Six mountains. Four patches.
There’s an adventurous spirit in all of us. In Saranac Lake, you can answer that call by becoming a Saranac Lake 6er.
Become an official “Saranac Lake 6er” by climbing all six mountains on or after May 25, 2013, and completing the online registration form.
Each finisher will be sent a certificate with an official member number — all numbers are awarded in the order of completed applications received — plus a 6er patch and sticker. Your name will also be added to the official Saranac Lake 6er member roster.
*Please allow for up to 12 weeks for processing
6er Member Roster | Register Online
Meet the 6ers
- Baker (2,452 feet)
- St. Regis (2,874 feet)
- Scarface (3,054 feet)
- Ampersand (3,353 feet)
- Haystack (2,878 feet)
- McKenzie (3,822 feet)
Where to begin?
The 6ers are a great introduction to hiking in the Adirondacks. Along the way you’ll find rewards aplenty: Gently rolling terrain, bird-filled wetlands, towering pine forests, and steep, challenging ascents that lead to outstanding views of mountains and water.
Not all 6ers are created equal, which can make it difficult to know where to begin. Start by downloading the Saranac Lake 6er map. Work your way up to the more difficult climbs, where higher elevations reward hikers with more expansive views. Once you’ve completed all six, you’ve earned bragging rights — and a 6er patch!
Tell me about those patches!
You can take your time and pick the peaks off one-by-one to earn the 6er patch — there’s one for completing the challenge in winter and one for summer. If you like to push yourself, become a summer or winter Ultra 6er by doing them all in a 24-hour period during those seasons. Keep in mind, if you're going for Ultra status you must sign in and out of the trail register next to the 6er kiosk at Berkeley Green in downtown Saranac Lake. Non-Ultras are also invited to sign the register. Do you have what it takes to collect all four patches?
Regardless of which patches you go for, we recommend starting right in Saranac Lake with Mount Baker, a short, popular climb to several ledges from which a panorama of High Peaks can be seen. Mark your accomplishment in the trail register, then head across Berkeley Green to Bear Essentials Apparel, where you can purchase 6er apparel to let the world know that you conquered your first 6er! You'll also find many restaurants within walking distance of the Green, and the Hotel Saranac is right across the street.
After hiking Baker, try St. Regis. No problem? Tackle Scarface next — you can see it from Riverside Park downtown — then hit the challenging Ampersand. Here’s a tip: If you’re up for it, Haystack and McKenzie can be summited in one outing.
Ringing the bell
Take a look at the small green stage in Berkeley Green and you’ll see a 6er sign and a metal bell. Be wary, gentle traveler, of ringing that bell if you haven’t climbed the six mountains — legend has it any non-6ers who pull the rope will become victims of the Kiwassa Curse. Visit Berkeley Green to learn more!
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.
