Hiking
Kane Mountain can be climbed as a loop. The 60-foot tall Kane Mountain Fire Tower is located on the summit. It was first built in 1925 and was restored in 2003. The summit of Kane is wooded, but climbing the fire tower gives spectacular views of the whole Canada Lakes Region, the Silver Lake Wilderness, and Peck and Caroga Lakes. With clear, dry, conditions, the view includes Mohawk Valley, the Helderberg Range to the southeast, and the Catskills to the south.
From the trailhead you will start climbing almost immediately but never on too steep a grade and come to the fire tower after only 0.8 miles. The trail as well as the summit is covered in an open hardwood forest. There are no views from the ground but 360 degree views will be awaiting you from the cab of the fire tower. The old fire observers cabin it to the left. The loop continues over the summit and gradually descends over a less frequently used trail that passes along the ridge. The trail will then pass by attractive Otter Lake before returning to the trailhead.
Elevation
2180 feet
Ascent
600 Feet
Distance Round Trip
2.3 miles, loop
Approximate Time Round Trip
Families with Kids: 2.5 to 3.5 hours
Experienced Hikers: 2 to 2.5 hours
Out of Shape Hikers: 2.5 to 3 hours
Trailhead Location
Kane Mountain East Trail is the most direct route, ascending 560 feet and 0.8 mile from the Kane Mountain Trailhead Parking Area to the summit.
Kane Mountain North Trail descends 560 feet and 1.3 miles from the summit to the Kane Mountain Trailhead Parking Area. A 2.1-mile loop hike from Kane Mountain Trailhead Parking Area over the summit of and back to the trailhead can be made using the Kane Mountain North and East Trails.
Kane Mountain from Green Lake
From the intersection of Route 8 and Route 10 in Piseco, follow Route 10 South toward Pine Lake. Just under 2-miles past Pine Lake, take a left onto Green lake Road. Then drive Green Lake Road to the trailhead, which will be on the left. The short dirt road to the trailhead may or may not be plowed adequately for many cars, park in a safe location.
Kane Mountain Loop from Schoolhouse Road
This trail is used much less seldom than the Green Lake Road trailhead, but still a worthy avenue to take. In winter it gets much less use and parking can be a slight issue. From the roadside you will start a climb that is immediate and very steady as you make your way up the old fire observers tote road. The trail is very wide, and in a couple areas can be a bit icy under the snow if there is not adequate coverage. You will first reach the old observers cabin with the tower just beyond. Outstanding views await the visitor to the cab of the tower.
Elevation
2180 feet
Ascent
600 Feet
Distance Round Trip
1.4 miles
Snowshoeing
Approximate Time Round Trip:
Families with Kids: 2 to 2.5 hours
Experienced Snowshoers: 1.5 to 2 hours
Out of Shape Snowshoers: 2 to 2.5 hours
Trailhead Location:
From the intersection of Route 8 and Route 10 in Piseco, follow Route 10 South toward Pine Lake. Just under 1.5 miles past Pine Lake, take a left onto Schoolhouse Road. The trail will be on the left in under 1-mile.
Difficulty: 1=easiest, 5=hardest
One: Easy to moderate trail
Additional Important Information:
Difficulty: 1=easiest, 5=hardest
One: Easy to moderate trail
Additional Important Information:
Snowshoeing over a frozen body of water can access you to areas not seen by most in the summer. With that being said it is a dangerous activity to cross frozen water bodies and should be done with care and respect for your environment. Know the ice conditions and be prepared for anything including heavy winds, snow drifts, whiteouts, slushy conditions, and thin ice.
