Get out and explore on snowshoes

First-time snowshoers should consider getting their winter legs by exploring a well-established, well-maintained trail network. Think of it as a safe introduction to the sport minus the surprises — things like fallen trees — found in the backcountry. Dewey Mountain Recreation Center, just a 1-minute drive from downtown Saranac Lake, is a perfect place to get started. The paths there are well marked and they all lead back to the cozy base lodge. Dewey is also a great place to learn cross-country skiing.

For longer trails and more variety, the Paul Smith’s VIC, located about 15 minutes from downtown, can’t be beat. The property has 40 kilometers of trails and 15 kilometers of groomed trails that snake past expansive wetlands and beautiful, open hardwood forests.

Looking to get out into the forest and really experience nature on snowshoes? A guided snowshoe trip is a great opportunity to connect with the natural world and strengthen your bond with the outdoors. For more information on guided snowshoe trips, check out the Adirondack Guides and Tours page for more information, or visit one of the many skilled and knowledgable retailers from the list below.

Snowshoe-thusiast

Join us for the Adirondack Snowshoe Fest!

Leave No Trace and Love Your ADK Pledge

The magic of the Adirondacks is the result of previous generations taking a long view and protecting the mountains, lakes, and rivers within the Blue Line. That tradition continues today as we support and encourage everyone to practice Leave No Trace ethics, which help protect the lands and waters of the Adirondacks.

Seven Principles of Leave No Trace

In winter, it is especially important to come prepared and practice ways to Love Your ADK; the best way to avoid emergencies is to properly plan and prepare for your trip.

(518) 651-6560
Saranac Lake, NY 12983

Slow down, unplug and immerse your senses in nature. Our experienced guides invite you through a series of brief ever-changing sensory activities to explore nature in the Adirondacks in new ways. Adirondack Riverwalking offers outdoor guided...

(518) 891-1838
73 Dorsey Street
Saranac Lake, NY 12983

St. Regis Canoe Outfitters is ideally situated with two bases on the water: Our Saranac Lake Base is in the village right on the Saranac River, a part of the 740 mile Northern Forest Canoe Trail. Our Floodwood Outpost is on Floodwood Pond at the edge...

View from St. Regis Canoe Outfitters' Saranac Lake retail space on the Saranac River
(518) 327-6241
NY Route 30
Paul Smiths, NY 12970
Corey's Road
Tupper Lake, NY 12986

The Raquette Falls Trail is one of the most popular Adirondack backcountry ski routes in winter, and a wonderful hiking route along the river in summer.

Route 86
Ray Brook, NY 12977

McKenzie Mountain is a 3,822-foot mountain with two distinct peaks that are visible from many places around Saranac Lake. The path begins with a long, pleasant hike through the forest before the serious climbing begins, but when it does it is relentless.

Always an incredible moment to share with someone close.
Saranac Lake, NY 12983

This hike can be extended with spur trails for more pond exploration. Despite the name, motor vehicles are not allowed on the trail by the general public. However, the designation does allow for mountain and fat biking, skiing, hiking, and snowshoeing.

Coreys Road
Tupper Lake, NY 12986

The Seward Range is one of the most remote in the Adirondack High Peaks and it consists of Seward, Donaldson, Emmons, and Seymour mountains. Seymour is separated from the other three by Ouluska Pass. This hike describes climbing Seward, Donaldson, and...

Seward Range
Coreys Road
Tupper Lake, NY 12986

Seymour Mountain is the stand alone peak of the Seward Range and located on the opposite side of Ouluska Pass and separated from Seward, Donaldson and Emmons by a very deep valley.

Seymour
Floodwood Road
Paul Smiths, NY 12970

Floodwood Mountain is an excellent hike for the entire family. The terrain is moderate with only a short amount of steep sections.

Floodwood Mountain is a fine choice for fall color.
Route 86
Saranac Lake, NY 12983

The Bloomingdale Bog Trail is a scenic, end-to-end path that follows an old railroad corridor that connects Saranac Lake to Bloomingdale. The entire route is wide, level, and mostly straight, making it perfect for a casual stroll or bike ride.

Route 30
Paul Smiths, NY 12970

The hike up Jenkins is long but it isn't terribly difficult, making it perfect for anyone seeking a nice woods ramble that ends in a great view. 

Jenkins has a nice view from a rocky summit.
Route 30
Tupper Lake, NY 12986

Fernow Trail, also known as the Fernow Plantation Loop, was named after Bernhard Fernow. He was one of the fathers of modern forestry and the first chief of the US Forest Service. Look for brochures in the register box for information which...