Blue Mountain Road

A combination of paved and dirt roads creates a difficulty level of beginner. The scenery is wonderful and the birding is excellent! 

How to get there

From downtown Saranac Lake, head west on Route 86, toward Paul Smiths. At the four-way intersection with Paul Smith's College, turn right on Route 30 and take the first left on Keese Mill Road. Follow Keese Mill Road for just under 3 miles to the St. Regis Mountain trailhead parking on the left. The road continues beyond this and eventually turns to packed dirt. Travel can be tricky in winter or mud season; please be careful of getting stuck. Blue Mountain Road eventually ends near St. Regis Falls. You can either go back the way you came or link up to Route 458, which will take you to Route 86 and lead you back to Saranac Lake.

Cycling 

As you cycle along, you'll pass through forest with interesting glacial errata. As you cross Bay Pond and Ross parklands, the land becomes taken over with blueberry barrens from a massive forest fire at the turn of the 20th century. You'll see the profile of St. Regis Mountain to the south. The road is packed dirt and can be rough at times.

Birding

The road along the St. Regis River leads to a spruce and fir forest, where birders can enjoy boreal birds like the Canada Jay and Black-backed Woodpecker. Keep your eyes peeled: you might see an elusive Spruce Grouse while on this route!