Category: Scout

723 feet of elevation gain

2.46 miles round trip

I was supposed to go to the Catskills this weekend and bushwhack Lone and Rocky with the Catskill 3500 group.  The hike leader had a family emergency and had to cancel the trip.  It’s just as well.  A nor’easter was coming up the coast and weather for the Catskills was iffy.  I suspect we had to cross the Neversink river once or twice, which could have been dicey, and not a simple rock hop.  So, with the trip cancelled, I looked for something shorter that wasn’t too far away in case I got rains here.  Severance mountain is not on any challenge list, that I know of.

Severance Mountain, (or Hill on some maps), is right off exit 28 of the Northway.  The parking lot is right off route 9, and I missed it as the lot is back off the road.  What makes this unique is you start on the east side of the Northway, and have to go through two tunnels.  The mountain is on the west side of the Northway, with the sign-in box between the two tunnels.

The trail is pretty typical for the Adirondacks.  Roots in many places.  Some rocks.  There were a couple of steep(er) climbs, but nothing too difficult.  And nothing that didn’t have a flatter section to catch your breath.  It’s only 1.2 miles to the top.

The view at the top is pretty awesome, overlooking Schroon Lake.  I hadn’t been in this area, so it was refreshing to see something totally new.  The leaves were just stating to turn at this point.  While I scouted the hike to lead, I suspect I will miss peak leaves when I actually lead this.  In the winter, spikes might be needed.  It should be an easy snowshoe.

September 12, 2026

5.27 Miles

2124 feet elevation gain

I returned to the Rooster Comb parking lot and was lucky enough to find a spot to park.  I was headed to Hopkins, though, everyone else went to Snow, Rooster Comb, or attempted a Great Range Traverse.

To get to Hopkins, you had to cross 73, and walk to the right for two streets, turning on Ranny, which was all dirt, but did contain two bridges to cross.  Only the first bridge was really necessary, both are necessary for cars.  You will walk on a woods road for about a half mile or so, before veering off into the woods.  Climbing Hopkins reminded me a lot of climbing Moxham, though was taller and steeper.

After 1.8 miles you will junction with the Mossy Cascade trail, turn left .9 miles to Hopkins.  After .7 miles you will come to another junction.  To the right is Giant Mount; at least three miles away.  I thought about it, but quickly dismissed it.  You’ll go left, .2 miles to the summit of Hopkins.  And climb you will.  This is the steepest part for sure.  It was here that encountered a group of about 6 with three dogs.  Only 1 leashed.  It’s not fun being on the business end of German Shepherds.  As I passed the group, I could feel the embarrassment from the people without dogs.  Not a good situation, and not a good look for a trip leader.

There was only one other person at the top of the mountain.  The views were amazing, especially given that I didn’t think the clouds would lift until later.  Giant was easily visible to my left.  The view over the AMR is insane, and it was very hard to leave.  On the way down I ran into more people, with dogs.  I’ve had enough of dogs on trail.  The views made it worth it though.

This would make a good hike for Adirondack Mountain Club.  Parking is the only issue.