Tucked just outside of Long Lake in New York’s Adirondack Park, Mount Arab offers the perfect blend of effort and reward. This one-mile up-and-down trek to a historic fire tower is part of the beloved ADK Fire Tower Challenge, and it’s ideal for hikers who want to feel accomplished without committing their entire day to the trail.
🚶♂️ The Trail Experience
- Distance: ~2 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: ~750 feet
- Summit Elevation: 2,525 feet
From the trailhead off Mount Arab Road near Piercefield, the path begins climbing almost immediately. It’s a steady, moderately steep ascent with a few short, punchy sections that get your heart pumping. Along the way, numbered trees correspond to an interpretive guide, adding a layer of discovery to your hike.
About halfway up, you’ll pass a large boulder and swing left toward a small cliff. The trail then eases up before topping out at the summit, where the restored 35-foot fire tower awaits.
🗺️ Why It Feels Like an Achievement
Mount Arab is the kind of hike that tricks you—in a good way. It’s short enough to fit into a morning or afternoon, but the elevation gain and summit views make it feel like you’ve truly earned something. You’ll get panoramic vistas of:
- Tupper Lake
- The High Peaks to the east
- Raquette River Valley to the north
- Eagle Crag and Mount Arab Lakes to the west
🔥 Part of the ADK Fire Tower Challenge
Mount Arab is one of the 18 Adirondack summits featured in the Adirondack Mountain Club’s Fire Tower Challenge, which invites hikers to explore historic towers across the region. Completing the challenge earns you a patch—and bragging rights.
🧭 Bonus: Room for More Adventure
Because the hike is so manageable, you’ll have plenty of time left in your day to:
- Paddle on nearby Long Lake
- Explore the quaint town of Tupper Lake
- Visit other short hikes or scenic spots in the area
Mount Arab is proof that you don’t need to summit a giant to feel like a champion. It’s a bite-sized adventure with big flavor—perfect for families, solo hikers, or anyone chasing that summit high without the all-day commitment.