From my experience, some of the most rewarding hikes or canoe trips I have taken were those that required the most effort. My all time favorite climb, Gothics Mt., on the southern part of the Great Range, was also one of the toughest climbs that I have done. Mount Marcy, which I wrote about a few weeks ago, was a very long, grinding climb that led to a gorgeous view. It seems that often, the effort that is required to climb a mountain proportional to how amazing the scenery is. However, this is not always the case as some of the high peaks have no view, while some amazing rewards can come from a five minute hike just off the road. The latter is the case with Belfry Mountain.
It's strange even calling Belfry a "Mountain," as most guidebooks list the elevation of the summit at .6 miles! It is very easy to get to and is a great detour from any trip up or down i87 or the "Adirondack Northway." From exit 30 off of the Northway, you simply travel east on Rt. 6 to Witherbee, then turn left onto Lincoln Pond Road. The trail is just a gravel road with very little elevation gain and leads to a rocky section with a fire tower on top. I have yet to really get into my love of fire towers (which I certainly will), but there is just something special about them. From the top, the view is incredible.
To the west, Belfry gives an amazing view of the High Peaks:
While looking to the east yields great views of some old mines as well as Lake Champlain:
The tower itself was in great shape, probably because it had been reutilized to hold weather and other types of instruments. I would recommend this hike to anyone of any physical ability because it was really not strenuous at all. We actually climbed this the day after climbing Marcy with ease.
Belfry is worth the short detour off of the Northway, and is a great addition to any trip to Plattsburgh, Burlington, or the High Peaks region.
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