Bare Mountain is only a short walk from the Center, but still offers fabulous views of the surrounding mountains, pond, and the waterfront. Most older students, though, hike Bare at night, when the moonlit silhouette of the faraway peaks may compare to nothing they’ve seen.

Students might first see Rattlesnake Mountain looming at the other end of Long Pond, but most will get a chance to climb it before they leave. Leaders on all three of the highest mountains are trail experts and pepper the walk with tidbits on natural and cultural history. The varied trek up Rattlesnake includes an even trail, a slight slope, a steep section, and parts that are more reminiscent of rock-climbing, though always with a trail around the obstacles. From the top, hikers can view Lake Champlain and Vermont’s Green Mountains.

The least climbed of the Patch moutains, Sugarloaf is still a great hike with a unique south-facing view of the farming community of Reber and the Adirondack High Peaks.

The steepest of the hikes, Mt. Pok-O-Moonshine offers the most challenge of the Patch mountains. If time permits, we encourage students to climb the tower for the full view, or simply to take a well-earned rest at the summit before returning to the Center.