Ross Mountain(Wilcox Lake Wild Forest-Adirondacks)

Headed north Monday to the hike 2687 foot Ross Mountain in the southern Adirondacks on a perfect fall day.  Ross Mountain is another trail-less peak located north of Garnet Lake in a quiet little corner of the Wilcox Lake Wild Forest.  Getting to my starting point was half the fun today, as I drove seasonally maintained but beautiful Armstrong Road(just SE of Bartman Road in the town of Johnsburg) to a spot where state land meets the road.

Parked in a small unmarked pull off across from a snowmobile trail that heads east. From there, I entered an absolutely gorgeous hardwood forest, ablaze in vibrant yellows heading west.

I was looking for and soon picked up an old road that heads SW deep into the wilds.  The old road came and left several times but was mostly obvious if you are being careful.  A couple times, however, it was totally obliterated by blowdown and time.  I also left the trail briefly, climbing steeply up to stay on state land, before dropping back down onto the road.  This was a pleasant stretch, where a golden canopy above, and golden ferns below make for a magical walk.

The old road bed ends after about 2 miles on the north side of Ross Mountain.  From there it is a steep bushwhack climb up 7/10 of a mile to the summit.  There was some of the typical undergrowth on the slopes but nothing too menacing.
Just off the summit facing south I found a large, rocky clearing filled with blueberry bushes.  The views from here are nothing short of breathtaking.  Garnet Lake and Mount Blue take centerstage.

The crown jewel of this hike is the spectacular view down over Garnet Lake, which spreads out before you. 

An incredible up close view SW of Mount Blue, another peak with good views.

A look back up at the 2687 foot summit area, which sits just beyond the rocky clearing.

After enjoying the summit area, I hiked back down the steep north slopes of Ross, arriving in a spooky, dark conifer forest.

As I made my NE in search of the old road, clouds and wind began to pick up.  Crossing through this small wetland felt kind of eerie as low clouds rolled in.

Once I picked up the old road again, I made good time, enjoying the solitude of the quiet forest.

A nice 6 mile RT hike with over 1500 feet of ascent for the day.  A spectacular little gem and an area that doesn't receive the attention that it should.
Route below.  Red=Ascent  Blue=Descent