lake and south toward Coney Mountain. The mountain is named after Andrew Goodman, a 20-year-old civil rights volunteer from New York who was murdered in Mississippi in 1964. His story is told at the trailhead register.

Goodman Mountain guide

Peak 03 · 360° views, short effort

Coney Mountain

2.2 mi RT · 548 ft gain · 2,280 ft summit · ~1.5 hr

Coney Mountain punches above its weight. The trail winds around the mountain through a lush forest before a rockier push to the bald, open summit, one of the best full-panorama views you'll find on a hike this short. From the top you can see Tupper Lake, Little Tupper Lake, Goodman Mountain, the Seward Range, and on clear days, Santanoni and the High Peaks to the east. It also happens to be a well-known dark-sky site, so bring the family back some evening for stargazing.

Coney Mountain guide

'Dack Fact

Mount Arab

The fire tower on Mount Arab was first established in 1912, and the observer's cabin at its base now serves as a small museum.

'Dack Fact

Coney Mountain

Coney Mountain's first recorded ascent was in 1772, when surveyor Archibald Campbell climbed it during his mapping of the Totten and Crossfield Purchase. Verplanck Colvin gave it the name "Coney" during one of his survey trips, a nod to its conical shape.

Finish it

Earn your Triad patch

Hike all three peaks and register to get an official patch. There are two versions: a summer patch (March 21 to Dec. 19) and a winter patch (Dec. 20 to March 20). Registration can be done online through the official Tupper Lake Triad site.

Official registration

Getting there

Trailheads

Mount Arab

From the junction of Routes 3 and 30 in Tupper Lake, follow Route 3 west about 7.25 miles. Turn left on Conifer Road, then left on Mount Arab Road. The trailhead and large parking lot are on the left.

Goodman Mountain

From Tupper Lake, take Route 30 south about 9 miles. Look for a marked pullover and small parking area on the left side of the road.

Coney Mountain

From Tupper Lake, take Route 30 south about 10 miles, 1 mile south of Goodman. Look for a marked pullover and small parking area on the left, near the Hamilton/Franklin County line.

Before you go

Planning tips

Do them all in one day

If you're driving from outside the area, it makes sense to knock out all three in a single trip. Budget 4 to 5+ hours of hiking time total, plus drive time between trailheads.

Group Goodman and Coney

They're close together on Route 30. Arab is farther west and benefits from its own focused stop.

Start early on weekends

These trails get busy, especially in summer and fall. Coney's small parking area fills up fast on peak foliage weekends.

Dogs are welcome

All three trails allow dogs on leash. Bring water for them, especially on warm days.

Winter is worth it

All three mountains make excellent snowshoe hikes, and Coney offers some of the best views in any season. Remove spikes before climbing the tower.

Don't rely on your phone

Cell service is limited, batteries die, and screens crack. Carry a paper map and know your route before you leave the car.

Keep going

More Adirondack hiking challenges

Saranac Lake 6erSix peaks and a bell at Berkeley Green.Lake Placid 9erNine peaks under 4,000 feet around Lake Placid.Fire TowersMount Arab counts toward this one too.