One of my favorite hikes in the Adirondack Park is Rocky Mountain near Inlet, NY. This trail is short on exertion, and long on reward, with a wonderful view that's nearly panoramic.

The hike is only one-mile, round trip. It's a great climb for children; we hike it nearly every summer, and my son loves it.

The trail is well-used and easy to follow even without markers. There are a few steep areas. The trail is rated "moderate".

Near the top, you pass through a forested area, then the whole world seems to open up at your feet. There's an excellent view of Fourth Lake, in the Fulton Chain of Lakes, and Route 28 to Eagle Bay.

To get to Rocky Mountain: The trailhead is between Eagle Bay and Inlet on Route 28. Approximately a mile from each town, there is a dirt parking lot (on the left if coming from Eagle Bay).

For more information, consult "Guide to Adirondack Trails: West-Central Region, Second Edition" by Arthur W. Haberl.

Inlet is a cute little town located on Fourth Lake in the Fulton Chain of Lakes. It's about ten miles from Old Forge and offers many lodging and dining choices. There are also lots of activities to chose from, including boating, camping (Limekiln Lake State Park is nearby), fishing, leaf-peeping and snowmobiling. We seem to find ourselves in Inlet many times each year.

For more information on Inlet, such as dining choices, activities and accommodations, see: Inlet New York Homepage.

For free information on Inlet, visit: Inlet Information Request Form or write: Town of Inlet Information Office, P.O. Box 266,Inlet, NY, 13360. You can also call 1-866-GOINLET.

Eagle Bay is a small town, yet it is home to several dining establishments. There's also a small grocery store and a horse-riding farm.

For more information on Old Forge, visit: Old Forge New York. To get a free Old Forge Vacation Planner, go to: Old Forge Vacation Planner or call 315-369-6983.