The Adirondacks has been one of my favorite places to hike for a long time now. There’s SUCH a variety of hikes that it’s a great spot for anyone to visit. Even some of the shortest hikes can get you an amazing view! But there are also long, challenging hikes, and multi-day backpacking options if you’re looking for something a bit tougher.
Recently a friend and I visited the Adirondack region for exactly 24 hours. So we tried to squeeze in as much as we could! First up was Azure Mountain. It’s on the way to the Adirondacks so it made sense for us to stop, break up the drive a bit, and hike this little mountain on the Friday night that we went up.
Azure Mountain is part of the Fire Tower Challenge, and offers amazing, wide-open views for very little work.
The fire tower on top of Azure Mountain.
Quick Facts
Length: 3 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Trailhead Coordinates: 44.537787, -74.485284
Washroom at Trailhead: Yes (a very tiny, not maintained outhouse)
Dogs Allowed: Yes
Cell Reception: Spotty
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Parking: Right at the trailhead.
Cost: Free
Open in Winter: Yes
Getting There
Parking for the Azure Mountain trail is right at the trailhead near Saint Regis Falls in New York. You can use these coordinates to get there: 44.537787, -74.485284. Blue Mountain Road on the way in was a long dirt/gravel road that was in pretty good shape. The short road to the parking lot had a few potholes but nothing I couldn’t easily dodge! In the parking lot there was space for about 15 cars, but the most we ever saw on a Friday night was 5.
I used the tiny, unmaintained outhouse beside the parking lot mostly for privacy. There were no garbage cans or other facilities at the trailhead, and honestly not anywhere close from what I had seen driving in. Driving out after our hike on Blue Mountain Road we drove in the opposite direction we had come- it was a LONG road in the middle of absolutely nowhere with not many houses around. Due to the spring melt the road still had some snow, a lot of mud, and huge puddles. I wouldn’t have loved driving a car along it and I was happy to have my jeep.
The Trailhead
But back to the hike! The trail began unceremoniously at the back of the parking lot, on what was wide enough to be an ATV trail. Before setting out we made sure to sign-in at the registry. This helps officials know who is on the mountain when, in case a rescue is needed or thought to be needed.
At first, it was level and easy. But after just 500 metres we began to climb uphill, and from this point on the uphill wouldn’t stop. But the ascent remained consistent and (kind of) gradual, which helped. The footing was easy with a few roots and rocks scattered about, but for the most part we could always find a level dirt section to put our feet down on.
This picture is on the way back – but you can still see the elevation gain and how well-worn the trail is!
Mud Season
Even in late April the trail was pretty dry. We had chosen this hike specifically because it was recommended for “mud season” in the Adirondacks. Mud season is early in the spring when things are melting and trails are vulnerable to erosion, especially those at higher elevation. Despite the huffing and puffing I was doing, Azure Mountain is a hike at low elevation. So we knew we weren’t putting the environment at risk with this choice.
We followed red trail markers all the way up although for the most part the trail was so well-worn that we could easily pick it out ourselves. We DID get off trail once coming down as we got onto a herd path, but the marking had been consistent enough that the lack of red markers clued us in pretty quickly!
Trail markers we followed along the trail.
The Summit!
It took us just 45 minutes to get to the top of Azure mountain where an unreal view and a fire tower were waiting for us.
We climbed up to the top of the tower which made the view open up even more, and spent a few minutes up there being blasted by the wind and enjoying the view.
After a few pictures we set back down the way we had come. A few people were getting themselves set up to watch the sunset, which seemed like a great idea but we still had a few hours to drive so we were on our way.
The view from the top.
Trail Thoughts
By the time we had arrived back at the parking lot we had hiked a total of 3 km. We had covered that distance in just an hour and a half. Azure Mountain is a perfect hike for families and kids (in my opinion)! Because it’s just challenging enough to make it feel like you’re hiking a mountain (makes sense ‘cuz you are!) and the views are SO rewarding! Plus the fire tower is a really fun feature.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – I love the Adirondacks!
Looking out of the Azure Mountain fire tower.
Map and Elevation Gain
My GPS tracked route of the Azure Mountain trail.
Whenever I’m hiking somewhere new, I tend to wonder about who was on, and who took care of that land before me. I’ve enjoyed using this website as a place to start learning more about the Indigenous people whose land I’m on: Native-land.ca.
Elevation gain along the trail.
Gear I Brought
Links in this section are affiliate links which means if you buy something after clicking Adventure Report receives a small commission!
All gear linked is gear that we own, and use consistently.
- Keen Hiking Boots
- MEC Hiking Poles
- Fjallraven Hiking Trousers
- Polyester/Merino Long Sleeve
- 35L Daypack from Decathlon
- Hydro Flask Water Bottle
- Headlamp
- Compass
- Map
- Kula Cloth
- Rab 4-Person Superlite Emergency Shelter (this link is for the 8 person, just to give you an idea of the shelter- they sell out of the smaller ones all the time!)
- Garmin inReach Mini (since buying mine Garmin has also come out with the inReach Messenger, which also has the function of sending an SOS signal even when there’s no cell coverage, which is really the only reason I bring mine everywhere. Plus it’s less expensive!)
