Mount Azure offers gorgeous views of the St. Lawrence Valley, the High Peaks of the Adirondacks AND Canada – all in just 1 short mile up.
Table of Contents
I Write with the Older Hiker in Mind
I tailor my hiking reviews to over 50 hikers. This is not to say the hike will be easy or short, older hikers are very capable, I’ve seen 70 year old hikers that can out hike most people. But what I am putting out there is special considerations for our older bodies.
You might notice I have a trail difficulty rating number listed below, please see my Hiker Resource Page to see how I come to this rating.
Basic Trail Information for Azure Mountain New York
- Trail Name: Azure Mountain Trail
- Location: Waverly, New York
- Length: 2 miles
- Elevation: 2518 feet
- Difficulty: moderate
- Duration: 1-2 hours
- Elevation Gain: ~1000 feet
- Type of Trail: out & back
- Who I Recommend this to: everyone who loves views
- What season did I go: Spring
- Gear Recommendations: for spring – bug spray, puffy for the top and trekking poles for the way down
- Cell service: spotty
- Water availability: no, bring some water
- Special Requirements: none, no permits needed and parking is free
- Must see feature: fire tower, views, glacial erratic boulders
- Note: outhouse available at the top
Location of Azure Mountain New York
My Experience Hiking Up the Azure Mountain Trail
“Be ready for some biting flies” Dan mentioned with a slight anxious voice. He was placing a spray can filled with DEET in his backpack.
“The WHAT?!” I asked.
“Biting flies”.
That’s what I thought I heard. Dan had mentioned that spring here in the North Country would cold for a bit, rainy, beautiful but flying bugs are everywhere and this includes biting flies and mosquitos. For this hike we only had to worry about the flies that you don’t feel on your skin then suddenly there’s blood.
All the way to the trailhead all I could think of was the fact that I haven’t used bug spray in years and I lived outdoors in my RV as well as hiked and backpacked 1000s of miles all over the country. I literally can’t remember the last time I sprayed myself with the stuff, maybe it was in Colorado off the San Juan River, that place was full of mosquitos! I’ll admit, I was getting a little anxious about this whole flying, biting bug thing here in the North Country.
Read: Free RV Camping at West Fork San Juan River
Arriving at the trailhead there were a couple of cars but ample room for a few more. Azure Mountain is in the Northern Adirondacks and the one thing I’ve noticed so far with these trails is there’s plenty of parking. (So far with one exception – Ampersand Mountain, which is very popular.)
Before the engine was shut off I grabbed the can of DEET jumped out of the car and started spraying myself. Yuck! I remember this nasty smell and taste but I’m willing to deal with being uncomfortable for a few minutes than having bites that itch for days.
Be sure to watch my video for all the adventure of my hike up to Azure Mountain on YouTube.
So far my account of this trail is negative but believe me, this hike is fun, so keep reading.
I’ve noticed all the hikes I’ve been on in New York have a trail register, so be sure to sign yourself in to let the organization that maintains the trail know. Dan always signs in and looks for anyone he knows, I always find this amusing.
The Azure Mountain trail is well marked and at this time of year, early spring, the trees are just beginning to grow out their foliage. The few flowers have popped out of rocky areas make up for the gloomy vibes the forest gives off. Yet as I climbed I noticed it was quite nice to be able to see the views below through the leafless trees.
This hike is no joke, it climbs fast – 1 mile up for almost 1000 feet. Apparently, early people on these mountains didn’t want switchbacks built into their mountains so they opted for straight up to get to the top as fast as possible. Don’t let the climb spook you from hiking this trail, there are plenty of resting locations along the way.
At about a mile you see the 35′ fire tower. It was built over 100 years ago and restored more recently. If you are one to not be scared of heights it will call to you at this point to come climb it. I’m not so lucky, my acrophobia kicks in at the 2nd story.
At the top you’re rewarded with amazing views of the St. Lawrence Valley, the High Peaks of the Adirondacks AND Canada! Be sure to explore the top and hangout a bit to enjoy the quiet. And to also visit the lone boulder that has been sitting at the top for 1000s of years.
Helpful Takeaways
Suggested gear and information for this hike that I found very helpful and made the hike a much more pleasant experience.
- Trekking Poles – for the way down, save those knees
- I hiked this trail in Spring and the biting flies are out for blood – BRING DEET!
Online Resources for this Trail
- Please Leave No Trace when enjoying the outdoors
- Good eats featured in my video – The Red Pine Cone in S. Colton, NY
- More info about this wonderful trail at the Friends of Mount Azure website
FAQs for Azure Mountain for Older Hikers
Yes, your fido friend is welcome on the trail. Please leash your dog and pick after your dog. Nobody likes poo on the trail.
The road to Azure Mountain trail head is dirt and passable with most cars during the summer and dryer months. Special precautions should be taken during muddy, snowy or icy conditions.
There is a steep climb to the top but is still recommended for most hikers. The trail is well maintained and easy to follow. Stop for a breath is needed.
It’s accessible year-round but summer and fall are the most beautiful and easily accessible.
Yes, it’s a great way to get views of the Adirondacks, Canada and the High Peaks here in New York.
Watch My Hike of Azure Mountain Trail on YouTube
Thank You for Stopping By!
Hi, I’m Allie, obsessed hiker, explorer of our world and reinventor of my life in my 50s.
Let’s wander, grow, and figure it out together.
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