West-Hadley-Roundtop Ridge  Photos:  Recent | Best | Popular Page Views:  192. Good page?    Administrators:  Jim Lawyer, Chris Duca, Tom Erickson Submitted By:  Jay Harrison on Dec 14, 2012 Make this area a Favorite What's New  Printer View Add Area  Add Photo  Add Comment  Add Event  Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri 72° | 45° 70° | 48° 75° | 55° 66° | 39° 59° | 32°

Description 

Hadley Mountain has long been one of the most popular hiking destinations in the southern Adirondacks. Forming the western block of a larger complex labelled West Mountain on USGS topos, one sees several boulders and outcrops near the trail leading to the firetower, but there is a lot more hidden from view of hikers. Taller cliffs lie tucked away in several places.
To date, the only major development has taken place on the extreme southern end of the ridge, at a 30' to 90' tall cliff dubbed the Rods'n'Guns Wall. A few other prominent crags have seen minor action, most await serious exploration or development.
Roundtop, the northernmost extension of the ridge, lies entirely on private property. Its extensive cliffs are not open to the public.

Getting There 

The only sane public access is the Hadley Mountain Trailhead, itself a difficult item to locate. Take Northway exit 21 and head south to Luzerne. When Lake Luzerne lies close to the road to the left (by the school), take a right, driving downhill and turning sharply left into town. Turn right and cross the Hudson River above Rockwell Falls, then continue another 1/10th mile and turn right onto Hadley-Stony Creek Road. Drive about five minutes and take a left onto Hadley Mtn. Road. Drive along until you see Tower Road and take a right. Tower Road is a rough, dirt road; drive it to the trailhead.

The Classics