Kane Mountain Fire Tower Trailhead - Caroga Lake, NY

Kane Mountain Fire Tower Trailhead - Caroga Lake, NY Kane Mountain Fire Tower Trailhead - Caroga Lake, NY Kane Mountain Fire Tower Trailhead - Caroga Lake, NY Kane Mountain Fire Tower Trailhead - Caroga Lake, NY Kane Mountain Fire Tower Trailhead - Caroga Lake, NY
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Kane Mountain Fire Tower Trailhead – Dog-Friendly Hiking in Caroga Lake, New York

Located near Green Lake, the Kane Mountain Fire Tower Trailhead offers dog owners and outdoor enthusiasts access to some of the best pet-friendly trails in Caroga Lake, NY. With two main trail options (red and blue) to reach the summit, Kane Mountain provides a moderately challenging hike that rewards visitors with sweeping 360-degree views from the historic fire tower. It’s a popular destination for anyone looking for dog-friendly hiking adventures and nature-filled escapes with their furry friends.

The trailhead is easy to reach, and parking is available, although it can fill up on weekends and holidays. Hikers should come prepared for varying trail conditions, as some sections may be muddy or slippery after rain. There are no restrooms on site, and while there are scenic spots to rest at the summit, there is no dedicated seating, fenced areas, or dog-specific amenities. Still, Kane Mountain Trail is a favorite for many local dog owners seeking a manageable hike with beautiful scenery in the Southern Adirondacks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, Kane Mountain Trail offers both a red (.8 miles) and blue (1.2 miles) trail route to the summit, which can be combined for a loop.
  • Is there parking available? Yes, there is a parking lot at the trailhead, but it can fill up on busy days.
  • Is there shade or shelter available? There is natural shade from the forest canopy along the trail, but no covered shelters or restrooms.
  • Are restrooms available? No, there are no restrooms at the trailhead or along the trail.
  • Is the park muddy after it rains? Some sections of the trail can be muddy or slippery after rainfall, so sturdy footwear is recommended.
  • Are there staff or volunteers present? Volunteers are sometimes present on the mountain to assist hikers.
  • How busy does the park get on weekends? Kane Mountain Trailhead is popular and the parking lot may fill quickly on weekends and holidays.

Reviews

Noah Isham

Volunteers on the mountain were super helpful! I scraped up my leg after a fall and they helped patch me up, they also helped us with directions, and were super friendly and helpful. The trail was also a great hike with beautiful views.

Noah Isham

Volunteers on the mountain were super helpful! I scraped up my leg after a fall and they helped patch me up, they also helped us with directions, and were super friendly and helpful. The trail was also a great hike with beautiful views.

Noah Isham

Volunteers on the mountain were super helpful! I scraped up my leg after a fall and they helped patch me up, they also helped us with directions, and were super friendly and helpful. The trail was also a great hike with beautiful views.

steve arpey

This is one of my favorite yearly pilgrimages. It’s a nice, manageable walk just over a half mile up to the tower and the view from the tower is exquisite. The Trail can be a bit slippery if it’s raining but it’s usually well managed. It is worth noting that this can be a loop or an out and back trail. Take a look at the map and plan accordingly. The loop can be a bit challenging.

steve arpey

This is one of my favorite yearly pilgrimages. It’s a nice, manageable walk just over a half mile up to the tower and the view from the tower is exquisite. The Trail can be a bit slippery if it’s raining but it’s usually well managed. It is worth noting that this can be a loop or an out and back trail. Take a look at the map and plan accordingly. The loop can be a bit challenging.

steve arpey

This is one of my favorite yearly pilgrimages. It’s a nice, manageable walk just over a half mile up to the tower and the view from the tower is exquisite. The Trail can be a bit slippery if it’s raining but it’s usually well managed. It is worth noting that this can be a loop or an out and back trail. Take a look at the map and plan accordingly. The loop can be a bit challenging.

Matthew Cerasia

If looking for a great small hike with the kids, or a beginner getting into hiking. Kane mountain is perfect for you. Getting to the trail is super easy right by green lake. With two trail heads to pick from, you can pick the easier red trail head or the little more difficult blue. With us having the little ones, we did the easier trail which was only .8 miles to the top. Trail is very enjoyable with some points of muddy/ wet locations. As long as you have the right footwear this shouldn’t be a problem. At the top you have an amazing view from the top of the fire tower. With a 360 degree view from the top, picture taking is a must. Unfortunately the cabin that’s located at the top was sealed off from the public. Was told to many people we vandalizing it. Which is a shame. Overall definitely a great little hike for a beginner to someone who just loves to be in the wilderness.

Matthew Cerasia

If looking for a great small hike with the kids, or a beginner getting into hiking. Kane mountain is perfect for you. Getting to the trail is super easy right by green lake. With two trail heads to pick from, you can pick the easier red trail head or the little more difficult blue. With us having the little ones, we did the easier trail which was only .8 miles to the top. Trail is very enjoyable with some points of muddy/ wet locations. As long as you have the right footwear this shouldn’t be a problem. At the top you have an amazing view from the top of the fire tower. With a 360 degree view from the top, picture taking is a must. Unfortunately the cabin that’s located at the top was sealed off from the public. Was told to many people we vandalizing it. Which is a shame. Overall definitely a great little hike for a beginner to someone who just loves to be in the wilderness.

Matthew Cerasia

If looking for a great small hike with the kids, or a beginner getting into hiking. Kane mountain is perfect for you. Getting to the trail is super easy right by green lake. With two trail heads to pick from, you can pick the easier red trail head or the little more difficult blue. With us having the little ones, we did the easier trail which was only .8 miles to the top. Trail is very enjoyable with some points of muddy/ wet locations. As long as you have the right footwear this shouldn’t be a problem. At the top you have an amazing view from the top of the fire tower. With a 360 degree view from the top, picture taking is a must. Unfortunately the cabin that’s located at the top was sealed off from the public. Was told to many people we vandalizing it. Which is a shame. Overall definitely a great little hike for a beginner to someone who just loves to be in the wilderness.

Ryan Mazierski

Kane Mountain Fire Tower is a fantastic hike in the Caroga Lake area. This a moderately challenging hike with a very nice reward at the end. The hike is very popular and part of the Fulton Five Hikes and ADK Fire Tower Challenge.
There are two trails going up and down the mountain Many people combine both for a loop trip of two miles. The red trail is .8 miles long and is a straight up somewhat steep climb. The blue trail is 1.2 miles long and has some spots with gentle gradients. The middle of the blue trail is the steepest part.
When you reach the summit, you will have to climb the fire tower to enjoy the views. The fire tower has easy access to the cab. Views in all direction from the cab are beautiful. The surrounding lakes and mountains are one of a kind.
On weekends and holidays the parking lot can fill up. The parking lot is shared with the Stewart Lake Trailhead. Come prepared to enjoy one of the nicest hikes in the region!

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