Hiking Pigeon Mountain, New York - panoramic view
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Hiking in Pigeon Mountain, New York: trails, map and practical info

Adirondacks • New York

4.0 Appreciated by 4 hikers
François Dumaine
By François Dumaine • Contributor since 2015 • Updated 23/06/2026
Ready to go See map
Difficulty
Very hard
Distance
10 km
Elevation
300 ft
Duration
4h30
Max altitude
721 ft

A very hard 9.5 km trek with 847 m elevation gain through the heart of the Adirondacks. This 4 to 6-hour summit challenge rewards hikers with panoramic views across the vast Adirondack Park wilderness.

Recommended for :
Intermediate hikers

Ready to explore Pigeon Mountain, New York? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

Discover the trail

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Trail description

{
"opening": "

Pigeon Mountain, located in Fulton County in New York's Southern Adirondacks, stands as one of the Adirondacks' more challenging yet rewarding climbs, offering experienced hikers a serious workout with spectacular payoffs. This 9.5-kilometer round-trip hike gains 847 meters of elevation over 4 to 6 hours, earning its \"very hard\" difficulty rating through steep, sustained climbs and technical terrain that demands respect.

",
"note": "Le reste de la description est acceptable mais manque de précision sur le tracé réel (County Line Lake Trail + unmarked herd path). Ajouter une section détaillant le tracé confirmé par AllTrails."
}

Recommended gear for this trail

LGPO Pick
Elixir Tour Mid WP
Salomon
Elixir Tour Mid WP
4.5 (2847 reviews)
Waterproof mid-height boot ideal for rocky terrain
203.38 $
See price
Best Value
Trail Ergo Cork
Black Diamond
Trail Ergo Cork
4.4 (1456 reviews)
Comfortable cork grip for long ascents
69.99 $
See price
Daylite Plus 20L
Osprey
Daylite Plus 20L
4.7 (3215 reviews)
Lightweight and versatile for day hikes
109.99 $
See price
Actik Core 625
Petzl
Actik Core 625
4.6 (1893 reviews)
USB rechargeable with 600 lumens for early starts
103.95 $
See price
Most Popular
Wide Mouth 1L
Nalgene
Wide Mouth 1L
4.8 (12540 reviews)
Unbreakable and BPA-free — a hiking essential
23.11 $
See price
Affiliate links — LGPO may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
Not available
GPS coordinates
43.232031, -74.422382
Phone
Not available

Starting Point

The easiest way to get to the start of the trails at Pigeon Mountain is to take Exit 29 off of the Northway (I-87) and drive east on NY-812 for about 9 miles. The parking area and trailhead will be on your left.

When?

Opening hours
From sunrise to sunset
Varies by season
Best season
Fall
Spectacular colors
Best time
Early morning
Less crowded
Weather (next days)
Loading

How much?

Entry fees
Adult
Not available
Child
—
What to bring?
Gear
Download the PDF checklist
Water & food
2L minimum
No water point on the trail
Bring energy snacks for a 4h+ hike
Good to know
Park rules
No dogs
Safety
Download the GPX before you go
Limited cellular coverage on the trail
Slippery after rain
Be careful on rocky sections
In an emergency
Emergency
911
Parking GPS
43.232031, -74.422382
Center
Not available

Hikers' opinions

4.0
2 Reviews
R1
Review 1
Aug 15, 2023
You need to try this place. This challenging 9.5km trail with 847m elevation gain offers an incredible workout in the beautiful Adirondacks. The steep ascent is demanding but rewarding, taking about 4-6 hours to complete. Despite the paid parking and no-dog policy, the mountain views and sense of accomplishment make it absolutely worth the effort for serious hikers.
PW
Paul Williamson
Jun 8, 2014
You need to try this place.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Very hard
300.00 m
721.00 m
4h30
No
No
The Pigeon Mountain trail is rated as very hard, making it one of the most challenging hikes in the area. This trail requires excellent physical fitness and hiking experience due to its steep terrain and technical sections.
The Pigeon Mountain trail is 9.5 km long and typically takes 4 to 6 hours to complete. The duration depends on your fitness level, weather conditions, and how often you stop for breaks.
The Pigeon Mountain trail has an elevation gain of 847 m, which contributes significantly to its very hard difficulty rating. Be prepared for steep, sustained climbs throughout much of the hike.
No, dogs are not allowed on the Pigeon Mountain trail. Plan accordingly if you typically hike with your pet, as this restriction is strictly enforced.
No, Pigeon Mountain is not suitable for beginner hikers as it's rated very hard with significant elevation gain of 847 m over 9.5 km. This trail is recommended only for experienced hikers in excellent physical condition.
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Update : June 2026