Hike Poke-O-Moonshine Mountain
Dive into the middle of the Adirondack mountains and hike Poke-O-Moonshine Mountain!
Hike the commanding summit and up to the fire tower. Once you reach the top, enjoy a 360-degree view of the High Peaks and Green Mountains in Vermont, Lake Champlain and the Champlain Valley. To get to these peaks, you have the option of hiking two trails that vary in steepness.
The Trails
The Observer’s Trail is a new 1.9-mile route that ascends 1,280 feet from the trailhead to the summit. Along this trail, hikers go through forestry and some beaver ponds. Also, this trail, while longer than the original route, is less steep making it a slightly easier hike.
The Ranger Trail is the original 1.8-mile route that ascends 1,280 feet from the trailhead to the summit. Although this trail is steeper, stone steps, trail reroutes and photogenic rock features make this route the more scenic. This route is the most popular to hike as it is the shorter and steeper route.
In total, you will climb approximately 2,170 feet up the Poke-O-Moonshine and walk a roundtrip distance of 3.6 miles. Along with the mountain being a great place to hike, visitors can also go snowshoeing, ice climbing and rock climbing. Poke-O-Moonshine is said to be one of the best places to climb in the Northeast. The mountain has more than 250 climbing routes and a variety of cliff faces.
Learn More About the Hike!
Poke-O-Moonshine is an incredible mountain to hike with the picturesque views of Vermont and upstate New York. To learn more about the mountain and when the fire tower is open, please visit the Friends of Poke-O-Mountain Website.
“Great hike. Lots of stepping stones at the beginning to reach the top, two gorgeous lookouts before you reach the summit.”
—Amanda F, AllTrails
Take Amtrak to the Mountain
Experience this unforgettable destination via Amtrak to the Port Kent Station in the Adirondack Mountains—Don’t forget to use the New York By Rail 15% discount!
Where to Stay in the Adirondacks
Looking for a getaway opportunity? Spend the night and experience all the Adirondacks has to offer. Take a look at these great hotel options—some offering exclusive New York By Rail discounts!
