Hackensack Mountain towers over Warrensburg and is a popular and easy hike that provides great views of the southern Adirondacks
Hackensack Mountain
1.2 miles (2.7 mil loop)
Private Land
Warrensburg, Warren County
Hiking, Snowshoeing
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Hike Hackensack Mountain
Hackensack Mountain stands tall over Warrensburg and is highly visible from many locations. The mountain is on private property in the Town of Warrensburg in Warren County.
There are two trailheads and parking areas. One is at the corner of Hackensack Avenue and Warren Street, and the other on the corner where Sunset Ave turns into Prospect Street. The two trailheads are five blocks apart. This hike is commonly done as a loop, though hikers may prefer an up-and-back hike from either of the parking areas. This is a very easy hike, suitable for groups of all sizes, ages, and proficiencies.
The trailhead at Hackensack and Warren begins on a wide trail, which transitions quickly into an old dirt road. There are a couple of side trails and junctions near the beginning of this trail, but at every junction hikers should continue on the upwards path, leads towards the summit. The trail is well maintained, with only a short section in this initial road-like segment that is worn and washed out, because it is quite steep.
The Summit of Hackensack Mountain
After this section, hikers will walk along the mountain’s ridgeline before reaching the summit and overlook. The forest in this area is made up of maple, beech, and birch, which transitions into a heavy oak forest on the summit. From the summit, there is a beautiful view of Warrensburg, stretches of the Hudson River and Schroon River, and forested mountains in all directions.
After the summit, the trail continues back through this oak forest, past another scenic overlook point, and eventually reaches a lovely grassy area with sparse trees, and a good view for those who are willing to wander down to a small outcropping, far to the right of the trail. Soon the trail begins to descend the mountain. Another couple hundred meters later, the trail turns right again and enters a coniferous forest of hemlock and pine, and goes through a few steep, rocky descents before leveling out and following back around the base of the mountain.
This whole trail could easily be done in reverse and is suitable for almost anyone who is comfortable with a couple of short, steep sections.
Click here for a map and directions to Ice House Pond.
When You Hike Make Sure to Practice “Leave No Trace” to be Prepared and to Protect the Forest Preserve
Please follow “carry in, carry out” rules for all trash and follow other Leave No Trace principles when hiking in the public Forest Preserve and other wild areas. The seven Leave No Trace principles are: 1) Plan ahead and prepare; 2) Stay on hiking trails and camp at designated areas; 3) Dispose of human waste and trash properly; 4) Leave what you find; 5) Minimize campfires; 6) Respect wildlife; 7) Respect other hikers.
Educated hikers do not damage the environment. Prepared hikers do not need search and rescue unless injured.
Winter Use: Hackensack Mountain is a popular mountain for snowshoeing in the winter.
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