Poke-O-Moonshine
Address: 135 Route 9, Keeseville, NY 12944
Campground Phone: (518)834-9045
Regional Office Phone: (518)897-1309
PARK CLOSURE: In response to the continuing fiscal crisis of New York State, three DEC campgrounds with very low occupancy rates will not open for the 2009 camping season. These campgrounds are: Bear Spring Mountain, Poke-O-Moonshine, and Poplar Point. We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.
While Poke-O-Moonshine Campground is closed to camping, a portion of the facility remains available for Forest Preserve public access. The Department asks that visitors use the "Carry-In/Carry-Out" policy, park only in designated areas and abide by the other informational postings that are present.
Poke-O-Moonshine answers the dream of rock climbers everywhere. Boasting clear vertical ledges it provides some of the most difficult climbing opportunities anywhere. As an alternative, take the well-traveled hiking trail to the summit where you will find a historic fire tower that has recently been restored. You will enjoy panoramic views of the Adirondacks, Canada, Lake Champlain, and the Green Mountains of Vermont. Besides climbers, the long, clean rock face is utilized as a breeding habitat by peregrine falcons, a state and federally listed endangered species.
Directions: From the Northway (I-87) - Exit 33 , go south on Route 9 about 3 miles. There is a sign on the roadside for the campground.
Amenities: Biking, hiking, rock climbing (advanced climbers only) and wildlife viewing.
Rock Climbing: The rock face of Poke-O-Moonshine can be extremely dangerous for beginners. All but advanced climbers should avoid it. Human disturbance of peregrine falcons during the breeding season can result in reduced reproductive success. To help ensure that attempts at reproduction on the ledges of Poke-O-Moonshine Mountain are successful, the rock climbing routes which would bring individuals close to the nest site (eyrie) are closed between April 1 and mid-July. At the base of the cliff, where the routes begin, is a list of the temporarily closed routes posted with department signs warning potential users to stay clear. Cooperation from the public during this peregrine falcon nesting season is greatly appreciated. The Region 5 Wildlife office can be reached at (518) 897-1291.
Hiking: The Poke-O-Moonshine Mountain trail is 1.2 miles. Numerous other hiking trails are accessible to campers within the area known as the High Peaks Region. The Garden (high peaks trailhead) is located in Keene Valley, 20 miles away.
Area Attractions: The Lake Champlain Valley with Plattsburgh, Lake Champlain, Valcour Island Lighthouse and Ausable Chasm Waterfalls; the Tri-Lakes region with Lake Placid boasting the 1932 & 1980 Winter Olympic venues.
Historic Interest: The campground was developed in 1930 with the caretaker's cabin and registration booth being added a year later. Little change has occurred since that time. The fire tower was established in 1912 at the summit of Poke-O-Moonshine Mountain. It has recently been restored.
