One foot in front of the other

Saranac Lake is a hub for hikers. Hiking is a favorite in the Adirondacks, and Saranac Lake is a beautiful region for beginner and experienced hikers alike. Gently meandering paths, trails to lake-side views, and big mountaintop vistas all await anyone who hikes here.

Try it, we think you'll like it!

If you're new to hiking, Saranac Lake is an ideal place to start, providing adventurers with a range of options that will fit right in to their skill set. Head out in any direction from town to find hikes that range from family-friendly to challenging. Each hike will offer something unique, from interesting geological features to stunning scenery. We have hikes close to town and others a little further afield, where you'll wind your way through pine-scented forests and past sparkling brooks. It doesn't all have to be rugged mountains; try a gentle nature walk! Have you ever seen a moose? You just might on a hike here!

Whether you're a beginner or a hiker from way back, in the Saranac Lake region you'll find hundreds of miles of beautiful trails that are ready to be explored, savored, and enjoyed.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is a great resource for more outdoor recreation-related information, including useful maps!

a couple sits on a mountain range

Leave No Trace and Love Your ADK Pledge

By taking the Love Your Adirondacks Pledge and practicing Leave No Trace ethics you can help ensure that the forests, waterways, and communities of the Adirondacks remain beautiful and unique for generations to come. Make sure you also check out our Hiking 101 page, a great resource for before you hit the trail! When you choose to spend time in the wild, whether it's just a few feet from downtown or deep in the backcountry, it's important to be aware of your impact, how you can hike better and more safely, and share the trail with everyone. After all, we're all on the same team!

From the parking area on state Route 3 between Saranac Lake and Bloomingdale, this easy hiking trail goes 1.1 miles to the south end of Moose Pond. From the parking area, the trail crosses the Saranac River on a metal bridge before the trail register....

Raybrook Road
Ray Brook, NY 12977

Scarface Mountain is just outside of Saranac Lake, on the way to Lake Placid. The hike is 3.8 miles one-way over varied terrain, which at times is quite steep.

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.

Forest Hill Avenue
Saranac Lake, NY 12983

Approximately 2.5 miles and able to be started from downtown Saranac Lake, this moderate hike has a series oflookouts providing spectacular views of Saranac Lake, Lake Flower, andmore than 20 of the High Peaks to the east.

Woman in a purple shirt sits on the edge of Baker Mountain and stares out overtop of the green trees below with light cloud cover and other Adirondack mountains in the distance
Route 3
Tupper Lake, NY 12986

Perhaps no better "bang for your buck" mountain in the Tupper Lake area! Panther Mountain is a short, but steep, hike leading to fabulous views of distant mountains and Panther Pond below.

Route 26
Loon Lake, NY 12989

There is a nice trail that is maintained by the DEC. The trail starts out following an old forest road before it becomes a foot trail beneath you. The grade is never too steep. The fire tower is not open to the cab at this time, but it is being...

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
Route 86
Ray Brook, NY 12977

Not to be confused with the High Peak Mountain Haystack, this one is in Ray Brook and offers a friendlier climb. It features a pleasant woods walk with a final steep climb that leads to an open rock face and ledge.

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.
Keese Mill Road
Paul Smiths, NY 12970

St. Regis Mountain is a fairly long hike, but the gradually increasing difficulty puts its spectacular fire tower views within reach of most hikers. There are also fantastic views from the peak's open ledges, making this hike a favorite!