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

A Winter's Hike up Baker Mountain

Watch Video
Be prepared with helpful travel tips!
Alan Belford
December 28, 2014

A Perfect Day for Photos 

The icy, mixed precipitation we’ve had recently has coated the forests in the North Country white, and I was excited by the prospect of a bright, sunny day to head out with Wren and my camera for photos. We woke early on a clear cold morning and after allowing the temperature to raise a touch, I layered up, grabbed my snowshoes, and we set out into a blindingly white world beneath a cobalt sky. We were headed to Baker Mountain in Saranac Lake.

 It has been a while since we’ve hiked Baker and Wren was excited and raced up the trail while I fussed with my gear. I decided to walk with my camera in my hand since otherwise I would be likely to keep stopping to pull it out of my backpack to take photos. The risk, of course, is that I could slip and drop it - but thankfully that didn’t happen. The air was cold, but I soon became warm in all my layers as we climbed the trail up the backside of the mountain. The small mucky seeps and streams still weren’t frozen as we started out and I chose my steps carefully in order to avoid punching through the ice and getting wet. Wren trotted on ahead, her snowshoe-like feet seemingly adapted for the conditions.

Wren - Baker Summit
Wren - Baker Summit

 An Incredible Winter View

The trail itself was packed down, not icy, and easy to walk without snowshoes, although crampons would be helpful if anyone chooses to go check it out. Snowshoes were an asset off-trail, however, and even Wren’s big feet didn’t always keep her from sinking beneath the outer crust. She didn’t seem to mind at all though. I took my time climbing the mountain, stopping here and there to take photos of snow-plastered trees in the morning shadows or against the blue sky. The cold morning was quiet – we heard no birds save one small group of Black-capped Chickadees as we advanced upslope. We eventually reached the summit and stepped out from the trees to a dazzling view, forcing me to put on my sunglasses. Every twig, every limb, and every peak were coated in white as if the elves had been working overtime to decorate the landscape for Christmas. The results were stunning - I couldn’t have traced the outline of the trees better with a pencil. I set to work snapping photos and changing my exposure to capture the bright world stretched out beneath our feet. Mount McKenzie gleamed in the sunlight and the distant High Peaks were ensconced in white as a layer of low clouds hung in the valley beneath them.

Wren - Baker Summit
Wren - Baker Summit

 Continuing to Take Photos

Although my own layers had made me a bit warm as I hiked up the mountain, I was happy for them as I stood in one place fiddling with my camera. That said, the sun was warm and here and there the softening snow lost its hold on a branch which would drop a shimmering cascade of powder. Wren even got into the act when she triggered a pile of snow to dump on me and my camera while she tugged on a low limb as she explored the summit. “Thanks,” I said to her flatly, as if she had intentionally played a joke on me (who’s to say she didn’t?). As I held my camera in the sun to allow the moisture to evaporate from the lens, she ignored me and continued her investigations.

Trees Baker
Trees Baker

We moved down to the overlook of Saranac Lake and I took photos while Wren continued to explore or to sit – almost reflectively – overlooking the world below. I tried to get her to sit still and pose, but such efforts are generally frustrating to both of us. Eventually a woman came up the trail, commenting about the beautiful morning. Two more people were not far behind as the warming day was inviting more and more folks to explore.

 I didn’t really want to leave the spectacle behind, but we finally began to follow the rumbles in my stomach down the trail. Every bend in the trail yielded a new composition, and we completed our loop to the trailhead snapping photos the entire way.

It was time to head into town in search of some good eats and a warm drink. Want to try some early winter snowshoeing or hiking? Need to find the right gear? Let us help!

Wren - trail Baker
Wren - trail Baker
Wren - Baker Summit
Wren - Baker Summit
Trees Baker
Trees Baker

Related Stories

Safe Winter Recreation on the Adirondack Rail Trail
Hike Like a Pro
Ampersand in Winter
Olympic Dreams in Saranac Lake
A Winter Hike Up Haystack
Preparedness Is No Accident
From the Adirondacks to the Olympics and Back
Ice Fishing in Saranac Lake
A Historic Snowshoe Hike
Dip into Winter on the Jackrabbit
Getting Back to Nature
Wild Saranac Lake Snowshoeing
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
Cross-Country Ski The Jackrabbit Trail
Finding Winter Finches — and other Cold-Weather Species
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
On the Quest for the Tallest Tree
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
Great Fall Birding!
New Road Mountain
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
Wedding planning with the pros
Two sides of the Trifecta
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