Disclosure: This content may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy .

A straightforward out-and-back. Trailhead info at bottom of this post.

Hurricane Mountain Fire Tower is one of the top iconic destinations in the Adirondacks.

Starting from the roadside trailhead on Route 9N, this route weaves through dense forests, past some nice views, and over a few fun boardwalks—before opening up to a stunning open rock summit with a fire tower.

You’ll enjoy sweeping, layered views of the Adirondack High Peaks and the vast ADK wilderness below, providing a perfect backdrop for a memorable summit experience.

This hike is best tackled from late spring to early fall to avoid icy conditions, and it’s essential to come prepared with proper hiking gear and plenty of water.

Dogs are also welcome on this trail but should be kept on a leash.

This southern approach to Hurricane Mountain is ideal for hikers looking for a fantastic day trip filled with natural beauty and physical challenge. Trekking poles are a helpful aid for this hike!

Hurricane has two other trailed routes, but this is the most popular and easiest approach.

BTW, you might also enjoy…

UPDATED › Best Bug Spray & Bug Repellent for Hikers

CATSKILLS › Peakbagging The Catskills High Peaks (Ultimate Guide)

STAY › Find Your Perfect Catskills Stay

ADIRONDACKS › Wright, Algonquin & Iroquois Peaks

LEARN › Teach Yourself How to Use a Compass

ENTERTAINMENT › Best & Worst Hiking Movies

Follow › My Instagram @TotalCatskills

Follow › My Substack @TotalCatskills

Follow › My writing for Times Union

Table of Contents

Hurricane Mountain Fire Tower Southern Approach Hike Time

Hurricane Mountain Fire Tower Southern Approach Elevation Gain

Hurricane MountainFire Tower Southern Approach Trail Notes & Gallery

Find your dream getaway in the Catskills

Similar Hikes to Hurricane Mountain Fire Tower from 9N

Get full access…

Hot on the website right now…

Follow for more…

Hurricane Mountain Fire Tower Southern Approach Hiking Trail

The Hurricane Mountain Southern Approach includes…

Roadside parking

Moderately challenging trails

Some rock scrambles near the top

A large open multi-level rock summit

Fire tower

Banger views

A full breakdown is provided in the hike notes below, with 15 photos .

Hurricane Mountain Fire Tower Southern Approach Hike Time

Allow 4-5 hours for this hike.

Hurricane Mountain Fire Tower Southern Approach Elevation Gain

The elevation gain for this hike is 1,980 feet (apx 600 meters).

Hurricane MountainFire Tower Southern Approach Trail Notes & Gallery

Park right on 9N, on the north side of the road, and look for this trailhead sign…

You’ve got the basic details, but there’s so much more…

Unlock this site now to get complete intel on every route, including my full photo galleries, personal insights and tips. Elevate your next hike with deep trail beta. Experience hundreds of amazing routes at their absolute finest. With Mountain-Hiking.com, you’re not just skimming the surface.

Unlock the Full Wesbite

Sean

Get full access now and enjoy member-only benefits.

Find your dream getaway in the Catskills

The only directory dedicated exclusively to Catskills vacation rentals.

Similar Hikes to Hurricane Mountain Fire Tower from 9N

So many amazing “lower” Adirondack hikes, like Hadley , Crane , Nun-Da-Ga-O , Balanced Rocks , and Ampersand Mountain .

Read More

Get full access…

Get instant access to the full version of this site and enjoy great supporter benefits: full galleries, full trail notes, early access to the latest content, and more.

Hot on the website right now…

Follow for more…

Follow my @TotalCatskills content on Instagram for regular hiking inspo and safe, inclusive community.

I also stay active on Facebook and Threads .

Hurricane Mountain Fire Tower Southern Approach from Route 9N Trailhead

Lots of roadside parking, but this is one of the most popular hikes in the ADKs — so get there early on summer days!

Google Maps Location: 44.211436, -73.722975

The map below shows the exact topographic location of the trailhead

Cell Service

I had good service for most of this hike. My network is Verizon. YMMV.

Your comments are welcome here… Cancel reply

The parent mountain for this hike is Hurricane .