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| View from the summit cabin and fire tower on Mount Goodnow |
When possible, I like to do a shorter, lower elevation peak hike the day before embarking on a Big Day in the ADK. Since I had plans for a 14 mile, 4000+ elevation trip to Nippletop and Dial the next day, I chose Mount Goodnow near Newcomb this time. I'd never hiked it before and it seemed to be the perfect length and elevation for a quick warm up hike.
I NEVER hike in the afternoon. And since circumstances dictated that I would be hitting the trail at 2 in the afternoon, I kind of figured it would be pretty busy. But I wasn't expecting a full parking lot and a party on top. I made quick work of the 1,089 elevation gain over 2.1 miles to the summit, passing numerous large groups going up and down all along the way. I stayed at the summit for only a minute, enough to snap a quick photo of the view from the fire tower, and then got outta dodge.
It was a nice little hike that took me exactly 1 and 1/2 hours. But I won't do it again unless it's at 6 a.m.
Peak: Goodnow Mountain
Elevation: 2,685 feet (Gain: 1,089 feet)
Distance: 4.2 miles round trip
Route: Up and back, Mount Goodnow Trail
Conditions: Sunny, 75 degrees F
