If you’re looking for a quick but very rewarding hike in the Northern Adirondacks, Pinnacle Mountain is your spot! Located just a short distance on a side dirt road from Route 458, near the town of Santa Clara, New York, Pinnacle Mountain Trail is a great spot for enjoying a warm sunset. And that’s exactly how I enjoyed my evening after work one day.
Table of Contents
Basic Trail Information for Pinnacle Mountain Trail
- Trail Name: Pinnacle Mountain Trail
- Location: Northern Adirondacks near Santa Clara, New York
- Length: 1.1 miles
- Elevation: 1812 feet
- Difficulty: Easy with rating of 26 (Please see my Hiker Resource Page to see how I come to this rating.)
- Duration: 1 hour (longer if you linger for sunset)
- Elevation Gain: 295 feet
- Type of Trail: out and back
- Who I Recommend this to: everyone who loves hiking
- What season did I go: early summer
- Gear Recommendations: light jacket for the top, trekking poles for the downhill, DEET, headlamp if doing sunset hike
- Cell service: ? I didn’t test it but you’re remote so don’t expect service
- Water availability: none
- Special Requirements: none, parking is free
- Must see feature: views of the Adirondack peaks, beaver pond below, Azure Mountain and St. Lawrence Valley
Location of Pinnacle Mountain Trail Northern Adirondacks
My Experience on The Pinnacle in New York State
I’m ashamed to admit this as an avid hiker – I’ve never done a sunset hike.
For years now I’ve been an early morning hiker. You know the ones. They break all the spiderwebs, eat breakfast at the top and are back at their car while most are just arriving to the trailhead.
But this warm New York day called for a first for me- a sunset hike after work.
Pinnacle Mountain in the is not a strenuous hike but it does climb. At the top is the most amazing views of Adirondack features like Azure Mountain (which I’ve hiked, click to read about it) and the St. Lawrence Valley. What I really love is spotting things like the beaver pond or small houses below.
Getting to the top is about a 1/2 mile climb up switchbacks (I know! Switchbacks are rare in these parts!). You’ll pass magnificent glacial erratics (boulders that were dumped here over 10,000 years ago but glaciers), beech and maple trees and lichen called Rock Tripe and more, all in just 1/2 mile!
But the real lure is the top! In just a short distance you are rewarding with beautiful views of the St. Lawrence Valley. You can be like me and bring a snack to enjoy at the picnic table provided. Or simply sit on the massive boulders to take in the peaceful, grandeur that is North Country 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.
- Bring DEET spray is you’re here between late Spring and Summer – the biting flies can be voracious
- Don’t forget your headlamp for the trek back in the dark
Online Resources for this Trail
- Please Leave No Trace when enjoying the outdoors
- Wonderful article from Adirondack Explorer about a grandpa taking his 2 year old grandson on this hike
FAQs for Pinnacle Mountain Trail
Heck ya! Bring Fido along for some great hiking. Just remember to keep him or her on a leash and pick up after your dog.
This trail is short and rewarding. The switchbacks make it very accessible to most people during the summer months and beyond. It’s family friendly and a great way to get outdoors.
Yes. There is plenty of free parking.
Definitely bring bug spray is you’re here in the Spring and Summer like I was. Also pack a light jacket for the top, water, and if doing the sunset hike bring a headlamp.
Watch My Hike of Pinnacle Mountain in the Northern Adirondacks
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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