Noonmark and Round Mountains - 10/29/11

Sometimes the highest peaks aren't always the best.  We found that out once again today.  We got an early start on Saturday to hike Noonmark and Round Mountains in Keene, NY.  We were on the trail by 8:15.  The sun was out early, but a Nor'easter storm was coming up the coast and was expected to bring clouds and possibly some snow by afternoon.  It was cold, probably 25-30 degrees when we started, and it didn't get above 35.  We parked in Saint Huberts.  

Hike Time:  6 hrs 15 minutes

Hike Distance:  6.6 miles

Total Elevation Gain:  3030 feet

Summit Elevations:  Noonmark 3556', Round 3088'

Trailhead Elevation:  1300'

Our route highlighted in blue 

Trailhead sign

We hike the loop counterclockwise starting up the Stimson Trail to Noonmark Mountain

There were 2 ladders as you get higher on the Stimson Trail

It would have been helpful to have on the micro spikes near the top of Noonmark.  There was a fair amount of ice to negotiate.

View from the summit

We were on the summit of Noonmark about 10:15 and had nice sunshine.

Looking towards Dix Mountain

The Summit of Noonmark Mountain

We took the Felix Adler trail down from Noonmark and this was the sign pointing back up

Intersection of the Felix Adler trail with the Dix trail and Round Pond Trail

A high tech sign near the intersection of the Dix Trail with the Round Mountain trail

A 2nd sign in the same area

It's still October, but you wouldn't know it

The summit of Round Mountain

At around 12:30, we were on the summit of Round Mountain and the sky was becoming overcast.

Dix Mountain on the left, Dial on the right

You can't really tell from the pictures, but Round Mountain has a fantastic summit and it takes quite a while to explore it.  Lots of rocky nooks.

Leesa watching for ice.  It was a little tricky in spots

I call these ice flowers... but there is probably a technical term for them

Much more fall like as we got closer to the bottom

Both of these summits are great for exploration, and for views from rocky summits.  They are also relatively easy to climb and we did the loop with both of them in a half day.  If you're hiking with younger kids, you can hike one or the other.  The rewards are great from both.

View Noonmark and Round Mtns 2 20111029.kml in a larger map

A bonus on this hike is that the trailhead is near the Noonmark Diner, a local landmark and a must after climbing Noonmark Mountain!