Coney Mountain provides the grandest view of any short, easy hike in the Adirondack Park
Coney Mountain
1.1 miles (2.2 miles round trip)
Tupper Lake, Franklin County
Northern Adirondacks, six miles south of Tupper Lake
Hiking, Snowshoeing
Level of Difficulty: Easy
The Hike Up Coney Mountain
Coney Mountain is a great short hike in the Adirondack Park. Located at the southern edge of Franklin County, Coney Mountain is a small mountain accessed by a trailhead off of State Route 30, six miles south of Tupper Lake. The trail is entirely on public Forest Preserve lands and is part of the Horseshoe Lake Wild Forest. The 1.1-mile trail leading up to the Coney Mountain summit is relatively short and smooth with a spectacular 360-degree panoramic view. With interesting ecological features on the way up and plenty of trailhead and roadside parking down below, the trail is ideal for all levels of hikers looking for a quick journey with a high reward at the trail’s end.
The trail is well marked with blue disc trail markers nailed to trees and is well-worn and easy to follow. The trail starts on the western side of Coney Mountain, but wraps around the mountain and reaches the summit on the southeast side.
The trail begins with a mild ascent that approaches a pair of narrow wooden bog bridges that run next to a small creek. The trail then veers left and begins to curve gently around the mountain. Small stones along the trail require agile footwork and large boulders provide a pleasant touch to the surrounding forest of beech and ash, with a number of large white pine, hemlock, and sugar maple.
The Coney Mountain Hike Wraps around the Mountain
As the trail continues to circle the mountain, there are small eroded and wet areas. For a long stretch, the trail is smooth, with few stones complicating the path, which makes for easy, rhythmic hiking. There are many glacial erratics spread through the forest, plainly visible from the trail.
The last section of trail starts the ascent to the summit. The trail grows steeper and views begin to show through the trees A dicey stone staircase increases the elevation rapidly, and one scenic overlook gives way to a final stretch of trail on bedrock that leads to the mountaintop.
The Coney Mountain Summit is Wide Open
Once on the summit, the scene is spectacular, with beautiful views in all directions. The 360-degree panorama from the top of the mountain provides a clear shot of nearby Goodman Mountain, Mount Morris, and Tupper Lake. Views to the east show many High Peaks, including the Seward Range. To the west are views of Little Tupper Lake and Round Lake. To the southwest is Blue Mountain.
The viewing area on the open summit is sizeable with lots of places to sit or take pictures. Because the hike is short and relatively easy and the views are so stunning, expect to share the summit of Coney Mountain with other people.
After soaking in the stunning panoramic view, the return hike follows the same trail used on the way up. This is a beautiful hike, accessible for anyone who is comfortable with some steep sections and able to walk the full 2.2 miles.
Click here to download a map and trail directions for Coney 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 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: Coney Mountain is a popular mountain for snowshoeing in the winter. It is not practical for cross-country skiing.
