Mount Arab Hike

Mount Arab sits outside of the High Peaks, surrounded by lakes and reservoirs in the Adirondacks. The ridge hike is short and only moderately steep, leading to great views and a historic fire tower and museum. Beginning from the trailhead, hikers will begin to ascend through an open hardwood forest. While the trail is well worn, it is rooty and rocky in places. Wooden stairways assist in the steepest portions of the trail. Near the top visitors can choose to follow a path to the right that tops out on a secluded bedrock outcropping with a log bench or the trail to the left that leads more directly to the observer's cabin and fire tower. Both trails ultimately reach the fire tower. During the summer you'll likely encounter Thomas Cullen and his two Newfoundlands, Toby and Apollo. He oversees the museum, the fire tower, and greets climbers. Originally a wooden structure built in 1912, the fire tower was replaced in 1918 with a metal one. The adjacent cabin hosts information about the fire tower and the history of its occupants as well as the ecology in the surrounding area. Visitors are invited to climb the tower for excellent views of the surrounding lakes. A map at the top identifies the surrounding landmarks.