Mount Arab is a short, easy 1-mile-hike that leads to an open summit with a firetower that provides sweeping 360-degree views of the lakes, forests, and mountains of the northern Adirondacks.
Mount Arab
1 mile (2 miles round-trip)
Piercefield, St. Lawrence County
Northern Adirondacks
Hiking, snowshoeing
Level of Difficulty: Easy
The Hike Up Mount Arab
Mount Arab is an easy 1-mile hike in the northern Adirondacks along the Route 3 corridor, west of Tupper Lake and Piercefield. The trail is on public Forest Preserve in the Horseshoe Lake Wild Forest area and the Conifer Emporium Conservation Easement. Mount Arab is part of the family-friendly Tupper Lake Triad and features well-designed water-bars, stone staircases, and a fantastic 360-degree view from a tall firetower on the summit.
The Mount Arab Hiking Trail
The trailhead is located opposite the parking area Mount Arab Road, south of Route 3, a left turn before reaching Conifer. The trail begins with a quick ascent that starts just past the trail register. After a short distance, the trail curves gently to the left flattens out, and passes over numerous water-bars and raised sections. The trail is heavily worn in places, but easy to follow.
At approximately the 0.33-mile mark, the trail passes through several steep sections, including several stone staircases and one sturdy wooden staircase. The trail then flattens out into a muddy stretch that runs along the mountain’s ridgeline. Here, wooden walkways lead hikers through a curvy, birch-filled path that arrives at a trail fork at the 0.8-mile mark. Two routes are offered: one that ascends directly towards the summit, and another that snakes more gently to the top.
The Mount Arab Summit
Both trails at the fork lead to the mountaintop and firetower. The summit is open and grassy. There are several large open rock areas for sitting and for enjoying the view. The Friends of Mount Arab and Department of Environmental Conservation provide education and interpretation materials at the restored Observer’s Cabin along with benches for sitting. The panoramic view from the firetower provides great views of Mount Arab Lake and Eagle Crag Lake in the southwest and Tupper Lake stretches out in the southeast. High Peaks stand in the distance.
The trail down follows the same route hiked in.
Click here to download a map and trail directions for Mount Arab.
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: Mount Arab is a popular mountain for snowshoeing in the winter.
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