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A short intense loop over a stunningly scenic summit ridge.
Trailhead info at bottom of this post.
Crane Mountain near Thurman, New York has it all: fun trails, rocky scrambles, a very tall wilderness ladder, and fantastic views from a wonderful summit ridge.
Known for its scenic beauty, this trail includes two cliff ladders, killer rolling views, and a serene, spring-fed mountain ridge pond. The path is popular for birding, fishing, and, of course, hiking, meaning it’s well-traveled and you’re likely to meet fellow outdoor enthusiasts along the way.
While the trail is generally considered challenging due to its steep, rocky sections and the physical demands of navigating ladders up the cliffs, the rewards are unparalleled views from multiple spots along the summit ridge.
For those planning to tackle this adventurous hike, a set of trekking poles would provide additional support on the more demanding parts of the trail.
The trail is best enjoyed from May through October.
Note 1: Dog owners are welcome to bring their leashed pets, though please be cautious as the ladder sections can be tricky for our four-legged friends.
Note 2: Trails on the south-east side of the mountain lead to a set of beloved rock-climbing cliffs.
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Crane Mountain Loop Hiking Trail
The Crane Mountain Loop hiking trail includes…
- Rocky trails and fun scrambles
- The shortest wilderness ladder in the Adirondacks?
- The tallest wilderness ladder in the Adirondacks?
- Incredible summit ridge
- Great spots for sunset
- Lake-side trails
A full breakdown is provided in the hike notes below, with 16 photos.
Crane Mountain Loop Hike Time
Allow 1½-2 hours for this hike, depending on how long you want to hang out on the summit.
Crane Mountain Loop Elevation Gain
The elevation gain for this hike is 1200 feet (apx 365 meters).
Crane Mountain Loop Trail Notes & Gallery
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Similar Hikes
Crane Mountain is in the same rough vicinity and short-hike-length at Moxham Mountain and Hadley Mountain Fire Tower. All wonderful hikes.
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Crane Mountain Loop Trailhead
Medium-sized lot at the end of 0.2 miles of unpaved road that could be tricky in winter.
Google Maps Location: 43.537428, -73.968163
The map below shows the exact topographic location of the trailhead
Cell Service
Solid service from the summit. Patchy down low. My network is Verizon. YMMV.
The parent mountain for this hike is Crane.