Today, Hudson and I checked off hike number four of eight for the Adirondack Gateway Challenge: Hadley Mountain.
I’ll admit, I almost turned around a few times on the drive there. Dark, rain-filled clouds seemed to be following us the entire way, growing larger and more threatening with every mile. But lately I’ve been trying to change my relationship with rainy weather. Rain doesn’t always have to ruin an adventure—in fact, some of my favorite moments outdoors have happened in less-than-perfect conditions. So, despite my doubts, we kept going.
Trip Report
6/7/2026
We pulled into the trailhead around 11:30 a.m. and managed to grab the last parking spot. There were still a few patches of blue sky overhead and a cool breeze drifting through the trees, but I knew the rain would eventually arrive. After signing in and grabbing a trail brochure for later journaling, Hudson and I started up the trail.
This was actually my third time hiking Hadley Mountain.
The first was back in 2014 with my dad while working on the Fire Tower Challenge. I remember that hike vividly because I started far too fast and ended up taking an extended break behind a rock, convinced my breakfast might make a surprise reappearance. Thankfully, it never did. As I passed that same rock today, I laughed at the fact that I still remembered it all these years later.
My second visit was in March of 2020, the day after we got Darby. It was the very first adventure we took with her. The trail was packed with people that day. The pandemic had effectively shut everything down just a couple of days earlier, and being outdoors was one of the few things people could still do. Looking back, it feels like a snapshot from a very strange moment in time.
Hudson, meanwhile, was focused on a much more important mission: finding every possible source of water on the trail. No puddle was too small. He eagerly investigated damp rocks, tiny pools, and muddy spots, slurping up whatever water he could find or simply lying down in it to cool off. The more time we spend together on the trail, the more I realize how smart and observant he is. He’s constantly taking note of his surroundings and seems to remember things for later. Hiking with him has been an absolute joy. For the most part, he doesn’t mind being on a leash—mainly because he prefers staying close by anyway.
As we climbed higher, I found myself especially grateful for the short flat section near the summit. It offered a welcome break from the seemingly endless uphill climb. By then, a light sprinkle had begun, so I decided to head straight to the summit before visiting the fire tower cabin.
We only stayed at the summit for a few minutes. I was a little disappointed because I had been hoping for dry weather so I could sit and try painting the view. Instead, I snapped a few reference photos and made a mental note to attempt it later at home.
Afterward, we wandered over to the cabin. Hudson immediately discovered a patch of grass and threw himself into it, rolling around with complete abandon. Watching him do that never fails to make me smile.
By this point, the misty sprinkle had become a steady light rain. I had already slipped on a few wet rock slabs during the ascent, and I knew they wouldn’t be any friendlier on the way down, so we decided it was time to head back.
The rain continued for most of our descent, but rather than being unpleasant, it brought a welcome coolness to the humid air. One unexpected bonus was the abundance of newts that emerged along the trail. They seemed to be everywhere, taking advantage of the wet conditions.
We made quick work of the descent, reaching the trailhead in about thirty minutes. Wet, a little muddy, and happy, we climbed into the car and headed home.
Sometimes a hike doesn’t go exactly as planned. The views are brief, the rain arrives early, and the painting kit stays packed away. But between the memories of hikes past, the company of a good dog, and the quiet beauty of a rainy Adirondack afternoon, Hadley Mountain turned out to be exactly what we needed.
Trip Stats
- Distance: 3.3 miles
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Elevation Gain/Loss: +1,520 ft./-1,508 ft.
- Weather: Mostly cloudy, with some rain
- GPS System: OnXBackcountry
Rating
7/10
Each time I do this hike, I’ve enjoyed it more. Perhaps next time will provide better weather and better views.
Happy Hiking!
