Hiking in the Adirondacks

The Adirondack Mountains offer challenging summits like Mt. Marcy, the highest point in the state at 5,344 ft, to Baker Mt., right in the Village of Saranac Lake, that is an easy hike for families and those new to the sport. There are so many hiking trails in the Adirondacks that a different one could be explored every day for a year!

Haystack in Ray Brook and Ampersand on the way to Tupper Lake offer open summits and great views of the High Peaks and the Saranac Lakes. The Paul Smith's College VIC is a great way to get introduced to hiking as it features miles of family-friendly interpretive trails through old growth forest, marshland and bogs.

As a precaution, research destinations and routes, be prepared, bring maps, water, and appropriate gear!

Hiking Map

For more information about hiking in the Adirondacks visit the DEC web site:

Haystack Mountain

Not to be confused with the High Peak Mt. Haystack! Haystack Mountain is a friendlier climb, a great choice for a morning or afternoon ...
Location: Ray Brook, NY
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Scarface Mountain

A popular hike in the area, Scarface Mountain offers a nice out and back trip. The trailhead is in Ray Brook and the winding, rolling ...
Location: Ray Brook, NY
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Ampersand Mountain

The first 1.7 miles of the hike is a tranquil, idyllic "walk in the woods." The trail is basically flat, going over various ...
Location: Saranac Lake, NY
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Mount Baker

Mount Baker is an excellent family hike, right in the village of Saranac Lake, which begins at another great destination, Moody Pond. ...
Location: Saranac Lake, NY
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Paul Smith's College VIC

Paul Smith's College VIC (Visitor Interpretive Center) in Paul Smiths, New York offers environmental education and tourist orientation. ...
Location: Paul Smiths, NY
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McKenzie Mountain

McKenzie Mountain is a 3,861-foot (1,177m) mountain in western Essex County in the McKenzie Mountain Widerness area which spans an area ...
Location: Ray Brook, NY
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St. Regis Mountain

The trailhead for St. Regis, a fire tower mountain, is on the Keese Mills Road, 2.5 miles from the intersection of Rt. 86 and Rt. 30, ...
Location: Paul Smiths, NY
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Saint Regis Mountain

The trailhead for St. Regis, a fire tower mountain, is on the Keese Mills Road, 2.5 miles from the intersection of Rt. 86 and Rt. 30, ...
Location: Paul Smiths, NY
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Kettle Trail

The Kettle Trail is an out and back hike where the end is at another access point along McColloms Road. The McColloms Road access is ...
Location: Paul Smiths, NY
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