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Hiking in Saranac Lake
Explore our trails

ATTENTION: NYSDEC-controlled fire towers are open to visitors. Only one household group should be in the fire tower cab, groups should social distance on the summit while waiting to climb to the cab, sanitize hands before and after being on the fire tower, and wear masks.​​​​​​​

Hub for hikers

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

Try it, we think you'll like it!

If you're new to hiking, the Saranac Lake 6ers are the best mountains around. Start with Baker Mountain, a 1.8-mile round-trip trail to a stunning view of the surrounding montains and lakes. This hike is an 890-foot ascent to a 2,457-foot peak. But please plan ahead as parking is limited. Consider parking downtown and walking or biking the short mile distance to the trailhead. Baker Mountain leaves time to experience a true Adirondack hike and still have time to enjoy other things Saranac Lake has to offer.

For a real challenge, head to the nearby High Peaks Region and start working on the 46 High Peaks, or explore some of the smaller mountains in that area. For a different kind of challenge, try out the six peaks and breweries of the ADK 6 Pack Challenge. Any way you go, you'll find hundreds of miles of beautiful trails that are ready to be explored! ​

The DEC is a great resource for more outdoor recreation-related information.

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.

Love Your ADK Pledge

 

Saranac River to Moose Pond Trail
Sometimes overlooked, this hike is pleasant and very enjoyable for the entire family!
Details
Scarface Mountain
Initially the trail follows old roads over relatively flat terrain; eventually the trail begins a steady climb. Side trails lead to an open ledgewith views overlooking Oseetah Lake and the Saranac...
Location:
Raybrook Road , Ray Brook , 12977
Phone:
(518) 891-1990
Details
Floodwood Mountain
Hiking
Location:
Floodwood Road , Paul Smiths , 12970
Phone:
(518) 891-1990
Details
Fish Pond Truck Trail
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...
Location:
, Saranac Lake , 12983
Details
Baker Mountain
An excellent hike, right in Saranac Lake. A series oflookouts provide spectacular views of Saranac Lake, Lake Flower, andthe High Peaks to the east. This amazing little peak looks out to morethan...
Location:
Forest Hill Avenue , Saranac Lake , 12983
Phone:
(518) 891-1990
Details
Azure Mountain
A short but steep climb up one of the best fire tower peaks. Azure Mountain's cliffs provide a sweeping view of the Adirondack Mountains and the St. Lawrence Valley, and it only...
Location:
Blue Mountain Road , Saranac Lake , 12983
Phone:
(518) 891-1990
Details
Ampersand Mountain
Ampersand Mountain's open summit provides breathtaking 360-degree views, but you'll have to work for it. The first half of the trail is fairly easy, but once it starts going up...
Location:
Route 3 , Saranac Lake , 12983
Phone:
(518) 891-1990
Details
St. Regis Mountain
A climb to the summit yields magnificentviews in nearly all directions. McKenzie and the High Peaks can be seen tothe south. Directly below is an outspread of lakes and ponds within theSt....
Location:
Keese Mill Road , Paul Smiths , 12970
Phone:
(518) 891-1990
Details
Western High Peaks
Hiking
Details
Haystack Mountain
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 afinal steep climb leads to an open rock face...
Location:
Route 86 , Ray Brook , 12977
Phone:
(518) 891-1990
Details
McKenzie Mountain
McKenzie is the highest peak of the 6ers. It is visible from many locations in Saranac Lake and is easily recognized due to its unique, multi-peak shape. Viewsfrom the top are widespread, from...
Location:
Route 86 , Ray Brook , 12977
Phone:
(518) 891-1990
Details
Seymour Mountain
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. For 90% of the...
Location:
Coreys Road , Tupper Lake , 12986
Phone:
(518) 891-1900
Details
Jenkins Mountain
Hiking
Location:
Route 30 , Paul Smiths , 12970
Phone:
(518) 327-6241
Details
Panther Mountain
Perhaps no better "bang for your buck" mountain in the Tri-Lakes area! Panther Mountain is a short, but steep, hike leading to fabulous views of distant mountains and Panther Pond...
Location:
Route 3 , Tupper Lake , 12986
Phone:
(518) 359-3328
Details
Fernow Trail
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...
Location:
Route 30 , Tupper Lake , 12986
Details
Loon Lake Mountain
This is a moderately difficult route that follows old woods roads and a steep trail to the summit, where there are great views from the ground and a 35-foot fire tower. Unfortunately, at this time,...
Location:
Route 26 , Loon Lake , 12989
Phone:
(518) 891-1990
Details
Raquette Falls
Location:
Corey's Road , Tupper Lake , 12986
Phone:
(518) 359-3328

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Upcoming Events

Paul Smith's College VIC - What to Know
Tuesday, April 13th, 2021
The nature trails at the Paul Smith's VIC are open dawn to dusk for hiking. Take advantage of great trails on our spectacular natural landscape! The VIC offers something for everyone, with...
COVID Vaccine Appointments Available
Tuesday, April 13th, 2021
Thousands of new appointments are becoming available at all of our state-run mass vaccination sites, including Potsdam and Plattsburgh. If you are aware of any folks who have been frustrated at the...
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Recent Blog Posts...

Treat Yourself, Spring ADK Edition
Friday, April 2nd, 2021
Self-care is earning a very good name for itself, and even when visiting the Adirondacks, no one is immune to the necessity of such a rich practice. Whether it be a yoga class, an outdoor adventure...
The Gift of the Maple Tree
Friday, February 26th, 2021
If you ask me, the maple tree is rather wonderful. In fall, the astonishing change of color from vivid green leaves to shades of yellow, red, and orange light up the Adirondacks to the awe of...
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Earn Your Patch There’s an adventurous spirit in all of us. In Saranac Lake, you can answer that call by becoming a Saranac Lake 6er.
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Unplug Outdoors The mountains, rivers, and lakes bordering Saranac Lake aren’t just for show, and those boots on everyone’s feet aren’t a bold new fashion statement.
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