Best Easy Day Hikes Adirondacks Second Edition by Lisa Densmore Ballard

Author:Lisa Densmore Ballard
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: FALCONGUIDES
Published: 2017-04-11T04:00:00+00:00

1.0Pass over slab where fallen trees have peeled the soil away.

2.5Turn left at the junction with the old route, climbing the wide, washed-out trail.

2.7Pass the remains of the fire-watcher’s cabin.

2.8The pitch mellows.

3.2FIRE TOWER! Return by the same route.

6.4Arrive back at the trailhead.

12 Saint Regis Mountain

A relatively easy hike, considering the mileage, to a restored fire tower and a fantastic view of the Saint Regis Canoe Area.

Total distance: 6.6 miles

Type of hike: Out and back

Highest point: 2,858 feet

Vertical gain: 1,260 feet

Approximate hiking time: 5.5 hours

Canine compatibility: Dog-friendly. Dogs should not climb the tower.

Map: USGS Saint Regis Mountain Quad

Finding the Trailhead: At the junction of NY 86 and NY 30 in Paul Smiths, turn right (north) on NY 30. Go 100 yards, then turn left (west) on Keese Mills Road. Go 2.5 miles. The trailhead parking lot is on the left side of the road just past the turn for Topridge Road. Walk 0.1 mile down Topridge Road to the trailhead. Trailhead GPS: N44 25.923' / W74 18.011'

The Hike

Saint Regis Mountain is a short hike if you take a boat across Upper Saint Regis Lake, but if you must go by car, you’ll need to follow the full route, which is described here. It’s over 6 miles, but it’s easy terrain-wise, as most of the route is the approach to the mountain, not the ascent. And it’s very pretty, especially when the leaves reach their peak color in the fall (late September here) due to the many maples in the forest mix. There’s a fantastic view from the summit plateau, whether you climb the fire tower or not. Although on the long side for young children, this is a great hike for older kids and dogs.

From the parking lot on Keese Mills Road, cross over the metal bridge on foot and walk the 0.1 mile down the dirt road to the trailhead, which is on the right. From the sign-in box, cross a streamlet on a long footbridge and climb a few stone steps following the red NYSDEC markers. The trail bends left (south) and continues to climb moderately up the small hillside. It quickly flattens out and then dips past a small grassy wetland on your left. The footing is smooth as you wind through the classic mixed northern forest.

At 0.2 mile (from the trailhead), the trail swings right (northwest) on another easy, short climb and then levels off on a woods road. A moment later watch for a short detour over a large low boulder. The woods road goes straight, but it’s blocked by sticks. The trail merges with the road again on the other side of the elongated boulder and then narrows to a footpath over a length of slab as it continues deeper into the forest, climbing moderately.

At 0.8 mile, the path passes through a grove of mature hemlocks where the ground is clear of flora and debris except for a soft carpet of duff. Then the trail begins a long, gradual downhill and hardwoods return to the mix.

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