With a rich history of mining, Lyon Mountain is a towering peak in the Chazy Highlands Wild Forest in Clinton County, NY.
The mining started in the 1860s and continued until 1967. It produced some of the purest iron ore in the world, and some of that ore was even used to build the Golden Gate Bridge.
At 3,830 feet, Lyon Mountain has a large open summit scattered with beautiful spruce trees. There are splendid views of Chazy Lake and the Adirondack High Peaks. On very clear days, you can also enjoy views of the Green Mountains in Vermont and Montreal in Quebec, Canada.
In addition, this mountain has a fire tower that can be climbed for an even more expansive view. Lyon Mountain was designated a fire tower peak in 1917, when the 35-foot steel tower was erected at the summit.
A new trail was built by the Adirondack Mountain Club approximately 10 years ago. It is a pleasant trail with three bridges and a series of switchbacks that gradually takes you to the summit. This 6.8-mile round trip hike makes for a terrific day out in nature.
The parking area is one-mile up a seasonal dirt road off Chazy Lake Road. There is a DEC sign for Chazy Highlands at the beginning of the dirt road. The trail starts opposite of the parking area. Also, check out the Lyon Mountain Mining and Railroad Museum.
It is open on Wednesdays and Sundays from 10 am to 2 pm at 2914 Standish Road, Lyon Mountain, NY.
Photo of Lyon Mountain Fire Tower courtesy DEC.
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