Black Mountain(Siamese Ponds Wilderness-Adirondacks)

Headed north today to hike 2745 foot Black Mountain(no, not THAT Black Mountain).  This one is located in the Siamese Ponds Wilderness on the north side of the East Branch Sacandaga River.  I parked along Route 8 and headed down towards the river, hoping the recent dry weather meant low water. Elevation at the start was just a touch over 1400 feet.

 The water was not much more than boot high as I made easy work of the river crossing.

Once across the river, I headed northeast towards the start of a low ridge of Black.  The woods were fairly open with only a few patches of hemlocks interspersed.

A steady climb got me up to a small knob and a small view NW up to the summit.

The last 500 feet of ascent is very steep, and the summit cone is ringed with ledges as well as exposed rock.

 Low plant growth, a few trees and large patches of bare rock made for fun scrambling.

 The open rock offered up outstanding views to the south.  This is the SE view over the lower East Branch valley.

 The SW view with a small vly at the foot of the peak.

Westerly views towards the Blue Hills.

 A short distance beyond the open area is the wooded true summit. 

 Heading back from the summit,  I took a few more minutes to wander around enjoying the incredible south facing views.

 I decided to descend via a more direct route south, which proved to be steep and adventurous. 

An uneventful bushwhack out to the car took me about an hour, as I cursed the annoying deer flies.  Round Trip distance was about 4.5 miles and 1400 feet of ascent.