The best walks and hikes around Paul Smiths

The Saint Regis Mountain Trail offers a classic Adirondack experience, starting with a pleasant forest walk through mature pine and hardwood trees before transitioning to a steeper, rockier ascent. You'll encounter huge mossy cliffs and glacial erratics as you climb, with the terrain becoming more demanding in the final mile. The true highlight is the open, rocky summit, providing expansive 360-degree views over thirty lakes and ponds, including Upper and Lower Saranac Lake, and the distant Adirondack High Peaks.

This moderate 3.2-mile (5.2 km) out-and-back hike involves 1282 feet (391 metres) of elevation gain and typically takes around 2 hours and 12 minutes. Parking at the trailhead can fill up quickly, especially on busy days, so plan to arrive early. The trail can be muddy in spots, so sturdy, waterproof hiking boots are a good idea. It's a great option for those seeking a rewarding summit view without an all-day commitment.

Saint Regis Mountain is notable for its historic 1918 fire tower, which you can climb for even more impressive vistas. It's also a popular peak for hikers participating in the Saranac Lake 6er and Adirondack Fire Tower Challenges. Uniquely, you can even combine this hike with a paddle, launching a canoe from Upper St. Regis Lake for a distinctive full-day adventure.

The Heron Marsh Trail offers a delightful immersion into Adirondack wetlands and forests, making it a top choice for nature lovers. You'll wander through diverse habitats, including northern hardwood and mixed-wood forests, before stepping onto an impressive 900-foot boardwalk that crosses Heron Marsh and Barnum Brook. This unique vantage point provides exceptional opportunities to spot wildlife like herons, beavers, and otters, all while enjoying picturesque views of the marsh and distant mountains like St. Regis. It's a truly engaging experience for all ages.

Planning your visit is straightforward; the trail is located at the Paul Smith's College Visitor Interpretive Center (VIC). This easy 2.1-mile (3.4 km) hike involves only 95 feet (29 metres) of elevation gain and takes approximately 53 minutes to complete, making it very accessible. Dogs are permitted on leash, and the well-maintained paths ensure a comfortable walk. Consider combining it with the Barnum Brook Trail for a longer loop, but be aware that some sections can be uneven or wet.

What truly sets this trail apart is its focus on wildlife observation and education. With multiple viewing platforms, an elevated tower, and interpretive signs along the way, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the local flora and fauna. It's an excellent example of a family-friendly trail that doesn't compromise on natural beauty or ecological insight, offering a peaceful escape into the heart of the Adirondacks.

The Adirondack Rail Trail offers a unique journey through the heart of the Adirondack Park, following a historic rail corridor. You'll experience diverse scenery, from dense forests and expansive wetlands to tranquil waterfront views of lakes like Colby Lake and Little Rainbow Pond. The trail's remarkably level and consistent terrain, primarily smooth stone dust, makes it a comfortable and scenic walk for all.

This easy 4.5-mile (7.3 km) hiking route, with a minimal 116 feet (35 metres) of elevation gain, takes approximately 1 hour and 53 minutes to complete. It's an ideal choice for families, seniors, or anyone looking for a gentle outdoor experience. The trail is celebrated for its accessibility, featuring numerous accessible trailheads and being wheelchair and stroller-friendly, making it a great option for beginner Adirondack Rail Trail hikes.

Beyond its natural beauty, the Adirondack Rail Trail is notable for its historical significance and its role in connecting the communities of Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, and Tupper Lake. Interpretive signs along the way share insights into the railway's origins and the surrounding environment, enhancing your experience. It's a year-round destination, popular for its spectacular fall foliage and winter activities like cross-country skiing.

The Adirondack Rail Trail offers a wonderfully accessible journey through the heart of the Adirondacks, winding through forests, wetlands, and past several scenic ponds. You'll enjoy a smooth, compacted stone dust surface for most of the way, with a notable boardwalk section between Lake Colby and Little Colby Pond providing picturesque views and resting spots. This 6.1 miles (9.7 km) route, rated moderate with only 98 feet (30 metres) of elevation gain, is perfect for a relaxed outing, taking about 2 hours and 29 minutes to complete.

Planning your visit is easy, as the trail connects the communities of Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, and Tupper Lake, offering numerous access points. The trail is open year-round and is well-maintained, making it suitable for all seasons. While no permits are needed, consider starting earlier in the day to secure parking, especially during busy times when many come to enjoy the trail's gentle grade and natural beauty.

This trail follows the historic path of an old New York Central Railroad line, originally built in 1892, and you can still spot remnants of its past like original mile markers. It's celebrated for its accessibility, welcoming hikers of all ages and abilities, including those using wheelchairs. Beyond hiking, the Adirondack Rail Trail serves as a vital corridor for biking, running, and even cross-country skiing in winter, offering a unique blend of wilderness experience and community connection.

The Long Pond loop from Paul Smiths offers a delightful journey through classic Adirondack mixed forests, providing picturesque views of both Long Pond and Black Pond. You'll wander through shady sections with plants like Goldthread and Partridgeberry underfoot, eventually reaching the Long Pond lean-to, a perfect spot for a break with vistas of the surrounding wilderness. While mostly an easy trek, expect some narrow and rough patches, particularly on the eastern side of Black Pond, which features plenty of ups and downs through dark hemlock timber.

This moderate 6.0-mile (9.7 km) hiking route, with 331 feet (101 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 2 hours and 34 minutes to complete. Access is straightforward via the Paul Smith's College Visitor Interpretive Center (VIC), where parking is available. It's a fantastic option for families looking for a scenic day out, and it's worth noting that the trail is also popular for snowshoeing in winter.

Part of a larger trail system managed by Paul Smith's College VIC, this area is known for its diverse ecosystem and efforts to manage native heritage brook trout in Long Pond. Keep an eye out for wildlife like loons and kingfishers around the ponds. The trail's connection to other routes, like the Black Pond Trail, allows for longer excursions if you're looking to extend your adventure in the Adirondacks.