St. Regis Mountain is a 3.4-mile hike in northern Franklin County, west of Paul Smith’s. The trail is on public Forest Preserve, located in the St. Regis Canoe Area. The trailhead parking lot is accessed off of Keese Mill Road, which runs west of Route 30, just north of Paul Smith’s College. The hike runs through mature pine forests with lots of towering boulders before reaching an open, rocky peak where the firetower stands amidst a beautiful forest of ferns and white birches.

The trek to the summit is relatively flat for most of the way, with most of the ascent in the last mile. The trail starts on a gravel road from the parking area that soon crosses the St. Regis River near the outlet of Lower Saint Regis Lake. After a few hundred yards on the dirt road, the trail turns right into the forest. The trail register stands at this point; make sure to sign in.

The Trail on St. Regis Mountain

The trail then climbs gently into a conifer forest, passing a small wetland pond and soon reaches a junction. Veer right and follow the yellow trail markers to the summit.

The trail passes huge mossy cliffs and a cluster of massive glacial erratics as it weaves its way through a young hardwood forest. Then the trail runs over a few patches of open bedrock and leads to the top of the cliffs. The trail then returns to the needles and moss of the conifer forest over a long, peaceful ridge dotted with tall balsam and white pines. The middle portion of the trail is relatively uniform as it makes its way through a fairly flat stretch of hardwood forest with a number of large white pine, hemlock, and maples.

The Main Ascent

After two miles, the trail reaches a bridge crossing over a small, rocky stream. The bridge marks the start of the hike’s main ascent. The trail gradually grows steeper, running over a short stretch of rock-lined turnpiking and a short stone staircase. The trail is much rockier, with many more cliffs and boulders. In a fun and interesting span near the top, the trail squeezes up between huge rock walls on both sides. The trail then emerges from the cliffs into a sunny clearing of ferns with the open sky visible through the birch trees.

A side trail leads to a scenic overlook on the right with a broad view of the forests and rolling hills to the north. The final section of the main trail leads to the summit. The open and rocky area has plenty of space to sit and rest. Unlike many other peaks with fire towers in the Adirondack Park, the summit of St. Regis Mountain has a vast and beautiful view without needing to climb the tower, which is good news for those uncomfortable climbing up a firetower.

The Top of St. Regis Mountain

The view from the top of the 100-year-old firetower is spectacular, a sweeping 360-degree view of the countless lakes, many other mountains including diverse forests, and small communities. There is a clear view of Loon Lake Mountain to the north, Matumbla and Mt. Arab to the south, and dozens of High Peaks stand to the east, among many others.

The trail out follows the same path to the parking area.

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Drive 15 miles, 0.3 hours to Baker Mountain Trailhead

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All Trails description of Baker Mountain

Get to know this 1.70 mile, loop trail near Saranac Lake, New York. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 17 min to complete. This is a very popular area for cross-country skiing, hiking, and skiing, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round, but the best times to visit are April through November.

Starting from the north end of Moody Pond you will start climbing almost immediately. The trail is a bit steep but offers great views as you ascend further. At 0.6 miles from the trailhead, an intersection offers part of an upper mountain loop. Left is a less aggressive climb and avoids the steep ledges that can be found if you head right. Both finish at the summit of Baker. The loop makes for a great hike option.

The summit of Baker offers great views over the Village of Saranac Lake, the McKenzie Mountain Wilderness Area and toward the High Peaks Region. Be sure you are on the marked trail when you leave.

Baker Mountain

Baker Mountain is an short 0.9-mile hike to rocky outcrops with sweeping views of the Village of Saranac Lake and the surrounding lakes and mountains

The Hike up Baker Mountain

Located just outside the Village of Saranac Lake, above Moody Pond. Baker Mountain is a short 0.9-mile hike to a small peak with great views of the surrounding lakes and High Peaks. The trailhead is off of Forest Hill Ave on the north side of Moody Pond. The trail is entirely on public Forest Preserve lands in the McKenzie Mountain Wilderness Area.

Just under two miles round-trip, the short hike up Baker Mountain is popular and has limited trailhead parking. The Trailhead Register marks the beginning of the trail just off Moody Pond Road. Just after the trailhead register, the trail arrives at a Y-shaped trail junction. Follow the trail markers to the right. After a short distance the ascent begins. Amidst a mixed, mid-successional forest, the trail pushes upward along an increasingly stony path flanked by large glacial erratics.

After a number of bends, the path temporarily levels out at about the .4-mile mark before climbing through a bedrock clearing that provides a view from a rocky outcrop. The summit of Baker Mountain can also be seen looming above.

After the rocky outcrop, the trail is steep for its final ascent to the summit. The trail passes over a number of stone staircases and then hooks along the south side of the mountain, yielding partial views.

The Summit of Baker Mountain

The final section is a pine-laden path that to the leads to the summit. The summit is tree-covered, identified by its elevation and Geological Survey marker in its center. Side trails lead to rocky outcrops with terrific views of McKenzie Mountain, the spreading neighborhoods of the Village of Saranac Lake, and surrounding lakes and mountains.

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Drive 35 miles, 0.75 hr from Baker Mountain back to Elizabethtown

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