Easy Short Adirondack Hikes: Owl's Head Mountain (Keene/Keene Valley)

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Owl's Head Mountain
Keene, NY
Distance: 0.6-mile
Elevation: 2,120'
Ascent: 476'

There are a few mountain named Owl's Head around the Adirondacks. This small mountain in Keene can be seen from the Rt. 73 when you drive south from Lake Placid NY past the trail entrance to Pitchoff and Cascade Mountains.

What looks like a little bump in a High Peaks backdrop is really a beautiful climb for people of all hiking ages and abilities.
With over 300 activities including
 33 easy hikes, 19 swimming holes/waterfalls,
XC skiing/snowshoe trails,
and 21 historic sites. 


As outlined in my first Adirondack Family Activities™ guidebook, Adirondack Family Time™ Tri-Lakes and High Peaks: Your Four-Season Guide to Over 300 activities this is a short 1.1-mile roundtrip climb. Owl's Head Mountain is completely situated on private property and only accessible through the generosity of the property owner. 

The trail is unmarked, but it is a popular trail therefore easy to follow the well-used path. My children first climbed this trail when they were each about  three-years-old so this hike is suitable for all abilities. 

There are plenty of rocks and roots. Of course, anyone with shorter legs may need a boost now and again, but the path is manageable.  

The trail will have you climbing over rock faces and switchbacks. The first rock overlook yields beautiful views of Cascade and Pitchoff to the north. 

This trail is a popular spot for summer wild blueberry picking. Continue along the path for another viewing point. This is also a popular spot for rock climbing/repelling groups. 

At the summit there is plenty of room to explore with beautiful views from all directions. Be careful near the edge though, Owl's Head has some steep cliffs. 

On Rt. 73, about 3.5 miles from the Cascade trailhead, turn onto Owl’s Head Lane. Bear to the right and continue 0.2 miles until you come to a Y. The trailhead is slightly to the left. There is a handmade sign stating "trail." Park to the left, off to the side. There isn’t a parking area. Please be considerate. The Owl’s Head trailhead is on and surrounded by private property.

© Diane Chase is the author of the Adirondack Family Activities™ guidebook series, Adirondack Family Time™, which is available online or bookstores/museums/sporting good stores. Diane is currently working on the third guidebook in the four-book series of Adirondack Family Activities™.
Location: Keene, NY 12942, USA

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