Hiking loop from Poke-O-Moonshine Trailhead

If you're looking for a classic Adirondack experience with panoramic rewards, the Hiking loop from Poke-O-Moonshine Trailhead delivers. This moderate 4.8-mile (7.8 km) hiking route packs in 1312 feet (400 metres) of elevation gain over about 2 hours and 37 minutes, offering varied terrain and incredible summit views from a historic fire tower.

What to expect on Hiking loop from Poke-O-Moonshine Trailhead

This loop combines the steeper, more challenging Ranger Trail with the gentler Observer's Trail, giving you a taste of both. You'll navigate sections of rocky staircase on the Ranger Trail, which can feel strenuous, while the Observer's Trail winds through beautiful open forests and past serene beaver ponds. The journey culminates at the Poke-O-Moonshine summit, where you'll find a historic fire tower offering spectacular 360-degree views of the High Peaks, Whiteface Mountain, and Lake Champlain with Vermont's Green Mountains. This route is ideal for hikers who appreciate diverse scenery and a rewarding summit vista.

Planning your visit

The loop option requires an approximately 1-mile road walk to connect the trailheads, so be prepared for that section. The trails are particularly beautiful during the fall when the deciduous trees display vibrant autumn colors. While the Observer's Trail can be a fairly easy snowshoeing route in winter, microspikes are recommended for icy sections near the summit. Parking is available at the trailhead, but it's always wise to arrive early during peak season.

Trail details

• Distance: 4.8 miles (7.8 km)
• Elevation gain: 1312 feet (400 metres)
• Difficulty: moderate
• Estimated time: 2 hours and 37 minutes