Let’s hike Mount Arab in Adirondack Park, New York. One mile to the top gives you breathtaking views and a cool fire tower! Grab a trail guide to learn about the flora and fauna as you climb past birch and cherry trees, glacial remnants and views that go on for miles.
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 Mount Arab Trail
- Trail Name: Mount Arab Trail
- Location: Tupper Lake, New York, Adirondacks
- Length: 2 miles
- Difficulty: 56 Moderate
- Duration: 1-2 hours
- Elevation Gain: 741 feet
- Type of Trail: out and back
- Who I Recommend this to: everyone who loves fire towers and views
- What season did I go: early Spring
- Gear Recommendations: trekking poles, puffy jacket
- Cell service: none/spotty
- Water availability: no
- Special Requirements: none, parking is free
- Must see feature: trail guide, glacial erratics, fire tower and cabin and views of the Adirondacks
- Potty available at the top
Location of Mount Arab Trail
My Experience on the Mount Arab Trail as an Older Hiker
Spring in New York state is not what this California native expected. The stories I grew up with stated “April showers bring May flowers”. Well, it’s May and there’s even more rain than April and few flowers to experience yet.
Cold and rainy are not the most favorable hiking conditions in May. Yet I have but one day this weekend off and I’m not wasting it inside. I’m going to hike a mountain – Mount Arab.
This beautiful New York hike is located in the famous Adirondack Park. Not necessarily considered a long or high altitude hike like some of the more famous 46ers, but it’s still the perfect way to spend an afternoon.
Mount Arab Trail turned out to be unexpectedly fun, informative and beautiful.
Greeting you not 20 feet into the trail is a sign-in kiosk, local information and a trail guide. To my delight the guide contained 10 designated stops along the way to learn about nature. (I made a copy of the guide here for you to print or download just in case there are none at the trailhead.) We placed our names, Dank and AllieRambles, in the log book, took a sip of water, grabbed the trail guide and headed out.
Almost immediately the trail climbs. Being one of my first hikes of spring this didn’t thrill me. I knew my 54 year old butt may be sore the next day. But it’s just a mile, I’m surely not turning back now.
This very early spring morning we seemed to be the only hikers on trail yet as we approached the summit families and groups of all ages were descending.
The trail guide was fun to follow, stopping every so often to read and learn about the flora and fauna of the region. To me, being outdoors and on trail is not just about walking outside but it’s also about learning the natural and historical facts.
Just shy of the summit, about a mile up, we got our first glance of the views from above! It was a lake. Two, actually – Mount Arab and Eagle Crag Lakes. Dan and I decided to stop for a bit to sit on a rock and enjoy Clif Bars.
Being of the restless type, I needed to move on to the top. I was excited to see the Adirondacks from above! I wasn’t disappointed to turn a bend to find the fire tower and observation cabin. Of course my acrophobia kept me from climbing to the top of the tower so I stayed at the 2 level and sorta enjoyed the view from there. If you do make it to the top there are 360° views of the high peaks in the Adirondacks and many lakes.
We hunkered down away from the chilly wind and cold to enjoy our lunch on the cabin porch, took in gorgeous views then headed back down.
You can watch the hike on my YouTube channel –> Hiking Mount Arab in New York
Helpful Takeaways
Suggested gear and information for this hike that I found very helpful and made the hike a much more pleasant experience.
- Take trekking poles to save your knees on the way down
- Grab a trail guide at the trail head. I took a photo of mine and left it behind for future hiker use. You can find a copy of the Mount Arab Trail Guide here to print or download.
- Bring a warm jacket for the top, it can get windy and cold up there.
- Bring binoculars to take in the views more intimately.
Online Resources for this Trail
- Please Leave No Trace when enjoying the outdoors
- Print or download my Mt Arab Trail Guide PDF. There was only 1 at the trail that I used and left behind. (Coming soon)
- Visit Friends of Mount Arab site
- Read more about the history of Mount Arab here
What To Do In the Area Before or After Your Hike
- Bring lunch. You can enjoy lunch on the porch of the cabin, in the fire tower or looking at the views
- Visit Tupper Lake for more fun and food
FAQs for Mount Arab Trail for Older Hikers
Yes! There is a porta potty at the top of the mountain for your convenience potty privacy.
Definitely! At the top is a 360° view of the Adirondacks. It’s worth the climb to the top of the fire tower.
Yep! Your fido friend would love a great hike up the mountain as long as he or she is on leash.
Watch My Hike of Mt Arab 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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