Seward Mountain

Overview

The twenty-fourth mountain in order of height in the Adirondacks and another of the peaks that begs the question why climb it? It is only really climbed because it is one to the 46 major peaks since there is little of interest along the route and not much to see once one gets there.

Seward is the first peak in the Seward Mountains and it is also the highest in that range. Like the Santanoni Range this range has a micro climate that is even dryer that the High Peaks and people hiking in the area should be aware of the fact that one has to bring one’s own water source to the area. Fortunately unlike most of the High Peaks the water here is fit to drink at least it was last time I was there in 1998.

Seward also in my opinion marks the beginning of the grouping of the most remote of the major peaks. Though the approach trails are now becoming quite popular as an alternative to Adirodack Loj.

Its remoteness also means that the majority of the heard paths in the area are in good shape since they are well defined but see much less traffic than the maintained trails do. As well these paths are due to be upgraded by the 46ers in 2002 and then will be formally marked on the next edition of the ADK map.

The normal route to Seward is to approach from the W and hike into any one of the many camping or lean-tos sites that are found along the Ward Brook Truck Trail. One can also come from the SE from Duck Hole.


The unmarked trail to Seward begins about 0.2 of a mile SE of the spot where the trail for Coreys joins the fire truck trail. Just past the bridge there should be a cairn on the right hand side marking the start of the heard path.

The trail crisscrosses a brook a number of times avoiding sink and mud holes and the occasional blow down. Well after the brook runs out you should reach the summit wall of Seward. Simply follow it to the left until you can climb up and over it to the summit ridge. It is then about a 10-15 min walk up to the summit.

Many people claim that is trail is quite hard with a lot of mud, little space and many short 5-10 foot scrambles, I myself found it rather enjoyable and not as boring as I expected.

Getting There

Check out the entry for Santanoni for detiled directions to the trailheads for Duck Hole Trail or the Coreys/Ward Brook Truck Trail.

Red Tape

The frist part of both the Upper Works trail and the Duck Hole trail are on private land as well, the Ward Brook trail skirts along private land (you will see many many sings pointing this out) please observe these simple rules

1) No camping, fishing or hunting
2) No off-trail travel including rock climbing or bushwhacking, or use of non public trail
3) No boating or swimming, including portable boats brought by the public
4) NO DOGS or other pets are permitted unless on a leash

The Seward Range and all of the Adirondacks for that matter, has a big game hunting season that starts on the next to last Saturday in October and lasts until the first Sunday in December. Do have on bright coloured clothing and do not be alarmed is you hear shots, or men (99.999999% of the time it is a guy but i supose thate are some women hunters out there too) with guns.

When To Climb

Fall is the best time as the colours give some joy to ths hike.

Watch out for summer as there is little water in the area.

In winter it is a very good ski trip up from Duck Hole or along the Ward Brook Truck Trail. In winter Crampons may be needed to get up some of the steep parts of the trail.

Camping

Same as for all Adirondack mountians.
1) No Camping above 4,000 feet
2) No camping withing 150 feet of a stream or other water source except at a designated campsite.
3) No soap or washing withing 150 feet of water
4) Pack it in Pack it out is the rule for garbage
5) Only dead and down wood can be used for fires and set in a proper fire pit. ( local etiquette is to use a stove and not a fire)

Mountain Conditions

some good links

ADk 46ers
Adirondack Hiking Portal

What's In a Name

Named after another long forgotten 19th century politician, William Henry Seward, who is most noted as being Lincoln’s Secretary of State, a long time governor of New York after Marcy and one of the founders of the Republican Party.

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Images

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