Wakely Mountain Hike

On September 9th, I arrived at the trailhead near the end of Cedar River Road by about 6:30AM.  No one had signed up for this event so I decided to start early and doublehead this trip with the one up Gore Mountain (which had been scheduled for the day before, but due to lack of interest and the potential for serious late afternoon storms, I delayed this one for Sunday as well).  On the way to the trailhead in the morning I saw two downed trees...one on top of a car in Warrensburg and one in the road in Indian Lake.  I wasn't sure I would be able to get down Cedar River Road, but as it turned out there had been some minor tree damage, but someone had already gone down the road and cleared it...going all the way to Inlet from what I understand...the Moose River Plains area is a popular camping area.

I quickly got ready and headed out.  The first two miles up to a beaver pond area was along an old tote/jeep trail.  It was mostly wide, but washed out in several areas.  It was also an easy grade for this initial portion of the hike and it followed Wakely Brook a good part of the way.  Along the way there was what appeared to be parts of an old truck in the woods.  I made it to the end of the jeep trail at about 7:15AM and I went out slightly into the clearing where a beaver pond was.  It was mostly dry, but didn't check it out much more until my return.  The early morning fog was finally lifting and it was partly cloudy with sun showing through at times.  From this point it was only another mile to the summit.  The trail immediately became persistently aggressive as it climbed the mountain.  Still for a mountain of 3766 feet of elevation the hike up was fairly quick with some views through the trees near the top (mostly to the south).  Just prior to reachin the summit there was a large clearing with a newly constructed platform.  I'm wasn't sure of its purpose, but it appeared large enough as a helipad.  There was alot of junk and construction materials near by, so it appeared to be a staging area for materials for the fire tower restoration.

A short distance later, I emerged into another clearing where the fire tower and fire warden's cabin was located (8AM).  The 82-foot tower was impressive.  I climbed up to just below the cab for some incredible views...in all directions (the wire messing around the stairs stopped just below the cab).  The High Peaks were evident, but the valleys were still covered in clouds.  It was pretty windy and brisk and at times it was hard to stand still.  Still the views were well worth it.

I checked out the boarded-up cabin and after a rest up at the top, I started heading back.  The trip down was quick and I once again reached the clearing at the base where I had noticed the beaver pond.  I headed out and to my surprise there was an incredible view back to Wakely with a clear view of the fire tower.  After some time here exploring, I headed back to the main trail and started back along the jeep trail.  I made it back to the parking lot by 9:30AM. 

I drove the additional mile down to the Cedar River Flow to check it out.  It was a beautiful area, but it was grey and overcast looking down the flow from the dam.  It's an area I would definitely like to explore more next year.  I started back up the road and at 10AM just made sure noone else had showed up for the hike at the last minute.  I then made my way back up to Indian Lake and headed to North Creek for the hike up Gore Mountain.

Join me for this 6.4 mile hike into one of the more remote sections of the central Adirondack Mountains. Two-thirds of the hike to Wakely Mountain are on an old road trail, which is relatively flat; the final mile climb is relatively steep to the summit.  The summit (3766') is wooded, however, there is a observation tower with unobstructed 360-degree views. The 82-foot tower is one of the highest in New York State. This gives a unique perspective of the West Canada Lakes wilderness area to the south, and great views of the high peaks to the north on clear days. You will not find crowds on this mountain! It's a great place for peace and solitude.  The total elevation change is 1650 feet.

We'll also visit the Wakely Dam and Cedar River Flow before leaving the area.  This is approximately 0.2 mile from the trailhead and we can walk the short distance to take in the views.

Rain or harsh weather will postpone to another date or cancel, as appropriate.

What to Bring:  Typical summer hiking gear should be appropriate:  shorts or convertible hiking pants, good sturdy hiking boots with thick socks and a windbreaker/raingear.  Your boots should have good traction.  Also bring along lunch, snacks and plenty of water (at least 2-L).  Optionally, pack bug repellent and sunscreen and anything else that you may require for a day hike.

Afterwards:  If there is sufficient interest, we will have drinks and/or dinner down the road in Indian Lake.

Camping Option:  I will be camping on Saturday.  If anyone is interested in joining me, please contact me or leave a comment when signing up and I will contact you.