Bald Mountain
Bald Mountain
5
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5.0
165 reviews
Excellent
134
Very good
27
Average
4
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Kathy G
Auburn, NY524 contributions
Oct 2020
This is an intermediate trail with great views at the top - as well as a fire tower. A slow and steady approach is best. The 'trail' is very rocky. Bring lots of water, good shoes and your camera!! There is a small parking lot that holds a decent number of vehicles.
Written 19 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MatthewJPeacock
Ogdensburg, NY1,384 contributions
Jul 2018 • Family
Easy and very popular hike with a fire tower at the top. Parking lot near full. 30 minutes to the top. Please give this review and photos a helpful vote.
Written 26 July 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
adknative2016
Adirondacks, New York52 contributions
Aug 2017 • Couples
PLEASE: do not wear high heels or flip-flops, this is a HIKE... over the course of which you will be ascending slopes and going upwards over bare rock. Dress appropriately. But that said, this is a great walk in the woods, one of the easier 'climbs' in the area and one of the best VIEWS you can find. And no, if you did not find the fire tower.. then you did NOT get all the way to the TOP!
While you are up there (plan ahead) have a picnic (get subs at one of the local delis, brings drinks for everyone) ... take some pictures of the view and your family / friends (do NOT forget your camera)... and don't miss the 'Balanced Rock' ... a large boulder that was left on top eons ago, when the glaciers receded. (Walk past the fire tower, along the spine of the top ridge, a few hundred feet to find it... you will know it when you see it: it weighs a few TONS ;)
If you do not have actual hiking boots, at least wear a good pair of walking shoes. In the Spring, bring bug spray, the rest of the year it's not really a problem.
You can see 'most' of the lower four lakes of the Fulton Chain from here and, on a really clear day, looking north & a bit east, you can spot the High Peaks. In the Fall it's a spectacular view of the autumn foliage ... and not unusual to see snow on the Peaks or (closer) Blue Mountain (about 25 miles away).
By the way, this hike is on the maps and signs along the road and at the trail heads as RONDAXE MT. ... yeah, it actually has two names, both of which are used regularly in the area.
While you are up there (plan ahead) have a picnic (get subs at one of the local delis, brings drinks for everyone) ... take some pictures of the view and your family / friends (do NOT forget your camera)... and don't miss the 'Balanced Rock' ... a large boulder that was left on top eons ago, when the glaciers receded. (Walk past the fire tower, along the spine of the top ridge, a few hundred feet to find it... you will know it when you see it: it weighs a few TONS ;)
If you do not have actual hiking boots, at least wear a good pair of walking shoes. In the Spring, bring bug spray, the rest of the year it's not really a problem.
You can see 'most' of the lower four lakes of the Fulton Chain from here and, on a really clear day, looking north & a bit east, you can spot the High Peaks. In the Fall it's a spectacular view of the autumn foliage ... and not unusual to see snow on the Peaks or (closer) Blue Mountain (about 25 miles away).
By the way, this hike is on the maps and signs along the road and at the trail heads as RONDAXE MT. ... yeah, it actually has two names, both of which are used regularly in the area.
Written 17 August 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Heidi Z
Buffalo, NY703 contributions
Sept 2020
From 20s through 60s, our family did this hike fairly easily - lots of people around and well marked trail, so no getting lost! A few difficult spots but not a bad climb - about an hour either way, depending on your pace! Views are spectacular!
Written 16 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ALP767
ROCHESTER N.Y.17 contributions
Oct 2019
fantastic hike ..not real hard but you do have to be careful,,saw many parents withj there little kids just walking on there own and one slip and you are over the edge which is a long way down ...i would never let my little kids walk alone...but once you get to the top it is all worth it...especially going up the fire tower
Written 9 October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KGB100
Saint Simons Island, GA92 contributions
Sept 2019
Be sure you have a good tracking pair of boots fir this one, not easy but not super hard, once you get use to walk on the rocks and feel secure on your feet, is all good!
Is one solid mile to the top were the fire tower is, take your time and enjoy the view in every step. Unforgettable!!!
Is one solid mile to the top were the fire tower is, take your time and enjoy the view in every step. Unforgettable!!!
Written 24 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mike S
Old Forge, NY12 contributions
May 2018 • Family
This mountain is a great hike almost anyone can do. The view is beautiful, especially from our fire tower! My last trip up was pulling a stokes stretcher for an injured hiker. I'm 76 and did it without difficulty, yet you feel like a climber and get a great view.
One should dress accordingly - wool or poly - no cotton, wear proper shoes, etc.
One should dress accordingly - wool or poly - no cotton, wear proper shoes, etc.
Written 2 October 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jacob K
Rochester, NY81 contributions
Jul 2017 • Family
I've done this hike many times during the summer. You always see people on the trails, but it's never too crowded and you can still feel isolated from the town. There are several trails that lead from the base to the summit and vice-versa, but each is very easy and offers several lookout points for views of the Fulton Chain. The summit, with it's "bald" exposed rock, has one of the few remaining fire towers in the region. Whether or not you climb to the tower is up to you, but you will be exposed to incredible views regardless. HIghly recommend this place for both the emerging and the experienced hiker!
Written 11 May 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
N2376OMdonaldl
Rome, NY8 contributions
Aug 2018 • Couples
Hike up Bald Mountain was not as easy as the site said. Lots of Rocky spots,trails not marked well on the way up. Beautiful view from the top and along the way. Would not recommend if it's raining or has rained. Old Forge was really nice
Written 29 August 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sam48820
Webster, NY223 contributions
Aug 2017 • Family
I have climbed this soooo many times and never ever tire of it.
The view and fire tower at the top are rewarding as is exploring the summit with your kids. A majority of the climb is the rock of the mountain itself and of all the adirondack mountains you can get away with sneakers for footwear. But this is it. Climb anywhere else please bring hiking boots.
This should be your first hike for a child. mine were 2 and 5 when I brought them. Just keep them away from the edge!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The view and fire tower at the top are rewarding as is exploring the summit with your kids. A majority of the climb is the rock of the mountain itself and of all the adirondack mountains you can get away with sneakers for footwear. But this is it. Climb anywhere else please bring hiking boots.
This should be your first hike for a child. mine were 2 and 5 when I brought them. Just keep them away from the edge!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Written 25 February 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Where do we start? Where do we park? Is there a sign at the starting area?
Written 6 July 2019
SteveW361 has got it. You'll find the large parking lot a short distance down Rondaxe Road on the left. For a topo map, road map and pictures to whet your appetite, see the website cnyhiking. (Sorry Trip Advisor won't let me put in the actual link.)
Written 7 July 2019
We are travelling from Utica to Thendara on the train, then back again to Utica. Is there enough time during the stopover to hike to Bald Mountain? Is there transportation from Thendara station to the trailhead?
Thanks.
John
Written 22 July 2015
Come on back with a car sometime soon..Bald Mountain is an easy-ish climb, with a "remember it for life" view.
have fun!
Written 23 July 2015
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