Skip to main content
Be prepared with helpful travel tips!
  • See & Do
    • See & Do
    • See all
      • See all
      • Seasons
        • See all
        • Spring
        • Summer
        • Fall
        • Winter
      • Accessibility
      • Arts
      • Attractions
      • Downtown
      • Health & Wellness
      • History
      • Live Music
      • Parks
      • Shopping
      • Stories
      • Weddings
  • Outdoors
    • Outdoors
    • See all
      • See all
      • Hiking
        • See all
        • Nature Walks
      • ADK Guides & Tours
      • Birding
      • Boating
      • Camping
      • Cross-Country Skiing
      • Cycling
      • Downhill Skiing
      • Fishing
      • Golfing
      • Ice Fishing
      • Mountain Biking
      • Paddling
      • Snowmobiling
      • Snowshoeing
  • Eat & Drink
    • Eat & Drink
    • See all
    • Cafés & Coffee Shops
    • Craft Beer & Cocktails
    • Restaurants
  • Events
    • Events
    • See all
    • Adirondack Snowshoe Fest
    • ArtWorks ArtMarkets
    • Can-Am Rugby Tournament
    • Celebrate Paddling ADK
    • First Night Saranac Lake
    • Plein Air Festival
    • Winter Carnival
    • 3rd Thursday Art Walks
  • Stay
    • Stay
    • See all
    • Cabins & Cottages
    • Camping
    • Inns, Lodges, Bed & Breakfasts
    • Resorts, Hotels, Motels
    • Vacation Rentals
  • First Time Visitors
    • First Time Visitors
    • See all
      • See all
      • Accessibility
      • Downtown
      • Getting Here
      • Greater Region
      • Stories
      • Seasons
        • See all
        • Spring
        • Summer
        • Fall
        • Winter
  • Local
    • Local title-header
      • Live Here
        • See all
        • Meet the Locals
        • Real Estate
        • Town of Harrietstown
        • Town of North Elba
        • Town of St. Armand
        • Village of Saranac Lake
      • Do Business Here
        • See all
        • Chamber Job Board
        • Essex County IDA
        • Franklin County Economic Development Co.
        • Professional Services
        • Saranac Lake Area Chamber of Commerce
      • Community Initiatives
        • See all
        • Arts & Culture Master Plan
        • Downtown Revitalization Initiative
        • Saranac Lake Brand
        • Village Community Development Department
What can we help you find?
  • See & Do
      1. See & Do
      2. See all
        1. See all
        2. Seasons
          • See all
          • Spring
          • Summer
          • Fall
          • Winter
        3. Accessibility
        4. Arts
        5. Attractions
        6. Downtown
        7. Health & Wellness
        8. History
        9. Live Music
        10. Parks
        11. Shopping
        12. Stories
        13. Weddings
  • Outdoors
      1. Outdoors
      2. See all
        1. See all
        2. Hiking
          • See all
          • Nature Walks
        3. ADK Guides & Tours
        4. Birding
        5. Boating
        6. Camping
        7. Cross-Country Skiing
        8. Cycling
        9. Downhill Skiing
        10. Fishing
        11. Golfing
        12. Ice Fishing
        13. Mountain Biking
        14. Paddling
        15. Snowmobiling
        16. Snowshoeing
  • Eat & Drink
      1. Eat & Drink
      2. See all
      3. Cafés & Coffee Shops
      4. Craft Beer & Cocktails
      5. Restaurants
  • Events
      1. Events
      2. See all
      3. Adirondack Snowshoe Fest
      4. ArtWorks ArtMarkets
      5. Can-Am Rugby Tournament
      6. Celebrate Paddling ADK
      7. First Night Saranac Lake
      8. Plein Air Festival
      9. Winter Carnival
      10. 3rd Thursday Art Walks
  • Stay
      1. Stay
      2. See all
      3. Cabins & Cottages
      4. Camping
      5. Inns, Lodges, Bed & Breakfasts
      6. Resorts, Hotels, Motels
      7. Vacation Rentals
  • First Time Visitors
      1. First Time Visitors
      2. See all
        1. See all
        2. Accessibility
        3. Downtown
        4. Getting Here
        5. Greater Region
        6. Stories
        7. Seasons
          • See all
          • Spring
          • Summer
          • Fall
          • Winter
  • Local
      1. Local
        1. Live Here
          • See all
          • Meet the Locals
          • Real Estate
          • Town of Harrietstown
          • Town of North Elba
          • Town of St. Armand
          • Village of Saranac Lake
        2. Do Business Here
          • See all
          • Chamber Job Board
          • Essex County IDA
          • Franklin County Economic Development Co.
          • Professional Services
          • Saranac Lake Area Chamber of Commerce
        3. Community Initiatives
          • See all
          • Arts & Culture Master Plan
          • Downtown Revitalization Initiative
          • Saranac Lake Brand
          • Village Community Development Department

Slip Sliding Away Winter Hiking

Watch Video
Be prepared with helpful travel tips!
Spencer Morrissey
January 01, 2014

Slip Sliding away on Gothics & Armstrong

The winter climbing season is upon us in the Adirondacks

The winter climbing season is a very exciting time of year and when the conditions are good, the climbing is exceptional.  This goes for all of the mountains in the Adirondack Park, but for those aspiring to be winter 46ers, this is especially true. Saranac Lake makes for an excellent basecamp for the High Peaks and being so close to the mountains it’s an easy drive to most trailheads, the Great Range is no exception.

We started out a bit later than most of our winter hikes, mainly because this hike is roughly only 12-miles and the trail was well packed; we knew we could handle this distance at a later start. It is important that if you plan to do a High Peak in winter, that you also know your capabilities and the conditions before you set out.

Best get out your traction

We started our hike along the exciting road into the AMR and then continued our hike along the Lake Road to approach the foot trail we needed. Once we hit the Lake Road we put on our Microspikes as the ice was thick and without traction this was slowing our progress.  We made excellent time to the Beaver Meadow Falls Trail, which is just over 2.5 miles from the parking lot. The trail was well packed, but just as slippery as the road, but with our traction on we were fine and quickly found ourselves looking up a gorgeous wall of ice statues on Beaver Meadow Falls.

Beaver Meadow Falls
Beaver Meadow Falls

On the left we eyeballed the 15-foot ladder we would need to climb and felt a bit of relief that it wasn’t iced over.  Atop the ladder was the steepest section of the day, but it only lasted about a 1/10 of a mile or so, but a bigger “BUT” was the never ending layer of waterfall ice that was coating the ground; this was going to be tough to down climb at the end of the day under tired muscles.  Our Microspikes were the bare minimum for this section and honestly, we wished we had full crampons just to be a bit more confident on these conditions. We surpassed this section with no issues, but it took a bit of time.  We moved on much faster above this section, passing by the side trail to Lost Lookout, which didn’t look touched in quite some time. The steady climb that came next slowed us down a bit and the ice under the fresh couple inches of snow didn’t help our pace. The higher we got and the steeper the trail became, the more the ice began appearing and this made the precipitous steps a bit more of a challenge.

Along the Trail
Along the Trail

We soon could see Armstrong off in the distance and the new slide swath well below us.  The trail however is very deceiving at this point and this is always the case, even after several trips up this way. I always think the high col is closer than it truly is. You would think that I would know better by now, oh well, it is what it is, but it’s always an adventure and a good one at that.  We were finally up high, where the trail levels out and the ladders begin. There are four ladders in the section that we would have to contend with, I only hoped they would still be open and not snowed or iced into the side of the mountain. Ladder one actually was a bit tough to get onto, with ice above it. The second and third ladders were no issue and the fourth was just tall. Once down off from the fourth ladder it was a bit of scrambling over some small boulders and icy sections before we were at the col and on the Great Range Trail between Gothics, to our left, and Armstrong, to our right.

On ladder #4
On ladder #4

Do you have the right gear for the High Peaks?

We opted for Gothics first, keeping open the option of hiking over Armstrong and heading back out over Upper Wolf Jaw Mountain. The climb up Gothics was very easy from this point, in comparison to the approach trail we were just on.  The trail was only slightly icy along this section with a nice coating of powder that was only slightly sloughed off from previous visitors.  The wind was high and our cheeks felt the nip, a facemask was perfect for that type of protection.  Once we visited the summit for a matter of 30-seconds, our descent back down to the col was fast. We didn’t stop too long in the col we just continued on toward Armstrong. The Great Range Trail over to Armstrong was very difficult in spots with steep drop-offs and very icy conditions on the steep rock lips, but with that being said it was a fast over-and-back, of just under 1-mile.

Gothics from the Col
Gothics from the Col

It was now time to descend back down to the Lake Road, which we figured would be very hard, remembering the icy conditions from earlier. The descent actually wasn’t too bad once we got past the ladders. We did end up butt sliding small sections just to keep our center of gravity down low and avoid the unplanned slide. Once we got off the major ice we traveled quickly, we wanted to be on the road before dusk. When we got to the final steep “icefest” near Beaver Meadow Falls, we opted to bushwhack through the trees around the icy trail and then back to the top of the ladder, which worked out well and actually made the descent safe and much easier.  From the base of the ladder to the road and back to our car was an easy stroll and felt good under our feet; we even made it back to the parking lot before dark, barely.

If you are interested in conquering a High Peak in winter but don’t have the gear or experience and would like to have assistance?, check out a local guide service for details. You can also go to any local gear shop to find out rental rates on winter gear like snowshoes, ice axe, crampons, Microspikes, and poles, or maybe pick up a few essentials for a safe winter days travel, like a warm base layer, gloves, socks, boots, and energy foods. Need a place to crash after your hike, maybe to replenish some serious calories on some good food? Saranac Lake has you covered with numerous lodging choices and plenty of good fare. 

Our Route
Our Route
Beaver Meadow Falls
Beaver Meadow Falls
Along the Trail
Along the Trail
On ladder #4
On ladder #4
Gothics from the Col
Gothics from the Col
Our Route
Our Route

Related Stories

Hike Like a Pro
Ampersand in Winter
A Winter Hike Up Haystack
Preparedness Is No Accident
From the Adirondacks to the Olympics and Back
Ice Fishing in Saranac Lake
Dip into Winter on the Jackrabbit
Getting Back to Nature
Sweet Indulgences - Saranac Lake's Coffee Hotspots
'Tis the Season
Five Ideas for Winter Family Fun
Saranac Lake Adventure Travel
Three Fantastic Fall Hikes in Saranac Lake
A Fall Vacation with Hot Sara
Decidedly Different Saranac Lake
Hiking Haystack
Sixty Degrees in April
Finding Fun and Snowfleas at the VIC
A Day of Winter Indulgence
An Artist's Haven
Hardwater fishing, decidedly different!
Lodging to Fit Your Winter Travel Style
Finding Winter Finches — and other Cold-Weather Species
Cross-Country Ski The Jackrabbit Trail
Skiing from Placid to Saranac Lake
6 Must See Winter Carnival Events
Mt Pisgah: Local and Loved Ski Hill
First Day on the Bog
Saranac Lake's Snowshoe Centers
Snowshoeing at the VIC
A Quintessential Holiday Experience
Saranac Lake Winter Fashion
A century of playing in the snow
5 Paths to Winter Adventure in Saranac Lake
A Day on McKenzie Mountain
The Kiwassa Curse
A Fall Hike up St. Regis Mountain
Hiking and Birding in Bloomingdale Bog
Hiking an Adirondack Mountain for the First Time
Two Ways of Exploring the Natural World at the VIC
The VIC: it's luxury hiking!
Get down! The best low-elevation hikes in Saranac Lake
Rejoice!! May Birding is Here!!
The Excitement of Early Spring Birding!
WINTER IS COOL
So Much Snow! And Some Great March Skiing!
Let's Glide - Enjoy Fish Creek Park!
A Beautiful Ski on the Jackrabbit Trail
Top 5 tips for fishing on Lake Colby
Family Ski at Dewey
Canoodlers and Lawn Chair Ladies
Top Reasons to Visit Saranac Lake This February
Woods and Waters Trail, a great ski!
A Holiday Ski!
First Skis of the Season!
Downtown Holiday Shopping Guide
Getting First Night Ready
A Fall Hike Up Mount Baker
Azure Mountain Adventure
Fall Migration is in High Gear!
St Regis Mountain: Paddle and Hike
Sprung!
Three hikes to include everyone
Skiing and Exploring the Jackrabbit Trail
Big Snow!!!!!
A Great Ski on the Jackrabbit Trail!
Dewey Mountain - Just Wild Enough
Treat Your Valentine With An Unforgettable Experience
Get out and snowshoe!
Ice Fishing First-Timer
Winter Carnival Invention: Arctic Golf
Counting Birds in the Olympic Region
Finding Birds on the Saranac Lake Christmas Bird Count
2016 Most Popular Blogs
We can dash through the snow
If self-care is naughty, I don't want to be nice
Get it together — First Night Saranac Lake
Make Holiday Memories at Moody Farm
Cross Country Skiing in Lake Clear
Early-Winter Skiing!
Enjoying Late Fall Cold Fronts And Their Migrants
A tree for the whole family
New Road Mountain
Great Fall Birding!
The thrill of snowmobiling
A Fall Hike on Baker Mountain
Ampersand: A Family Tradition Realized
Village of Boulders
So many hikes, so little time
Puppy's first mountain climb
Wonderful Weddings in Cool Places
Springing!
Spring Ice on the McKenzie Mountain loop
Our Winter Waxwing
Cross-Country Skiing on the Bloomingdale Bog Trail
Yeah, we're cool - no matter what we're wearing!
Jones Hill and Blue Hill, a mighty duo
Gray Jays!
Snowshoeing: day to learn, lifetime of fun!
Fun with Ice: Saranac Lake Creativity
2015 Most Popular Blogs
First thing's first: An insider's guide to First Night Saranac Lake
Dewey Mountain Recreation Area: A Great Place to Enjoy Winter!
Winter Events You Won't Want To Miss
Trotting for Turkeys
Select seven: Family hikes under four hours
Dewey Mountain - satisfy that snow craving
Tubing: the sport to please the masses
Timeless Tubing at Mount Pisgah
Excellent October Birding!
Brighton: Dusk 'til Dawn
Hiking and camping, with goats
Seeing if the boot fits: Exploring the Bays
Hiking with the Crew up Baker Mountain
Finding Lots of Birds Just by Taking a Simple Walk
Coming Home to Saranac Lake
Great Birding and Loads of Warblers in Madawaska!
Early May Wildflowers: A Kaleidoscope of Color
Learning to Love Every Season
In Defense of Mud Season
Skiing in April and on Easter - No Foolin'!
Boreal Birding In and Around Town
The Joy of Spring Skiing
Winter Birding with Signs of Spring
Adirondack Cure for Cabin Fever
Jackrabbit Trail: Lake Placid to Keene
Jackrabbit Trail - Day 2: McKenzie Pond to Lake Placid Pub & Brewery
Winter Birding: Saranac Lake and Paul Smiths
An evening snowboard session at Mt. Pisgah
Jackrabbit Trail: Paul Smiths to McKenzie Pond Road
Newbie Skier Tackles Titus
Memorable Firsts: Carnival & Cross-Country Skis
Friendly Snowshoe Up Baldface Mountain
Skiing the Fish Pond Trail
Two sides of the Trifecta
Wedding planning with the pros
Get ready to jam at Winter Carnival
Enjoying Winter Birding
A Winter Hike into the McKenzie Mountain Wilderness Area
Nordic Skiing - Five Great Places
A Century of Ice Palaces
Adirondack Traditions, then and now
Enjoying White Snow to Take Away the Winter Blues
An Evening Sleigh Ride in the Adirondacks
An Adirondack You for 2015
Race, jam, dance and more in January
A Winter's Hike up Baker Mountain
Four Seasons of High Points
Hiking & Tracking Wildlife on Scarface Mountain
Extreme Ice Fishing
Skiing - and Falling - in a Winter Wonderland
Early Season Cross-Country Ski Destinations
Fly our Adirondack skies
Searching for Boreal Birds
St. Regis Canoe Area - An Interesting Ski Tour
Where to find hot beverages
The First Ski of the Season!
A picture's worth a thousand words - epic winter events
Birding Along Lake Colby
A Guide to the Great Indoors
Adirondack Firetower Challenge: Climbing the Fire Tower Peaks near and around Saranac Lake
New fun at Titus Mountain Ski Area
An Apt Pair: Ampersand Mountain & Follensby Clear Pond
Learning to Identify Fall Leaves
The Horse Knows The Way
Mount Pisgah getting ready for winter ski season
3 Short Paddles found in the St. Regis Canoe Area
Frequently overlooked hikes near Saranac Lake
Hiking and Exploring Azure Mountain
A Great Place to Break Down
Birding at the Spring Pond Bog
The Great Adirondack Birding Celebration
5 Hidden Gems for Hiking, Paddling & Trail Running
VIC music sweetens a ski Sunday
Skiing Upper Saranac Lake Loops
Winter Foodie Scene
Thursday Night Music Jam
Paul Smith Visitors Interpretive Center
Night Skiing at Mt. Pisgah
Mid-Winter Events 2014
Winter Carnival means live music
Top Five Winter Break Activities
Best Ice Fishing Holes
Building the Ice Palace
Tubing Adventures at Mt. Pisgah
Skiing Before the Melt
Basics for Ice Fishing Gear
First Time Ice Fishing
Slip Sliding Away Winter Hiking
Silent Night
Snowshoe Shopping
Lost and Found
New Years Eve Saranac Lake NY
Short & scenic hikes
Mount Arab
Winter Family Events
First Ski of the Season!
Less than two weeks to Sparkle Village Craft Fair!
Debar Mountain and Black Peak
Saranac Lake Art Attraction Nov 22 - Dec 28, 2013
Ducks and Otters at Lake Colby
Muskrats!
Hiking during Hunting Season
Goodman Mountain
Ducks on the Pond
Snow up high on McKenzie
Hiking St. Regis Mountain
Fall at the VIC
Panther Trifecta
A Fall Hike Up Baker Mountain
Sparrows Along Lake Colby
A Hike Up Panther Mountain
Where the leaves are on fire with color
The Colors of Late Summer
Scarface Mountain Adventure
Bloomingdale Bog Birds
Stomping out the Saranac 6 – Week 2 – St. Regis Mountain
Lows Lower Dam to Lows Ridge, A surf and Turf Adventure
A Birding Trip in Madawaska
Take A Swim!
Ampersand Mountain
Hiking and Birding on Baker Mountain
A Birding Trip to Bloomingdale Bog
Blog on Bogs
Top 5 Family Friendly Activities in the Saranac Lake Area
Follensby Clear Pond to "Round Pond"
Birding in Spring Pond Bog
Hiking and Birding on the Jackrabbit Trail
Birding in Massawepie Mire
Lower Saranac Lake Path
The Kettle Trail
Hiking from the North End of the Bloomingdale Bog Trail
What can we help you find?
Sign up to receive more information.
Enter Email
Do•Stay•Eat•Shop•Events
Work Here•Contact Us•DEI•Media Kit•Privacy Policy
39 Main Street, Saranac Lake, NY 12983
Powered by the Regional Office of
Sustainable Tourism
THERE’S MORE TO EXPLORE
We’ve got the best ideas for things to do on your next Adirondack adventure, and we will deliver them right to your inbox! THANKS FOR SUBSCRIBING! Your next adventure awaits you in your inbox! Tell us more about what interests you, and we can help you plan your next trip.
MANAGE YOUR PREFERENCES