Stillwater Mountain is a short and easy hike to a small mountain with a firetower in the western Adirondacks
Stillwater Mountain
0.95 miles (1.9 miles round-trip)
Webb, Herkimer County
Western Adirondacks
Hiking, Snowshoeing
Level of Difficulty: Easy
NOTE: This trail is closed each year during big game hunting season from mid-October to early December.
The Hike up Stillwater Mountain
The hike up Stillwater Mountain leads to a great view. The trail up Stillwater Mountain is just under 1 mile long. The trail is well maintained, easy to follow, and provides an excellent view from a firetower on the summit. The trail is located at a parking area on the Big Moose Road between Big Moose Station and the hamlet of Stillwater at the west end of the Stillwater Reservoir. The trail starts on public Forest Preserve, in the Independence River Wild Forest Area, and ends in the Big Moose Conservation Easement tract.
The trail is highly accessible and wide. It starts at a wooden staircase in the parking area. After ascending the stairs, the trailhead register stands on the trailside. Make sure to sign in.
The initial section of the trail moves through northern hardwood forests with lots of beeches, maples and large-diameter yellow birches. There are many boardwalks and small bridges along the trail. After several hundred yards, the trail leaves the Forest Preserve and enters conservation easement lands where logging is allowed. There will be posted signs along the trail because while the public has the legal right to use the hiking trail the surrounding forest lands are leased to a private club.
The Trail up Stillwater Mountain is Easy, and Gradual
The trail is well designed and never particularly steep, though it climbs steadily, gradually gaining elevation. There are waterbars that cross the trail and more bog bridges that help to keep the trail dry and prevent erosion. The trail is in remarkably good condition.
The view is limited from the natural summit, so plan on utilizing the firetower. There is a picnic table near the base of the firetower. The firetower at the summit of Stillwater Mountain is well maintained and offers an excellent view of the rolling hills and small mountain ranges in the western Adirondacks. Forest clearcuts of the Lyme Timber Company, which owns the Big Moose Conservation Easement, are plainly visible to the south. The top level of the firetower offers panoramic views.
This short hike offers no significant challenges or obstacles and is an enjoyable and easy hike. The return trip is on the same trail.
Click here to download a map and trail directions for Stillwater 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: Stillwater Mountain is used for snowshoeing in the winter.
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