Magical forest hike perfect for the whole family. Let’s hike out and back for 2.7 miles on Tooley Pond Mountain Trail. Though it’s a mountain, it’s not too tall and I never found a view but the hike was pleasantly calming and I even left a message for the forest fairies in their tiny home.
Table of Contents
Basic Trail Information for Tooley Pond Mountain Trail
- Location: North Country New York
- Length: 2.70 miles
- Elevation: 1400 – 1700 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
- Duration: 1-1.5 hours
- Elevation Gain: 470 feet
- Type of Trail: Out and Back (can be a loop if you road walk)
- Who I Recommend this to: Everyone, great for families
- What season did I go: Early Autumn
- Gear Recommendations: none special
- Cell service: spotty
- Water availability: no
- Special Requirements: none, parking and entrance is free
- Must see feature: changing leaves, fairy cottage
Location of Tooley Pond Mountain Trail
My Experience on Tooley Pond Mountain Trail
Hiking solo this cool early autumn day I set out on my midweek day off of work to Tooley Pond Road. This road is known more for it’s (at least) 8 beautiful waterfalls. But today I want to see more of the Grass River Wild Forest so I headed out for a short climb to the top of Tooley Pond Mountain.
Also read: Lampson and Rainbow Falls: New York Winter Hiking
It’s the beginning of Autumn in North Country New York and the trees are already in full bright red, orange and yellow mood! I don’t have time this to get to any higher peaks in the Adirondacks and I want a new trail to explore so I choose Tooley Pond Mountain Trail.
Though I’m not going to be privy to amazing views of reds, oranges and golden this trail is still beautiful in the Fall and easily accessible.
Rain from yesterday soaked the ground and plants as I set out after parking in the western lot. My plan was to hike up the .75 miles up the mountain, come back down, hike to the eastern parking lot and back. I found out pretty quick that I was going to get a little wet and maybe muddy but that’s all part of hiking in this part of New York in early Fall.
As I walked on the well marked trail I found some muddy patches but mostly dry forest ground. It was a partly cloudy but somewhat warm day, I’m glad I decided to get out on my day off.
Not too far in I came across tall grasses and bushes, I was reminded to do a tick check at home just in case. And thinking about the dangers on trail, I remembered a few weeks back I came across a black bear near Wolf Lake, this reminded me to yell “hey bear” every few 100 feet- just in case.
Gradually climbing, just shy of the trail up the mountain there is a trail off to the left that takes you to the eastern parking lot, I’ll be taking that in a few moments but first I head to the top.
I’ll admit, the top of the mountain was anticlimactic. Either I missed something along the way or there is no views from up here- just trees. It was still worth the short climb.
Heading back down, I found the fork in the trail and headed to the left (east). The trail continues to meander up and down through the forest for another .6 miles to the eastern parking lot. And I turned around.
Normally, this would be the end of my account of the Tooley Pond Mountain Road yet on the way back I noticed something out of the corner of my eye- a sign on a tree. As I approached I noticed a small doll house size cabin replica. It was a fairy house placed by Nature Up North. What a sweet idea, especially if you’re hiking with kids!
Happy Trails!
Helpful Takeaways
Suggested gear and information for this hike that I found very helpful and made the hike a much more pleasant experience.
- Some of the trail is covered in grasses and bushes but still passable- be sure to check yourself for ticks
- Though there are no signs of bear, be aware they could be present.
Resources for this Trail
- My hike of Tooley Pond Mountain Trail on Alltrails
- October Brings Fairies to the North Country!
- Please Leave No Trace when enjoying the outdoors
What To Do In the Area Before or After Your Hike
- Check out the famous waterfalls along Tooley Pond Road
- Bring lunch and hang out at Tooley Pond
FAQs for Tooley Pond Mountain Trail
For sure! This family friendly trail includes your favorite canine companion, just be sure to leash them.
As an avid but older hiker I’d rate this as easy to moderate. There is a slight incline and decline much of the trail with some rocks and roots but overall it’s easy to follow and a great walk in the woods.
Yes and the trail can be hiked all year too. Although, winter does pose some challenges. Tooley Road has limited maintenance in the winter so 4×4 is recommended. And snow shoes are recommended if you hit the trail in winter.
What Do You Think? Would You Hike Here?
I absolutely loved this trail! It’s a great way to get outdoors for a bit to enjoy a great forest walk. I can’t wait to try it in the winter!
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 and grow outdoors together!
- Subscribe to get new articles in your inbox AND discounts on my outdoor merch.
- Be sure to check out my hiking posts that get you outside
- Read more of my Most Popular Posts
Support your local bookstore & Allie, buy HIKING & OUTDOOR books I recommend at Bookshop.org. (Affiliate)
Find this post helpful? Please share with your friends and on social media. THX!
This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I use, trust, or genuinely believe will be helpful. Thank you for supporting Allie Rambles. Full affiliate disclosure here.
