A great non-high-peak mountain in the southern Adirondacks region that is free of crowds.
Mountain Facts:
Elevation: 3,241 Feet
Elevation Gain: 1,345 Feet
Length: 3 - 4 Miles
Type: Loop
This mountain is in the town of Johnsbury in the south of the Adirondacks, most notably near Gore Mountain. This mountain has many features that make it a great hike, some of which are the views, the large alpine lake, and the ability to complete as a loop. There are two loop options, the short distance loop is about 3.1miles and has a .7 of a mile beginning and end that are repeated. The more common option is the full loop that doesn't repeat any section which is the map on AllTrails. The distance has been known to be off on the app and is closer to 4 miles when done this way.
My recommendation for hiking is to summit first and then come back down along the pond route. This gets the consistent 1.4 miles of steady elevation out of the way and avoids one heck of a tricky ladder on the descent phase. It probably doesn't look too intimidating covered in the snow but it's a long, near-vertical ladder surrounded by tough rocky terrain.
This was my second time hiking Crane, the other also in the winter but without snow. I've always thought of it as a great winter hike option because the distance isn't too great, and being a loop, you're only ever half the max distance traveled back to the parking area in case weather changes or any unforeseen trouble occurs.
The summit has wonderful views of Garnet Lake and the obscure wilderness of the Adirondacks. I hope to come back soon again in the summer or autumn months to get a different perspective.
©Copyright 2020 Dan Oliver
Photography exclusively by Dan Oliver unless otherwise stated and cited. Embedded maps are provided by Embed Google Map (embedgooglemap.net) and map images shown are provided as stated and cited.
DISCLAIMER:
This website is provided for entertainment purposes only, and is not meant to serve as an instructional guide, or present itself as an authority for any of the locations written about. The locations mentioned, written, and photographed herein are nothing more than my personal adventure archive. If you are interested in visiting any locations you should not depend on the information in this website to plan any excursions. You should research a wide variety of informational sources, websites, hiking guide books and maps found elsewhere. Many locations are dangerous and potentially illegal to access which can lead to fines, injury or death even when prepared. I do not encourage anyone to trespass or put themselves or others in way of harm. This website, and therefore its’ owner/author, cannot assume any responsibility for anything you may incur while hiking or exploring any of these locations or anywhere on planet earth. Thank you for viewing!