Submitted By: Charlie S on May 29, 2008 Administrator: Chris Duca Elevation: 3,243 feet
Latitude: 43.5378 Longitude: -73.9677 Aerial photo/map
Views: 6,859 page views
In the foothills of the Adirondacks lies this subtle mountain, far enough to feel remote yet still close enough to civilization that you won't be completely isolated.
The summit used to house a fire tower. The support blocks are still visible in the rocks, along with a few mountain markers dated around 1946. Remnants of the care-taker's house are also visible behind the summit. When reading up on the area, you may notice that a "ladder" is mentioned. There are two, physical ladders (made of wood) on the summit trail.
The largest town nearby is Johnsburg. However, you'll get more accurate weather reports by searching for Thurman, NY.
This area contains a few moderately sized cliffs, but none that are very concentrated with climbs. The rock is solid, but dirty due to little climbing traffic. The bases of the climbs can also be a gamble between slanted ground, several inches of brush, pine needles and sticks, rock, dirt, moss, or a mixture of all.
Approaches can be long if hiking from the base (approx. 1.4 miles). To the pond is 1.1 miles. Give yourself an hour to reach the summit cliffs. Most of the summit climbs can be approached from the summit via rappel, which may be easier than bushwhacking.
While climbs are few, scenery is spectacular. One of the most notable areas is Crane Mountain pond, which lies halfway up the mountain. On a warm summer's day, you may even enjoy a swim. The floor is largely rocky, and the water is very clear.
There's prime real estate for camping on this mountain. The ground is soft, and the water near the pond offers a good source of H2O. The downside is that camping at the pond offers a one-hour hike to the summit, and isn't central to many of the cliffs. There ARE spots to camp up on near the summit. Explore for these, and it makes the adventure that much better. (Be advised that in the Adirondacks, camping above 4000 feet is illegal.) Crane Mountain also isn't in the Eastern High Peaks Region, meaning that a bear canister is not legally required (although it's still a good idea.)
Bugs are BAD in the spring, particularly May and June. The summit offers slight relief from the swarming fury at the base.
Getting There
From the south or north: Take 87 (Adirondack Northway) to Exit 23. Head west on 9. From here: L on Richards Ave R on River St L on Highway 418 ^^^This section goes through the town of Warrensburg R on Anthol Road (this happens right after you cross the brook for the 2nd time, and after a very sharp left turn) Anthol Road jogs a little.. R on Mountain Rd After about 5 miles, L on Garnet Lake Rd R on Sky High Rd
Drive to the end. At the end is a parking lot.
OR, you can type in the directions to Sky High Road, Thurman, NY 12885
From here there are three trailheads: one heading up the mountain, one around to the north side, and one around to the south side.
The new Adirondack guidebook "Adirondack Rock" by Jim Lawyer and Jeremy Haas is extremely helpful.
The Classics
Mountain Project's determination of some of the classic, most popular, highest rated routes for Crane Mountain:
Climb the left-leaning ramp to the start of the crack, step up and left (crux) into the left-facing corner under an overhang. Pass this via the crack and continue up the crack system, past the "Attic" and through the awkward second crux overhang at the top (weak links can avoid this by escaping to the "Attic" anchors)....[more]Browse More Classics in NY
By Chris Duca Administrator From: Hinesburg, Vermont May 31, 2008
Charlie,
Thanks for posting information about Crane. I've heard and read a lot about the enormous potential for this area and have always wanted to visit, but have always had a hard time pulling myself away from Keene Valley and Poko. Perhaps your post will act as the proverbial fire beneath my feet!
The directions need adjustment. First, from Exit 23, you go north (or west) on NY9, not east. The roads change names and are confusing. This link should resolve any ambiguity about the directions:
There are many new routes on the mountain since Lawyer & Haas' guidebook publication; however, they've done a fantastic job keeping up with this (and the burst of activity throughout the Adks) on their new routes web page: http://www.adirondackrock.com/newroutes.htm Adirondack Rock New Routes In particular, check out the bevy of new stuff at the Black Arches Wall.
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