I had previously hiked Nun-da-ga-o Ridge and Weston Mountains in a
counterclockwise direction, a few years ago. During that trip, I had
hoped to hike the Crows as well, but I was running late with time. So a
trip back was in order, and I had a beautiful day to hike as well. On my
previous trip I had brought my dog Dingo, so he accompanied me today
too.
We arrived at the trail-head at the end of the O'Toole Rd at Crow Clearing at 08:50 and were soon on the trail.
Overall this is a short hike out and back. I logged about .8 miles from
the parking area to the summit of Big Crow. Some areas of the trail are
steep, but short-lived sections. The summit of Big Crow is at 2,815
feet. There were many views along the way to the summit. The summit
itself has some wonderful views of the Adirondacks high peaks, Pitchoff
mountains, and many others. The trail continues, dropping down to Little
Crow and ultimately to Hurricane Road. I opted to return from Little
Crow by going back to the Crow Clearing via Big Crow.
On the trip back I enjoyed the summit of Big Crow to myself for almost an hour.
Start time 08:56
Finished time 11:54
Total distance 2.3 miles round trip
2.58.37 elapsed time
0.8 average speed
What a beautiful day for a hike, blue sky and perfect temperatures. This whole weekend has been fantastic weather.
I had heard about this hike from Scott (Winterwarlock) on more than one
occasion. He mentioned it offered some wonderful views, and was a
really nice short hike. So today I set out to hike Snow mountain, and
see for myself what he described. He didn't disappoint.
As I said previously, it was a picture perfect day to spend in the
woods. The temperatures were cooler, down from the previous 2 weeks
where we were in the upper 80's for several days. This morning temps
were 38 degrees, and when I finished it was 62. Mother nature has turned
the page, and now the temps are more seasonal.
When I arrived at the trail-head on Route 73, just south of the
Noonmark Diner, I was met with an almost full parking lot. This
surprised me as I half expected to not see it this full, on a Sunday.
Although, I also noticed the parking areas for Hurricane Mt and Baxter
Mt were also full. I guess everyone was taking advantage of the weather.
This would be my first hike this season with my winter pack, I was
curious how I would do. I left the car at 9am and signed in. Based on
those who signed in before me, nobody was heading to Snow. Rooster Comb
and the Great Range were a many's destination, what a pleasant surprise!
The trail follows along what used to be a small body of water near the
high school. Presently it is almost dried up. Not sure if it has been
drained for a reason, or if it has really been that dry. Just beyond the
pond the trail crosses over a footbridge and then begins the uphill
climb navigating through switchbacks up to the first junction at around
.7 miles, at which then branches on to Snow Mt to the left, or continue
straight to Roostercomb and beyond to the Great Range.
The trail was pretty dry and easy to follow, any brooks I did cross
over were either dried up, or low. The hike was pretty easy, gradual
incline, with a few short sections that were steeper.
The next trail junctions at 1.1 miles with a spur trail back to Rooster
Comb, or turns left towards Snow mountain and Saint Huberts. The Flume
brook was low, but provided a great spot for the pups to get a drink.
From here it was a short .3 to the junction that takes you to Snow
mountain to the left, or continue on to Saint Huberts. From this point
the remaining .5 miles to the summit of Snow mountain navigating through
a short rock scramble just below the summit. Once above the scramble
its partial-open and fairly flat with views in almost every direction. I
arrived at the summit around 11am, and had the summit to myself for
about 30 minutes.
Start time was 9am
Distance: 2.4 mi. to summit
4.8 miles round trip
Average speed was 1.2 miles
Arrived back at the car 1:05pm
