One foot in front of the other

Saranac Lake is a hub for hikers, especially when our autumn colors start to erupt. 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.

A hiker stands amongst bright yellow trees

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

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!

Hike safely during hunting season 

Hiking during the fall season is a magical time to catch colorful foliage and enjoy the trails. However, fall also brings with it hunting season in the Adirondacks. During this time, hunters may also be out and about in our shared outdoors. It's important to stay alert and know who you’re on the trails with. Always prioritize safety during hunting season to enjoy your hike without incidents. For safety tips, visit the travel updates page. For hunting season dates, zones, and more information, click here

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!

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.
Route 86
Ray Brook, NY 12977
McKenzie is one of the highest peaks in the area.
Always an incredible moment to share with someone close.
Forest Hill Avenue
Saranac Lake, NY 12983
An excellent hike, right in Saranac Lake.
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
Raybrook Road
Ray Brook, NY 12977
Initially the trail follows old roads over relatively flat terrain; eventually the trail begins a steady climb.
Route 26
Loon Lake, NY 12989
This is a moderately difficult route that follows old woods roads and a steep trail to the summit, where there are gr
Keese Mill Road
Paul Smiths, NY 12970
A climb to the summit yields magnificentviews in nearly all directions.
Sometimes overlooked, this hike is pleasant and very enjoyable for the entire family!
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
Jenkins has a nice view from a rocky summit.
Tupper Lake, NY 12986
At less than a mile long, this pond is a perfect for families and for anyone who wants to stretch their legs.
A view over a small pond of the distance mountains
Route 30
Tupper Lake, NY 12986
Fernow Trail, also known as the Fernow Plantation Loop, was named after Bernhard Fernow.
Coreys Road
Tupper Lake, NY 12986
Seymour Mountain is the stand alone peak of the
Seymour
Floodwood Road
Paul Smiths, NY 12970
With its moderate terrain and outstanding view, Floodwood Mountain is a great choice for a family outing or for a fir
Floodwood Mountain is a fine choice for fall color.