Crane Mountain and Cave

[crazy_carl]

I was wondering if anyone had any information on the cave near the end of the ski trail going to Crane Mountain. I've hiked that one a few times and wanted to know if anyone here had information about the cave itself or knew of a way of getting a map for it. Thanks for any help you guys can give. Your site is a great source of information!

[Rivet]

I don't remember any cave.
I know there is a natural bridge that the lower trail goes over.

[crazy_carl]

From what I gather there is a decent sized cave somewhere near there. I know the natural bridge you are talking about and though maybe that was the entrance. A few sites have pictures of it but I wanted to know if anyone here had explored it further.

http://www.steuben.org/hobbies/hiking/Crane/Crane2003/index.html

http://chum2.dyndns.org/gallery/albums.php

[Rivet]

Could be. I'll check my McMartin books.

If you're interested in caves, Chimney Mountain has lots of them. And it's an easy hike to boot.

[crazy_carl]

Thanks Rivet. Yeah, I've been to Chimney a bunch of times. A great place.

[fvrwld]

From atop Buck Mountain today Crane Mountain caught my eye. I'm looking for some more info. Is that a loop I see on the map? How suitable is the hike for a beginner? Is there still a fire tower and is it in good shape? Where is this natural bridge?

Thanks!

[Rik]

Hi Val,
Crane is wonderful. The tower is gone but there are still views on top and on the way up. A couple of loops are possible and the pond is a gem. I think it is ok for a beginner but is steep in spots. There is also a ladder that can be difficult for some dogs. It can be avoided by going to the pond and then around the pond and up the trail from the pond. I usually do the loop by going to the summit first and then the pond. From there you can take the trail back to the one you came on or follow one a little further south towards the farm below the mountain. Some care is needed to follow the trail soon after it leaves the pond. I don't have a map in front of me but I remember the bridge and if I look at a map when I get home I think I can describe where the it is. (if someone doesn't beat me to it) Oh yeah the road in to the trailhead can be a bit messy this time of year. In years past it was possible to park at the end of the road and walk it.

[soco7tyx7]

i know of the cave you're talking about. i've looked for maps of it myself but the best i could come up with is the sites you have already posted. when you come down the backside of the mountain from the trail that starts where the dam exits the pond, its at the bottom of the mountain where the decline stops. if you remember there are 2 rather large rock formations that come together(which is the natural bridge, i think). you can go in between them, and there is a brook flowing down there and it flows into the cave. from what i remember its a very small entrance. expect to get wet if you are gonna go and explore it. i have pictures of it, but unfortunately they are at home and i'm at college and i dont have a scanner. sorry if i told you anything you already knew. Rik could probably tell you where on the map it is, since i dont have one with me.

[Boreal Chickadee]

Crane Mountain is excellent for a beginner. I've gone the way Rik describes but taken the trail down to the valley past the farm. Great views form the top and a lovely pond. You get to go down a nice smooth rock face which adds interest. Just watch where the trail goes in and out of the woods. You won't have any problem but someone not used to the variableness of trail markings might miss it. The "cave" (not really) is at the stream at the bottom as I remember. It was icy cool and my son wanted to take a closer look.

There was a beagle on the top where you first come out after the ladders and it begged for food. Sit up his haunches begging. This little guy was an expert at getting handouts. I think he lived at the last house on the road because that is where we saw him when we drove out.

edit: something is nagging me about the "cave"- Wasn't this a "disappearing" stream? I'll have to look this up tomorrow, it's been awhile since I went there. Never forget that beagle though!

[MattC]

Crane is the only ADK peak that I have some experience with and I agree that it's a gem. It's also quite easy, except for the few steep areas. I climbed it 4 or 5 times, all long before I became a "serious" hiker. Gotta love a place w/ a sky lake.

Matt

[fvrwld]

Thank you all for the info.

I'm planning on heading into the trailhead from Thurman(from the south). Is this the best way?

BTW...its going to be a beautiful day. If anyone wants to join us I plan on getting to the trailhead on Sunday(4/17) around 10:30.(11:00 at the latest). It will be me, my brother and a total newbie. The going will be slow but my partners are very enthusiastic for this hike. We will be arriving in either a red Baja or a green Chevy S10.

[Kevin]

Sunday, right Val?

[fvrwld]

Um yeah...Sunday. I just added that.

[redhawk]

We will be arriving in either a red Baja or a green Chevy S10.

Ah vehicles that will be trucks when they grow up!!

(I'll talk to you tomorrow)