Coney Mountain is a
mountain
A mountain is an elevated portion of the Earth's crust, generally with steep sides that show significant exposed bedrock. Although definitions vary, a mountain may differ from a plateau in having a limited summit area, and is usually higher t ...
located primarily in the town of
Tupper Lake, in the northern part of the
Adirondack Mountain Range. It is notable for its prominent bald summit affording widespread views and ease of access in all seasons.
History
Originally known as Monument Mountain, the summit's first known ascent was in 1772 during Archibald Campbell's survey of the
Totten and Crossfield Purchase.
It received its current name―for its conical shape―during one of
Verplanck Colvin
Verplanck Colvin (January 4, 1847 – May 28, 1920) was a lawyer, author, illustrator and topographical engineer whose understanding and appreciation for the environment of the Adirondack Mountains led to the creation of New York's Forest Pres ...
's surveying trips.
Description
Coney Mountain is situated in the Horseshoe Lake Wild Forest. The mountain is a ridge running north-northwest to south-southeast. While its summit and hiking trail are located in
Franklin County, the southeast end of the ridge is partly situated in
Long Lake,
Hamilton County.
Recreation
With a 1.1-mile hike gaining 560 feet of elevation from New York Route 30 that provides 360-degree views, Coney Mountain is a popular hiking attraction during the summer and fall and snowshoeing site in the winter.
The trail was constructed in 2009 to replace a shorter but much steeper bushwhack to the summit. Views from the summit include the
Seward Range,
Santanoni Peak,
Blue Mountain,
Tupper Lake,
Little Tupper Lake and sites in the
Whitney Wilderness.
It is part of the "Tupper Lake Triad," a hiking challenge that also includes
Mount Arab
Mount Arab, sometimes known as Arab Mountain, is a mountain located in the town of Piercefield, New York, in the northern part of the Adirondack Mountain Range. At the summit of this mountain is a large fire tower and a ranger station known ...
and nearby
Goodman Mountain. The well-maintained hiking trail approached Coney Mountain from the west, then circles around the north of the mountain a saddle on its southeast side, at which point hikers ascend a rocky slide to the treeless summit.
Due to its remoteness from settlements and its bald summit, Coney Mountain is also known as a
dark-sky site for
stargazing and
astrophotography
Astrophotography, also known as astronomical imaging, is the photography or imaging of astronomical objects, celestial events, or areas of the night sky. The first photograph of an astronomical object (the Moon) was taken in 1839, but it was no ...
.
References
External links
Coney Mountain hike description*
*
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Mountains of Franklin County, New York
Tourist attractions in Franklin County, New York
Mountains of New York (state)