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Summer hiking in Saranac Lake

Saranac Lake is a hub for hikers, and summer is a fantastic time to get outside and enjoy the trails! Hiking is a favorite activity 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.

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Fall hiking in Saranac Lake

Saranac Lake is a hub for hikers, and fall only adds to the draw of our mountains! Hiking is a favorite activity 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. With eye-popping views as the trees change colors, hiking here is other-wordly.

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Spring hiking in Saranac Lake

Saranac Lake is a hub for hikers and when spring arrives with fresh buds on trees, the rush of snowmelt-fed streams, and fresh, sweet air, the hiking is extra good! Hiking is a favorite activity 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.

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Winter hiking in Saranac Lake

Saranac Lake is a hub for hiking, including in the winter. With plenty of beginner snowshoeing trails, to some of the highest peaks in the state, there are a variety of difficulty levels and experiences people can have in the Saranac Lake area. Bring your snowshoes and have fun!

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A woman snowshoe hikes in the winter.
Winter hiking

Try hiking in the winter!

If you're new to snowshoeing, 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. 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 Saranac Lake 6er Hiking Challenge, which encompasses six hikes in the region, has been a popular activity for several years. Remember, hiking in the winter can be dangerous, and it's important to come prepared for the conditions.

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A family stands for a picture on a bridge.
Nature walks

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 Saranac Lake 6er Hiking Challenge, which encompasses six hikes in the region, has been a popular activity for several years.

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Two people in blaze orange vests
Hiking tips

Hike safely during transitional seasons 

Hiking during the late fall and winter seasons is a great time to enjoy the quiet trails. However, this 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. We know how essential it is to prepare for your next hiking trip during hunting season, and we've come prepared with all the info you need! For more guidance on hunting zones, dates, and times, visit the NYS DEC website.

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A young man and woman sit in a lean to on a hiking trail.
Hiking tips

Shoulder season safety

Spring means more than just the first buds on trees and plants peeking up from the snow; it also means messy weather. In the spring, many locations, particularly on peaks, see a wide variety of weather conditions, including snow and rain (sometimes in the same day), ice, and mud. Be sure to practice safe hiking, including signing in at trail registers, wearing and/or packing warm layers and rain gear, and always practice Leave No Trace.

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A man and a woman wear blaze orange vests in the woods.
Hiking tips

Hiking safely during hunting season

Hiking during the fall season is a magical time to catch colorful foliage and enjoy the trails. However, it is important to be aware that hunting season also takes place during this time across the Adirondacks. To ensure everyone’s safety, stay alert and wear blaze-orange clothing. For more guidance on hunting zones, dates, and times, visit the Safe Hiking During Hunting Season page, as well as the NYS DEC website to learn more. 

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An overhead view of marshland and a wooden trail.
Love Your ADK

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!

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A man stands on a mountain in the fall and points to the distance.

Adirondack Hiking Essentials

Adirondack Hiking Essentials

Adirondack Hiking Essentials

  • Tent, tarp, bivy, and a reflective blanket
  • More than the 10 hiking essentials 
  • Multifunction watch with altimeter
  • Binoculars
  • Trekking poles
  • Insect repellent and a head net
  • Toilet paper
  • Hand sanitizer or hand wipes
  • Two-way radios
  • Camera
  • Cell or satellite phone
  • Interpretive field guides for fauna and wildlife
  • Post-hike snacks, water, towel, clothing change
  • Trash bag for clean up
  • Swim suits 
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