The Trailhead for Severance Mt. is located on Rte. 9 just South
of exit 28 of I-87 also known as the “Adirondack Northway.” DO NOT
ATTEMPT THIS CACHE FROM THE NORTHWAY!
The trail to the summit of Severance Mountain is well maintained
and is marked by Yellow Trail Markers. Although the Trailhead sign
lists a distance of 1.2 miles and over 800 ft. gain in elevation,
in reality, and according to my GPS it is a 1.08 mile hike with
only a 700 ft. gain in elevation. One of the coolest aspects of
this trail are the 2 large culverts you hike through that take you
under the Northbound and then the Southbound lanes of the
Adirondack Northway. Overall, I’d rate this a moderate climb. There
aren’t any real steep sections and along the way there is a nice
spot with two log benches to sit and take a rest if needed.
When you near the summit, there are two overlooks that offer
views of the surrounding Adirondack Park. The first overlook
provides a view of Schroon Lake below with the Pharoah Mt.
Wilderness area beyond. The dominate Mountain in the back to the
left is Pharoah.
From the first overlook continue on the trail another 100 ft. or
so to reach the second overlook. This overlook provides a view of
the Paradox Lake region.
The cache is located a very short distance from the summit and
first overlook and requires a minimal bushwhack at most. Please be
gentle around the cache area!