The best walks and hikes in Clinton County
4.8
(32)
702
hikers
20
hikes
Hiking in Clinton County, New York, offers diverse terrain within the Adirondack Park and along Lake Champlain. The region features a landscape of mountains, dense woodlands, and waterways, including the Saranac River and various lakes. Elevations range from low-lying bog preserves to prominent peaks like Lyon Mountain and Catamount Mountain, providing varied hiking experiences.
Best hiking trails in Clinton County
- The most popular hiking route is Lyon Mountain — Chazy Highlands Wild Forest Area, a 7.3 miles (11.7 km) moderate trail that takes about 3 hours 53 minutes to complete, ascending to a prominent mountain summit.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Catamount Mountain — Taylor Pond Wild Forest, a moderate 3.9 miles (6.3 km) path, offering views from a mountain peak.
- Local hikers also love the Silver Lake Bog Preserve Trail — Adirondack Park, a 2.2 miles (3.5 km) trail leading through a unique bog landscape, often completed in about 57 minutes.
- Hiking in Clinton County is defined by mountain ascents, wild forest areas, and lakeside paths. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy bog walks to moderate mountain trails.
- The routes in Clinton County are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 28 reviews. More than 600 hikers have used komoot to explore Clinton County's varied terrain.
Last updated: April 26, 2026
5.0
(1)
9
hikers
5.39km
02:00
570m
0m
Hike the moderate Lyon Mountain Firetower Trail for 3.4 miles to reach Clinton County's highest point and panoramic views from a historic fi
1
hikers
4.99km
01:17
20m
30m
Hike the easy 3.1-mile Lake Champlain Long Point Trail, offering picturesque views of Lake Champlain and lush forests, perfect for families.
Sign up for free
1
hikers
2.23km
00:35
20m
30m
Hike the easy 1.4-mile Dry Chasm Trail in Ausable Chasm, exploring ancient riverbeds and primeval forest with minimal elevation gain.
6.42km
01:40
30m
30m
An easy 4.0-mile hike in Point Au Roche State Park, offering scenic views along Conner Bay and the Ram's Head section.
1.74km
00:29
40m
20m
Explore the unique Silver Lake Bog Preserve Trail, an easy 1.1-mile hike through a rare bog ecosystem to panoramic views of Silver Lake.
4.28km
01:07
30m
40m
Hike the easy 2.7-mile Saranac River Trail, a family-friendly route offering scenic views of the river and Adirondack foothills.
3.14km
00:49
30m
10m
Hike the easy 1.9-mile Red Trail in The Gulf Unique Area, featuring a rocky gorge, wildlife, and a 60-foot waterfall.
62
hikers
11.7km
03:53
580m
580m
Hike the moderate Lyon Mountain Trail for 7.3 miles (11.7 km) to a fire tower with 360-degree views of the Adirondacks and beyond.
5.0
(2)
42
hikers
6.31km
02:26
430m
430m
Hike the challenging Catamount Mountain Trail in Taylor Pond Wild Forest for steep scrambles and nearly 360-degree summit views.
4.0
(1)
9
hikers
3.51km
00:57
50m
50m
Hike the easy 2.2-mile Pine Bluff Trail in Silver Lake Bog Preserve, offering views of Silver Lake and Douglas Mountain.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Popular around Clinton County
Tips from the Community
Nice view of Douglas Mountain across Silver Lake. For most of the trail you are walking through dense forest, but at this point, the trees thin out and you get a nice vista.
0
0
Silver Lake is a glacier lake in Adirondack Park. On the southern and western shores, there are trails through undisturbed woodland, while the other coasts have private residences and are more developed.
0
0
The Lyon Mountain Trail is a 3.5-mile trail that runs through the Chazy Highlands Wild Forest Area. The trail has recently been redone to be more environmentally friendly and now includes switchbacks and several stream crosssings.
0
0
Lyon Mountain is the tallest peak in New York north of the Saranac River. From the peak, you get a great view onto the valley below and of Chazy Lake.
0
0
The hike up to the summit of Catamount Mountain is steep and challenging, but your reward is stunning 360-degree views.
1
0
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available in Clinton County?
Clinton County offers a variety of hiking experiences with around 13 trails documented on komoot. These range from easy bog walks to more challenging mountain ascents, catering to different skill levels.
What kind of terrain can I expect on hikes in Clinton County?
The terrain in Clinton County, New York, is diverse, featuring mountains, dense woodlands, and waterways like the Saranac River and Lake Champlain. You'll find everything from low-lying bog preserves to prominent peaks, offering a mix of landscapes for your hike.
Are there any easy, family-friendly hikes in Clinton County?
Yes, Clinton County has several easy trails suitable for families. For instance, the Silver Lake Bog Preserve Trail — Adirondack Park is a gentle 2.2-mile (3.5 km) path through a unique bog landscape. Another accessible option is the Terry Gordon Bike Path — Plattsburgh, which is 5 km long and has minimal elevation gain.
What are some challenging hikes for experienced trekkers?
For those seeking a more strenuous experience, Clinton County offers moderate mountain ascents. The Lyon Mountain — Chazy Highlands Wild Forest Area is a 7.3-mile (11.7 km) trail with significant elevation gain, leading to a prominent mountain summit. Another popular choice is Catamount Mountain — Taylor Pond Wild Forest, a 3.9-mile (6.3 km) path also offering rewarding views from a peak.
Are there any circular hiking routes in the area?
Yes, you can find circular routes in Clinton County. The Valcour Island Primitive Area loop — Clinton County is a moderate 10.25 km (6.4 miles) trail that allows you to explore the island's natural beauty. Another option is the Point au Roche State Park loop, which covers about 10.9 km (6.8 miles).
What natural features or landmarks can I see along the trails?
Clinton County's trails often lead through diverse natural settings. You can explore unique bog landscapes at the Silver Lake Preserve, or enjoy scenic views along Lake Champlain at Point Au Roche State Park. The region also features prominent mountains like Lyon Mountain and Catamount Mountain, offering expansive vistas.
Are there any trails near water or with lake views?
Absolutely. Many trails in Clinton County are near or offer views of water bodies. The Middle Point Trail — Point Au Roche State Park provides beautiful lakeside scenery. You can also find trails along the Saranac River, such as the Saranac River Trail to Macdonough Park — Plattsburgh.
What do other hikers say about the trails in Clinton County?
The hiking routes in Clinton County are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 28 reviews. Hikers frequently praise the diverse terrain, from mountain ascents to serene lakeside paths, and the well-maintained trails within the wild forest areas.
Are there any trails that offer good viewpoints?
Yes, several trails in Clinton County lead to rewarding viewpoints. Both Lyon Mountain and Catamount Mountain offer impressive panoramic views from their summits, showcasing the expansive Adirondack landscape.
Can I find trails within state parks in Clinton County?
Yes, Clinton County is home to several state parks and preserves with hiking opportunities. Point Au Roche State Park offers trails like the Middle Point Trail, providing access to Lake Champlain. The Silver Lake Bog Preserve Trail is another excellent option within the Adirondack Park.
Are there any urban or paved walking paths available?
For those looking for an urban stroll or paved path, the Terry Gordon Bike Path in Plattsburgh offers a pleasant 5 km (3.1 miles) route. Additionally, the US Oval Park loop from Plattsburgh is a shorter, easy option within the city.
Most popular routes in Clinton County
Most popular attractions in Clinton County
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Didn’t find what you were looking for?
Check out more Hikes throughout Clinton County below and find the perfect route in your destination.
Explore more
Browse the best Hikes in other regions.
Other places to explore
Nearby adventure guides
Natural areas to explore nearby
Get ready to conquer new peaks
Sign up for Free