This loop is the premier hike of the Fairgrounds East trail system. The hike passes through varied habitat and climbs to the two summits of the nearby hill. Much of this loop uses snowmobile and old four-wheeler trails so they are wide and mostly smooth. The suggested route direction is clockwise, providing an easy start and a warm up for the moderate twisting ascent past steep rock outcroppings on the Cliffhanger trail. It is along this part of the trail where there is a good display of early spring wildflowers. This hike also is an enjoyable wintertime snowshoe outing.
Cue Sheet
- From the parking lot kiosk, walk down the trail paralleling Town Farm road. Cross Town Farm road, pass through the gates in the fences and bear right on Maple Sugar, a wide gravel road. This gravel road soon enters a large open meadow where it becomes grassy while maintaining its width.
- At 0.5 miles at the 4-way intersection turn right onto the Merry-Go-Round trail as it ascends and reaches the next intersection in the upper meadow. Continue straight on Merry-Go-Round, following the trail across the meadow and into the forest.
- At mile 0.7 bear right on the Midway trail, a wide snowmobile trail, and follow it uphill.
- At mile 1.0 turn right on the narrow Cliffhanger trail and follow the trail past several rocky outcroppings as it climbs via nine switchbacks to the top. Just before reaching the top there is a bench that offers a moment to relax and enjoy the first of two spots for nice views of the southern Adirondacks Mountains.
- The terrain now eases as the trail continues to the top and rejoins the Midway trail. Near this junction another bench at mile 1.8 provides a pleasant view of Spruce Knob to the north.
- Continue to follow the narrow Cliffhanger trail as it meanders along the ridge, crisscrossing the Midway trail.
- At mile 2.0, the Loop-the-Loop trail is reached. Go to the right and follow this short 0.2-mile loop to two benches on the top of the small rocky knoll where one can enjoy a second look out to the southern Adirondacks.
- Continue on the loop and descend back to Cliffhanger at mile 2.2.
- Turn right and follow to the junction with the Midway trail at 2.3 miles. Continue straight to remain on the Cliffhanger trail.
- Follow the trail as it winds downhill and cuts across the hillside to a lower intersection with Midway at mile 3.3. Turn left and return to the parking lot.