With fall colors emerging, our latest Guidebook Getaway showcases a mountaintop view (lookout tower included) in the Adirondacks of upstate New York.
Guidebook Getaway is an occasional feature of The REI Blog where we dip into REI’s guidebook assortment and pull out a complete trip description for your consideration.
It’s free, and it’s available in PDF form so you can print it out and take it with you on the trail.
Today’s pick: the peak of Owls Head Mountain near Long Lake, N.Y., where a restored fire tower offers a 360-degree view of hundreds of forested acres below.
With a little more than 1,000 feet of elevation gain over the 3.1 miles to the 2,818-foot summit, Starmer ranks the trip as suitable for family trips, though near the top the route steepens and passes through “exposed portions of ledge….You will need to use both hands in several sections.” The publisher tells us the author believes the route is suitable for older children, but maybe not youngsters.
Our friends at Menasha Ridge asked Starmer what makes this trip especially appealing in autumn. The photo on the left, shot from the lookout tower, should tell you everything you need to know. But here's what Starmer had to say:
“The panoramic views from atop Owls Head are particularly spectacular during the fall foliage season,” he said. “By climbing the accessible fire tower on the summit, you have a 360-degree view of the surrounding hills and lakes."
This post makes me so happy! I love this trail! I'm an REI employee who began my love affair with the outdoors visiting my family in Long Lake, NY so it's a real treat to see my favorite views featured by REI!
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This post makes me so happy! I love this trail! I'm an REI employee who began my love affair with the outdoors visiting my family in Long Lake, NY so it's a real treat to see my favorite views featured by REI!
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