Paul Smiths, New York

Top Spots in and near Paul Smiths

  • Saranac Lake, New York

    Hike to Mount Baker in Saranac Lake

    1.8 mi / 900 ft gain
    Mount Baker (also referred to as Baker Mountain) stands at 2,457 feet and sits in the village of Saranac Lake and is part of the Saranac Lake 6ers Challenge. This is a moderate out and back 1.8 mile hike with an elevation gain of around 900 feet. It is the easiest of the 6ers and makes for a grea...
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  • Saranac Lake, New York

    Camp at Fish Creek Pond

    4.7
    Located in the Saranac Lake region there is a natural sand shoreline and water access for most campsites. There are countless rivers and ponds which allow use of motorized and non-motorized boats. The campsites are ideally located on Fish Creek Pond and Square Pond. The campsite offers a beac...
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  • Lake Clear, New York

    Ampersand Mountain

    4.5
    4.95 mi / 1650 ft gain
    Ampersand Mountain is part of the Saranac Lake 6er Hiking Challenge. It is one of six mountains surrounding Saranac Lake. The trail starts just across the street from the parking area. Though there is ample parking it can full up on a good day as it is a popular hike. The trail begins over mo...
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  • Lake Clear, New York

    Ampersand Beach

    0.99 mi / 118 ft gain
    Located across from the Ampersand Mountain trailhead on NY Route 3, a trail will take you a short walk (about a half mile) to this beautiful, quiet beach on the shores of Middle Saranac Lake. Starting at the trailhead, you will continue along an unmarked but clear footpath that trails through the...
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  • Waverly, New York

    Azure Mountain Firetower

    1.8 mi / 899 ft gain
    Azure Mountain Firetower is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Saint Regis Falls, New York.
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  • Lake Placid, New York

    McKenzie and Haystack Mountains

    12.24 mi / 3553 ft gain
    McKenzie Mountain stands at 3,861 feet and is one of the highest 100 in the Adirondacks. Haystack Mountain stands at 2,874 feet. Both are part of the Saranac 6ers Challenge. The trailhead for this route to McKenzie and Haystack is located on route 86 in Ray Brook, there is a nice parking area of...
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  • Lake Placid, New York

    Paddle Lake Placid

    Paddleboarding on Lake Placid is definitely and activity to add to your list when up in the Adirondacks during spring or summer. Surrounded by mountains, there are multiple coves you can explore around the lake. There is no set route to follow but circling Buck Island or exploring Paradox Bay are...
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  • Lake Placid, New York

    Ice Skate Mirror Lake

    Looking for ice skating a bit more off the beaten path? Try Mirror Lake! Open 24/7! The best place to start is at the south end of the lake where you can also find a nearby shop to rent skates if you don't have them. If you do not feel like going on the 2 mile loop around the lake, you can stick ...
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  • Lake Placid, New York

    Cobble Hill

    5.0
    2.31 mi / 463 ft gain
    Looking for a great family hike up in the Adirondacks? Take a look into Cobble Hill right off of Mirror Lake in Lake Placid. This is a perfect hike for those with younger kids and want to expose them to hiking. Cobble Hill has a little bit of everything all packed into the short distance. The ...
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  • Wilmington, New York

    Hike Cobble Lookout in the Wilmington Wild Forest

    4.7
    2.6 mi / 240 ft gain
    Park at the trailhead located on County Route 18A just after the split from Whiteface Veteran's Memorial Highway in Wilmington, NY. There is a small parking lot for 4-5 cars and a pull off just ahead for another 3-4 cars. The trail begins at the back of the parking area. Following the contour of ...
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  • Wilmington, New York

    Rock Climb at Notch Mountain in the Adirondacks

    Park at the Moss Cliff Parking area on Route 86 and cross the road to the trailhead for Copperas Pond. Make a short but steep approach to Notch Mountain Slabs, taking a left when the trail appears to split. The immediate face has four single pitch climbs, but skirting the face to the left brings ...
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  • Tupper Lake, New York

    Hike to Mount Arab Fire Tower

    2.2 mi / 764 ft gain
    Located just a couple miles outside of Tupper Lake this little hike is a gem. The trailhead starts just across the street from the parking area. The 1.1 mile one-way trail is marked with red discs and easy to follow. The trail has a moderate incline in areas. It follows the northern ridge of t...
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  • Wilmington, New York

    Whiteface Mountain Summit

    9.45 mi / 3606 ft gain
    The Whiteface Mountain Summit trail in New York’s Adirondacks offers a challenging yet rewarding hike, spanning 9.5 miles round trip with an elevation gain of over 3,600 feet. This trail is known for its steep ascents and rocky terrain, especially near the summit, but the breathtaking panoramic v...
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  • Lake Placid, New York

    Cross Country Ski & Snowshoe at the Cascade Ski Center

    15 mi
    Spend a blissful day at Cascade Ski Center in the heart of the Adirondacks at Lake Placid, New York. This Nordic Ski Center has over 15 miles of groomed trails for cross country skiing and snowshoeing with rentals available. The Center also hosts a full-service bar and restaurant, as well as seve...
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  • Lake Placid, New York

    Mount Jo via Adirondak Loj

    4.8
    2.32 mi / 856 ft gain
    This short hike offers exceptional views, perfect for late night sunsets and early morning sunrises. Take a lunch date to the summit and enjoy overlooking Heart Lake and New York's highest peak, Mt. Marcy. The trail to Mt. Jo trailhead is located at the entrance station near the parking lot at th...
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  • Lake Placid, New York

    Hike Wright, Algonquin, and Iroquois Mountains

    5.0
    Although a bit strenuous this loop climb up the MacIntyre Range is one of the most beautiful climbs in all the High Peaks. I suggest that you travel past Marcy Dam to Avalanche Lake and ascend the range in that direction as the trail from Lake Colden up to the ridge is very steep and best climbed...
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Guides, Insights and Stories from Paul Smiths

Escape the City with a Road Trip in the Adirondacks

Escape the City with a Road Trip in the Adirondacks

Sara Sheehy