One foot in front of the other
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 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!
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.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is a great resource for more outdoor recreation-related information, including useful maps!
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.
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!
Trail closure: The NYSDEC has announced that the Scarface Trail is closed due to unsafe public use of the bridge. The bridge and the Scarface Mountain Trail will remain closed out of an abundance of caution until the structure is replaced, which is expected some time next year (2024). Planning is underway to replace the bridge. Users should not attempt to use the bridge or cross the brook on foot.
