Lions Head Hiking Trail

A delightful Taconic hike that you can fit into any day, with great views.

Hike Length: 2.0 miles (3.22 km)

Total Ascent: 550ft (168m)

Intensity: Moderate Taconics Hike

Route Type: Out-and-Back

Includes: Blazed Trail

Parent Lions Head

Similar Entries In: Taconics, Nature Trails, The Moderate Hikes, , , , , , , .

lions head summit marker in taconics

Lions Head summit marker

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 An easy out-and-back.

The moderately challenging hike to Lions Head lookout near Salisbury, Connecticut in the Southern Taconics is the perfect hike to fit in before or after work. Also a pretty sweet first date hike.

Lions Head Trail in the Taconic Mountains is a popular hiking destination known for its stunning views and moderately challenging terrain. The trail is mostly very easy but provides hikers with a short workout as they climb to the summit.

At the top, a rocky outcropping offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, making it a popular spot for picnics and photo opportunities.

Despite its popularity, the trail remains rugged and natural, giving hikers a solid mountain hiking experience in the heart of the Taconics.

An alternate route from lower down, next to Route 41 offers hikers a longer ascent with more elevation gain.

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Lions Head Hiking Trail

This hiking trail includes…

  • Easy walking
  • A short rugged ascent
  • Pitch pines
  • Also spotted some Sassafras
  • A wonderful summit with sweet views

Lions Head Trail Notes & Gallery

This trail is so short and sweet. The parking lot is large, and I had cell service the whole time.

The trial is quite flat, until the main ridge, and then there’s a short, rugged climb to the lookout.

At the junction, turn west/left and follow the Appalachian Trail to the summit.

lions head trail taconic hiking
Lions Head summit pine

A rare sight for this hiker, Lions Head has a summit sign affixed to a wonderfully gnarly pitch pine…

lions head trail taconic hiking
Lions Head summit pine

The Lookout

The Lions Head itself is a rocky outcropping with excellent views onto the rolling valley floor below…

lions head trail lookout
Lions Head

lions head trail lookout
Lions Head

From here, head back to your car.

Or you can explore the ridge a little more. There’s a lean-to shelter 0.8 miles further north, with some camping platforms close by, and Ball Brook Campsite campsite is another 0.06 miles above that spot.

Similar Hikes

The Taconics have so many fantastic short hikes, like Bash Bish Falls and Sunset Rock.

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The parent mountain for this hike is Lions Head.

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Trailhead Info for this Hike

Smallish lot, fits 8-10 cars max.

Google Maps Location: 41.998851, -73.438079

The map below shows the exact topographic location of the trailhead

Cell Service

I had cell service for the entire hike. My network is Verizon. YMMV.

Hello, I’m Sean

I write independent hiking content to help hikers like you find amazing hikes in the Catskills, Adirondacks, Gunks, Hudson Highlands, Taconics and beyond.

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