Peaked Mountain is a terrific 3.4-mile hike along Thirteenth Lake that climbs to a mountain with stunning vistas of the Siamese Ponds Wilderness
Peaked Mountain
3.4 miles (6.8 miles round-trip)
Johnsburg, Warren County
Central Adirondacks
Hiking, Snowshoeing, Cross-Country Skiing
Hike Up Peaked Mountain
Hike Peaked Mountain, in northern Warren County, in the Adirondack Park. Peaked Mountain is a 2,919-foot mountain whose trailhead is accessed from the Thirteenth Lake parking lot just off of Beach Road and Thirteenth Lake Road in North River, just outside of North Creek in Warren County. The 3.4-mile Peaked Mountain trail is routed entirely on public Forest Preserve lands and is part of the Siamese Ponds Wilderness Area.
The trail to Peaked Mountain traverses a mile of shoreline on Thirteenth Lake, runs alongside major streams, passes a remote pond, campsites, a major wetland, and winds through beautiful forests with an abundance of wildflowers. Peaked Mountain offers a phenomenal view from the summit overlooking Peaked Mountain Pond and a spectacular array of wetlands, ridges, and mountains in the Siamese Ponds Wilderness and beyond. This trail is well-marked and under-utilized, a perfect hike for those looking for an escape in the outdoors with a chance to relax, and go for a swim after climbing the mountain. The many campsites on Thirteenth Lake and Peaked Mountain Pond create an opportunity to make this trip into an overnight or longer.
The Peaked Mountain Trail Winds through Beautiful Forests and Streams
The trail begins at the parking lot to Thirteenth Lake and runs along the north shore of the lake for nearly a mile. Numerous overlooks have great views of the lake and the trail is extremely pleasant. Two campsites and a privy offer good places for those looking to take a quick break. At approximately 1 mile, the trail veers to the right at the intersection with the Peaked Mountain Brook, a major stream often gushing with water. Yellow trail markers lead the way to Peaked Mountain Pond and the trail mainly follows the stream and has several stone staircases.
The trail to the pond runs about 0.5 miles. There are numerous wet areas, and a stepping-stone bridge crosses the brook. The surrounding forest is mid-successional maple and beech. An extensive wetland provides a view of Peaked Mountain in the distance. At this point, over three-qu
arters of the way to the summit, the trail reaches Peaked Mountain Pond and hooks around it on a rolling path. There are campsites at the pond and the trail winds through a lovely forest dotted with Pink ladyslippers.
The Summit of Peaked Mountain in Rocky and Open with Great Views
Just after the pond, the ascent to the summit begins. Flanked by large erratics, the trail pushes higher with the help of stone staircases and steps of exposed tree roots. Red maples line this part of the trail and soon, a gently inclined path gives way to a series of steep, rocky stretches. These require a degree of scrambling up and over rocks, but the climb is manageable. Make sure to follow the yellow trail markers to stay on track to the summit.
Just before reaching the top, scenic overlooks start to appear on large bedrock slabs that offer the first expansive views. The forest grows thick at this point with small spruce that wrap the Peaked Mountain summit.
Once on top, the summit of Peaked Mountain opens up with a large rock clearing. The rocky summit provides lots of places to sit or to look out over the landscape. The surrounding views are spectacular. Peaked Mountain Pond and wetlands in the Siamese Ponds Wilderness are visible. The 180-degree view looks to the south and west, and the scenes are breathtaking of a sea of small mountains that spreads out to the horizon. A 1942 Geological Survey marker is fixed in the summit rock.
The trail out is the same as the hike in. Be careful on the descent, and then enjoy the reward of a mile hike along Thirteenth Lake to cap off a terrific hike. This is a beautiful hike, accessible for anyone who is comfortable and able to walk the full 6.4 miles round trip.
Click here to download a map and trail directions for Peaked Mountain.
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 all 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: Peaked Mountain is used for snowshoeing in the winter as well as for cross-country skiing.
