The trail-less peaks that reside just east of the Dix Range, and just NW of Exit 29 on the Northway, form a string of pearls, each with outstanding vistas to enjoy. Several years ago I had climbed Nippletop(the non High Peak)and ever since then, its neighbor 3018 foot Niagara Mountain and its open rock has been on my radar. Access to these peaks can be a little tricky, as you have to follow a right of way on a private road to a crossing of the Schroon River, and then finally pass through two culverts under the Northway to get to state land.
I parked on the shoulder of Route 9 next to private Walker Road(Elevation 942 feet) and followed the road to a split, where the ROW heads right down to the Schroon River. This could potentially be a tricky crossing, but on a hot sultry day like today, and only being shin deep, it was a non issue.
Once across the river, there are a myriad of unmarked jeep roads, but it is fairly easy to stay on the correct one, which quickly leads to the walking culvert beneath the Northway.
After passing beneath both the north and southbound lanes of I-87, the first state land signs will come in to view.
Just a few moments after hitting state land, the sounds of rushing water can be heard. This is Walker Brook, and the unmarked but obvious foot path crosses the water here on a rock hop, continuing along the south side of the brook. The path was in great condition and I made great time heading west up towards the saddle between Camels Hump and Niagara.
Our wet summer lead to numerous newt sightings in the woods today.
I stayed on the unmarked trail to about 1900 feet, where the trail begins to peter out. From there, I headed SW into the woods, climbing steadily up towards Niagara's east summit. There were several small areas of open rock on the way up, with some pretty good views to boot.
The climb up to the eastern summit was fairly straightforward, but steep and scratchy in spots. This summit is the lower summit, rising to about 2930 feet. The top has no views but...
..a short distance past the top I hit a large area of open rock. The views here were very good!! Looking north towards Camels Hump and Camel, which were both in the dark shadow of a cloud.
Enjoying a close up view of the true summit of Niagara, which sits less than a quarter mile away.
The woods between the two peaks was moderately thick but manageable. Once near the top, the woods opened up to an area of low brush, which was a tripping hazard, but better than thick spruce.
After pushing through the brush, I soon arrived at the 3018 foot summit of Niagara, and an abundance of open rock slab.
The views from the summit were nothing short of outstanding! To the south, Big Marsh Pond and Marsh Pond Mountain are on the right, with the Hoffman Ridge rising high above just beyond. A sliver of Schroon Lake is visible in the near distance.
Slightly SW, the view opens up with Blue Ridge and Washburn Ridge being the high points.
A nice breeze from the open summit cooled me off on this hot and humid early afternoon.
What an amazing vista!! To the west/ NW the Dix Range unfolds before you.
West views towards the neighboring Dix Range just across the Niagara Brook valley.
After soaking in the tremendous views, I headed down through some thick woods, but did manage to catch a nice view back up at the summit rock above.
On my descent, I headed north, then northeast dropping steadily down through some pretty thick woods, before I finally picked up the unmarked trail again. From there it was a very pleasant hike back out to the car.
A long and hot but fantastic day in the woods! This peak was everything I hoped it would be! Hiked about 9.5 miles RT, with 2400 feet of ascent.
Map below. Red P=parking Blue X=true summit Black X=east summit
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