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Five Mile Trail

Hiking trails & Routes

Five Mile Trail

Easy

2.7

(23)

hikers

Five Mile Trail

Q: What is the actual length of the Five Mile Trail?

Despite its name, the Five Mile Trail is approximately 6.1 kilometers (3.8 miles) long. It's an easy hike that can typically be completed in about 1 hour and 37 minutes.

Q: Where can I park to access the Five Mile Trail?

The Five Mile Trail is located within Saratoga Spa State Park. Parking is available at various points throughout the park, including near the Hall of Springs and the Roosevelt Baths & Spa . Specific trailhead parking areas are usually well-marked within the park.

Q: Is the Five Mile Trail suitable for beginners or families?

Yes, the trail is rated as easy with minimal elevation gain (around 52 meters or 172 feet), making it very suitable for beginners, families, and those looking for a leisurely walk. The well-maintained paths within Saratoga Spa State Park are generally accessible.

Q: Are dogs allowed on the trail?

Dogs are generally permitted on trails within Saratoga Spa State Park, including the Five Mile Trail. However, they must always be kept on a leash and owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets. Please check park signage for any specific restrictions.

Q: What kind of terrain can I expect on this route?

The Five Mile Trail offers generally easy terrain, typical of a park setting. You can expect well-maintained paths, likely a mix of paved and unpaved surfaces, suitable for walking and light hiking. The minimal elevation changes contribute to its easy difficulty rating.

Q: What are the best times of year to hike the Five Mile Trail?

The trail is enjoyable year-round. Spring offers blooming flora, summer provides lush greenery, and fall showcases beautiful autumn foliage. Even in winter , the trail can be a peaceful experience, though conditions may require appropriate footwear for snow or ice.

Q: Do I need to pay an entrance fee or get a permit for Saratoga Spa State Park?

Saratoga Spa State Park typically charges a vehicle use fee during peak seasons (usually from spring through fall). This fee covers parking and access to the park's amenities. There are generally no separate permits required for hiking the trails themselves, but it's always good to check the official New York State Parks website for current fee schedules and operating hours.

Q: What natural attractions or landmarks can I see along the way?

The trail passes by several notable features within Saratoga Spa State Park. You'll encounter unique natural springs such as Karista Spring , Hayes Spring , Orenda Spring , and Ferndell Spring . A highlight is also The Geyser Island Spouter , a fascinating natural geyser.

Q: Are there any man-made attractions or facilities near the trail?

Yes, within Saratoga Spa State Park, the trail is close to the historic Hall of Springs and the renowned Roosevelt Baths & Spa . These offer a glimpse into the park's rich history and therapeutic traditions.

Q: Does the Five Mile Trail connect with other paths?

Yes, the route of the Five Mile Trail intersects with and utilizes sections of other official paths within Saratoga Spa State Park. Specifically, it incorporates parts of the Picnic Lane , Ferndell Trail , and a Wheelchair Access Ramp , offering varied scenery and connections to other areas of the park.

01:37

6.14km

50m

Hiking

Hike the easy 3.8-mile Five Mile Trail in Saratoga Spa State Park, featuring 172 feet of gain and natural springs.

Last updated: February 26, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

300 m

Hall of Springs

Highlight • Monument

The cornerstone for this beautiful building was laid July 12, 1933 and marked the beginning of the New Spa's development. The New Spa was the name for an early 20th-century project to develop bath houses, research facilities and a drink hall — the Hall of Springs — in this already world-famous area. People from across the country came to drink and bathe in the natural mineral spring waters. Today, the well-preserved Hall of Springs serves as a restaurant and event venue. Across the lawn over the reflecting pool is a sister building that currently houses the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, which has been the summer home of the Philadelphia Orchestra and New York City Ballet since 1966.

Tip by

418 m

Roosevelt Baths & Spa

Highlight • Rest Area

Buildings in the park:
Bathhouse Roosevelt Baths & Spa
Hello of Springs
Park Office
Little Theater
car museum
Gideon Putnam Hotel

Translated by Google •

Tip by

1.45 km

Karista Spring

Highlight • Natural Monument

Karista Spring is one of thirteen mineral springs in Saratoga Spa State Park. Like all of the other springs in the park, you can drink the water that comes out of the covered tap. Karista Spring has one of the strongest iron-rich waters in the world, and some believe that the soil around it helps alleviate arthritis pain.

Tip by

1.67 km

Hayes Spring

Highlight • Natural Monument

The Hayes Spring or Hayes Well Spring is located just a few hundred yards from the famous Geyser Island Spouter. Like all of the springs in the park you can drink the mineral rich water straight from the tap. Note the thick build-up of minerals at the well's base!

Tip by

1.71 km

The Geyser Island Spouter

Highlight • Natural Monument

The Geyser Island Spouter is one of the best known and memorable features in Saratoga Springs State Park. This spouter (which is caused by natural carbonation in the water) is in the middle of Geyser Creek on a small island created by mineral build up. Although it is a little difficult to see, the tufa that the water shoots from is a deep rusty red due to the iron in the water. The spouter first appeared in the early 20th century and spurts water at a constant rate, making for a memorable sight! You cannot go to the island itself, but there is a great, wheelchair-accessible viewing platform where you can get excellent photographs of it.

Tip by

2.20 km

Orenda Spring

Highlight • Natural Monument

Orenda Spring is an incredible mineral spring located on the northern end of Saratoga Spa State park. The high concentration of minerals in the water created a massive, hard tufa that the trail wraps around and water cascades over. This unique spot is a must see when visiting the park. There is a small, covered well where you can drink the water from this spring near by. While the indigenous people of this area have visited these springs for centuries, in the 19th-century the waters became known for their healing properties and people came from around the world to bathe in and drink them, as well as to admire unique geological features like the enormous Orenda Spring tufa.

Tip by

4.66 km

Ferndell Spring

Highlight • Natural Monument

Ferndell Spring is not carbonated and unlike the other springs near by, does not contain a high mineral content. Although it occasionally doesn't run, it typically spouts out of a handsome red granite basin on the eastern side of Saratoga Spa State Park.

Tip by

6.14 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

4.50 km

1.58 km

< 100 m

Surfaces

3.32 km

1.21 km

1.10 km

197 m

186 m

< 100 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Weather

Today

Thursday 7 May

14°C

4°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 23.0 km/h

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the actual length of the Five Mile Trail?

Despite its name, the Five Mile Trail is approximately 6.1 kilometers (3.8 miles) long. It's an easy hike that can typically be completed in about 1 hour and 37 minutes.

Where can I park to access the Five Mile Trail?

The Five Mile Trail is located within Saratoga Spa State Park. Parking is available at various points throughout the park, including near the Hall of Springs and the Roosevelt Baths & Spa. Specific trailhead parking areas are usually well-marked within the park.

Is the Five Mile Trail suitable for beginners or families?

Yes, the trail is rated as easy with minimal elevation gain (around 52 meters or 172 feet), making it very suitable for beginners, families, and those looking for a leisurely walk. The well-maintained paths within Saratoga Spa State Park are generally accessible.

Are dogs allowed on the trail?

Dogs are generally permitted on trails within Saratoga Spa State Park, including the Five Mile Trail. However, they must always be kept on a leash and owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets. Please check park signage for any specific restrictions.

What kind of terrain can I expect on this route?

The Five Mile Trail offers generally easy terrain, typical of a park setting. You can expect well-maintained paths, likely a mix of paved and unpaved surfaces, suitable for walking and light hiking. The minimal elevation changes contribute to its easy difficulty rating.

What are the best times of year to hike the Five Mile Trail?

The trail is enjoyable year-round. Spring offers blooming flora, summer provides lush greenery, and fall showcases beautiful autumn foliage. Even in winter, the trail can be a peaceful experience, though conditions may require appropriate footwear for snow or ice.

Do I need to pay an entrance fee or get a permit for Saratoga Spa State Park?

Saratoga Spa State Park typically charges a vehicle use fee during peak seasons (usually from spring through fall). This fee covers parking and access to the park's amenities. There are generally no separate permits required for hiking the trails themselves, but it's always good to check the official New York State Parks website for current fee schedules and operating hours.

What natural attractions or landmarks can I see along the way?

The trail passes by several notable features within Saratoga Spa State Park. You'll encounter unique natural springs such as Karista Spring, Hayes Spring, Orenda Spring, and Ferndell Spring. A highlight is also The Geyser Island Spouter, a fascinating natural geyser.

Are there any man-made attractions or facilities near the trail?

Yes, within Saratoga Spa State Park, the trail is close to the historic Hall of Springs and the renowned Roosevelt Baths & Spa. These offer a glimpse into the park's rich history and therapeutic traditions.

Does the Five Mile Trail connect with other paths?

Yes, the route of the Five Mile Trail intersects with and utilizes sections of other official paths within Saratoga Spa State Park. Specifically, it incorporates parts of the Picnic Lane, Ferndell Trail, and a Wheelchair Access Ramp, offering varied scenery and connections to other areas of the park.

Is the Five Mile Trail a loop or an out-and-back route?

The Five Mile Trail, as mapped, is designed as a loop, allowing you to experience all its features without retracing your steps. This makes for a continuous and enjoyable hiking experience through Saratoga Spa State Park.