The hike to Round Pond along the East Mill Flow trail in the Hammond Pond Wild Forest takes you through the Sharp Bridge State Campground, along the Schroon River, to a pretty backcountry pond.

Key takeaways

• Distance: 7.3 miles round trip
• Elevation gain: 770 feet
• Hike includes trail junctions
• Based on a hike on the East Mill Flow trail from Sharp Bridge Campground

Hiking to Round Pond

From the parking area, locate Schroon Brook to the right and head down to it. Follow it upstream to the main trail. The hike now leads you to a climb up the saddle between Clap and Greenbough Mountains, the majority of your elevation gain, then descend towards East Mill Flow. You then hike above East Mill Flow to an intersection at 3.3 miles. At this intersection you can head straight to the edge of the Round Pond and outstanding views from a rocky location.

Round Pond in the winter

This route can be accessed in the winter, but is seldom done during the season, so be prepared for all winter conditions (including breaking trail). This route, as well as the car-to-car option connecting to the Ensign Pond eastern trailhead, are great options for a cross-country ski for folks with prior backcountry experience.

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How to get there

To get here, take Exit 29 off of Interstate 87, turn right and then turn left on Route 9 to follow it north. Continue to the Sharp Bridge State Campground, which will be on the right. There is parking near the entrance.

Hiking New York's 25th tallest peak

Mount Marshall is the 25th tallest of the Adirondack High Peaks. It is a steep, serious hike that requires significant preparation and navigational skill. A successful hike of Mount Marshall involves research, physical fitness, the right gear, and knowledge of Leave No Trace principles. 

Marshall was named to honor Robert Marshall who, with his brother George, is one of the original ADK 46ers. 

Key takeaways

• Distance: 13 miles round trip
• Elevation: 4,360 feet
• Elevation gain: 2,515 feet
• Hike involves unmarked trails, water crossings, and trail junctions
• Based on a hike from the Upper Works trailhead

Hiking Marshall from Upper Works

There are two herd paths that lead to the summit of Mount Marshall, the route below describes a hike of Marshall via the Herbert Brook herd path from Upper Works. There is also the option of hiking Marshall via the Adirondack Loj, which is a longer hike with more elevation gain. Please be aware that for most of this hike you will be on a marked trail, but the final ascent to the summit will be on an unmarked path. There are many worn paths around Marshall; it's critical you know which one to follow, and do your research before you go.

From the Upper Works parking area and historic MacNaughton Cottage, follow a long and somewhat flat approach which initially starts along an old woods road. As the route narrows back to a foot trail you will follow along some attractive waterways and eventually climb modestly to the shore of Flowed Lands. From Flowed Lands you will hike its perimeter along a difficult trail to the herd-path along Herbert Brook; a cairn marks the herd-path on your left after crossing a small stream. The route is now much narrower and follows along the brook to your left. The terrain starts out moderate with a couple steep ascent sections, and soon you will be crossing the brook several times. Once the herd-path leaves the brook, the terrain steepens. There is one excellent viewing area along the summit ridge before you reach the treed summit to your left.

*Another way to reach Mount Marshall from the Adirondack Loj is via Cold Brook Pass.If you are interested in taking this route, particularly to view the historic plane wreckage, do your research and consult with the experienced staff at the High Peaks Information Center. 

Marshall in the winter

Mount Marshall is a challenging mountain that should only be attempted by experienced hikers, especially in winter, so make sure you are prepared. Snowshoes are necessary, and snow spikes are needed to climb the upper reaches of the peak and around the icy sections by the brook. Plan on temperatures in the higher elevations being at least 20 degrees colder than at the trailhead, not including the windchill. Bring several extra non-cotton layers, a headlamp with spare batteries, extra food, a windbreaker, goggles, a face mask, and supplies for spending the night in case of an emergency. You will cross Herbert Brook several times. These crossings can be especially dangerous during the beginning and end of winter. Always use caution at water crossings. Turning around is always an option. 

Find more trails in the Adirondack Hub

Does Marshall sound amazing, but a little more than you want to tackle right now? With the Adirondack Hub being at the center of so many trails, we’re sure to find the best hike for you!

How to get there

From exit 29 off I-87, turn west onto Blue Ridge Road (CR 84) toward Newcomb. Follow this route for 17.4 miles to an intersection with Tahawus Road (CR 25). Turn right on Tahawus Road and stay on it for 6.3 miles then turn left at a sign for High Peaks trails. Pass by the old blast furnace at 2.8 miles up this road. From the blast furnace, it is less than one mile to your destination. The road dead ends at the Upper Works parking lot. From here, you can follow the marked trail to Flowed Lands, eventually picking up the herd path to Mount Marshall.

Hiking New York state's 45th highest peak

Blake Peak, while one of the shorter Adirondack High Peaks, is still a serious undertaking with significant elevation gain and mileage. A successful ascent of Blake requires research, prior experience hiking in the High Peaks, physical fitness, proper gear, and knowledge of Leave No Trace principles. 

Key takeaways

• Elevation: 3,960 feet
• Elevation gain: 5,200 feet round trip
• Distance: 8.7 miles (17.5 miles round trip)
• Hike includes multiple water crossings, steep ladders, steep rocky sections, and trail junctions
• Based on the approach from Elk Lake

Hiking Blake Peak from Elk Lake

The approach described here is not the typical way to hike Blake. It involves more miles hiked and more elevation gain than the approach from the AMR. If you are looking for the most popular way up Blake, check out the approach from the AMR over Colvin.

The trail starts across from the parking area at the Elk Lake Trailhead, which leads to Panther Gorge and Mount Marcy. You will drop to cross The Branch before starting a flat approach to the beginning of a wet hike to the shoulder of Pinnacle Ridge, reahed at 3.5 miles. A couple more small ups and downs, then you drop slightly to the Pinnacle Ridge Trail on your right. From this point the trail is very demanding and encompasses several smaller peaks with no official names. After 6.6 total miles, you'll reach a spur trail that leads right to the summit of Pinnacle, which has some views of Elk Lake. Turning left at this junction marks the start of the bumpy ridge to Blake. If you have the option of a second car, and can leave it at the AMR trailhead, that is recommended as it saves you mileage and elevation gain. If you cannot do this, once the summit of Blake is reached at roughly 8.7 miles in (which is wooded), you will have to go back the way you came up. 

Keep in mind, there is also no water along the Pinnacle Ridge. Being a long day, bring a water filter, and fill up before you start the serious ascent up Blake.

Blake Peak in the winter

Blake is a challenging peak in the winter, and best approached via the AMR. Approaching via Elk Lake is not recommended in the winter, unless you are an experienced hiker. In the winter, plan for an extra 3.5 miles round trip due to the gate at Clear Pond being closed, which accesses Elk Lake. Be prepared with microspikes, crampons, and snowshoes. 

Find more trails in the Adirondack Hub

Does Blake sound amazing, but a little more than you want to tackle right now? With the Adirondack Hub being at the center of so many trails, we’re sure to find the best hike for you!

How to get there

Elk Lake Trailhead: Leave Lake Placid following Rte 73 to Interstate 87. Get off at exit 29 and follow the Blue Ridge Road toward Newcomb. Look for Elk Lake Road on the right in about 4-5 miles; follow it to its end.

Goodnow is a very prominent peak when seen from Route 28N. This ragged-looking mountain is home to one of the remaining fire towers in the Adirondacks.

From the restored fire tower (originally built in 1922), excellent views of the High Peaks can be had. A map, used by former firetower observers to locate forest fires, will give you a better understanding of your surroundings while in the tower. And it’s a cool piece of history!

The trail to Goodnow is on private land owned by the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF). ESF staff and students continue to maintain the tower and trail. Please be respectful of their work and the environment. 

Key takeaways

• Distance: 4 miles round trip
• Elevation gain: 1,075 feet
• Mountain elevation: 2,664 feet

Hiking Goodnow Mountain

As you move along, the trail climbs steady to moderate for about 1 mile. A small brook is passed at 0.5 miles from the trailhead. At 0.9 miles, the trail swings very sharply to the left, where it descends momentarily before resuming the climb. At 1.4 miles a concrete platform is reached. These are the remnants of a State Police radio repeating station.

Soon after, you’ll reach an old horse barn that dates to the early 1900s. The trail becomes rockier and steeper, and you’ll notice the trees changing from hardwood to spruce and balsam. Just before the summit, at 1.8 miles, there is a small open rock that provides a view. The summit and fire tower is reached at 2 miles. 

The fire tower is 60-feet tall, making it one of the tallest in the Adirondacks. There are some views on ground level but the best are seen from the tower. You can even look straight down onto the roof of the old fire tower observer’s cabin, which sits just below the fire tower.

Goodnow in winter

This trail is not recommended for cross-country skiing, but does make for an enjoyable snowshoe. At the fire tower, be extra careful in the winter, as the tower stairs can be very slippery and dangerous. Expect high winds and a serious wind chill from the tower. This trail is heavily used and typically gets broken out relatively fast after a snow storm. 

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How to get there

Take exit 29 from Interstate 87 and head west on Blue Ridge Road, toward Newcomb. After about 18.5 miles, turn right on Route 28N and follow that for about 9 miles as it goes through Newcomb. The large parking area is on the left, about 1.5 miles after the Adirondack Interpretive Center.

Mount Adams is a steep hike in the High Peaks Wilderness Area. The summit features at 47-foot steel fire tower, used in its heyday as a tool in the forest fire prevention effort by New York state. It is no longer used to detect fires, but makes for a fine hiking destination. A successful hike of Adams involves research, physical fitness, the right gear, and knowledge of Leave No Trace principles. 

Key takeaways

• Distance: 4.8 miles round trip
• Elevation gain: 1,825 feet
• Mountain elevation: 3,520 feet'
• Hike involves trail junctions and bridges

Hiking Mount Adams

For the first mile, the trail is rather mellow, crossing the Hudson River and skirting around Lake Jimmy. Be advised, it may be muddy here. At one mile is the old fire tower observer's cabin and storage building. Follow the well-worn path in front of the cabin. Just after a short rise, around 1.1 miles, the trail hangs left into the woods. (The trail to the right goes to Flowed Lands via Hanging Spear Falls.) A stream is crossed at 1.6 miles and the climbing hasn't been terribly steep until this point. Between here and the summit, the trail gets much steeper, sometimes rough and rocky. The trail levels off at 2.3 miles and finally reaches the tower at 2.4 miles. There are no views from the ground; enjoy views of the High Peaks from the tower cab or stairs.

Mount Adams in the winter

Skiing is not recommended for this trail due to steepness of the terrain, and the snowshoe up should only be done by those with extensive experience. The trailhead should be accessible in winter. Snowshoes are necessary to avoid post-holing through the snowpack, and microspikes are required to ascend the mountain's steeper sections. Extra layers of non-cotton clothing, a windbreaker, emergency blanket, first-aid kit, headlamp with extra batteries, and plenty of food and water are essential items for any winter excursion. The extra layers and windbreaker are especially important on top of the firetower, which will be much colder than the lower sections of the mountain. Adams should only be attempted by experienced winter hikers, make sure you are prepared. 

Find more trails in the Adirondack Hub

Does Mount Adams sound amazing, but a little more than you want to tackle right now? With the Adirondack Hub being at the center of so many trails, we’re sure to find the best hike for you!

How to get there

Follow I-87 north for to the North Hudson Exit, #29. From here follow Boreas Road west toward Newcomb. Continue nearly 18 miles to Tahawus Road on your right. Continue on Tahawus Road for 6.5 miles. Here you will reach a bridge over the Hudson River on your right. Stay left on Upper Works Road. You will pass by the McIntyre Blast Furnace and the Santanoni trailhead before arriving at your destination 3.0 miles from the intersection of Tahawus and Upper Works roads. 

In 1933, a fire tower on Buck Mountain was established on private lands between Long Lake and Tupper Lake. Today, thanks to a generous easement and hard work by a lot of people, the tower on Buck Mountain is open to the public via a 1.2 mile trail to the summit.

How to get there

From the intersection of Route 30 and Route 28N in Long Lake, follow Route 30 north toward Tupper Lake for 7 miles. Turn left onto Sabattis Circle Road (sometimes referred to just as Circle Road on maps) and continue for a little over 2 miles to a large parking lot on the right. There is room for many vehicles.

By the numbers

• Trail distance: 1.2 miles one way; 2.4 miles out and back
• Elevation gain: 500 feet
• Summit elevation: 2,400 feet

Hiking

The trail begins in the back corner of the parking lot. Since it is a brand new trail, it is soft underfoot. In the first half of the trail, several bridges and wooden boards will help you traverse wet and muddy areas. Closer to the summit, the terrain starts to get steeper. A series of wooden steps and stairs, and rock staircases, assist with these sections. Buck Mountain's summit is completely wooded, so there are no views from the top, unless you climb the 60-foot tall fire tower. From the tower cab, views of the William C. Whitney Wilderness stretch out before you, as well as views of many other fire tower summits in Hamilton County.

Buck Mountain in winter

Due to the steeper terrain near the summit, traction is highly recommended when the trail is icy or snowy. This would be an excellent beginner snowshoe hike, but is not suited for cross-country skiing given the series of ladders and stairs near the summit.

Trail information

This historic fire tower and hiking trail is located on private land owned by Cedar Heights Timber, LLC. The public is invited to enjoy the hiking trail and fire tower, but please observe the following rules.

• Plan ahead and prepare
• Please stay on marked trail
• If you carry it in, carry it out. Please do not litter
• No campfires  
• No overnight camping
• Leash all dogs
• No public hunting, trapping, or fishing
• No motorized vehicles
• Dispose of waste properly
• Leave what you find
• Respect wildlife
• Be considerate of others

The Adirondack Interpretive Center (AIC) at Newcomb offers 236 acres of environmental education, along with over 3.5 miles of scenic, surfaced trails complemented by indoor exhibits, lectures, films, and naturalist-led guided walks. There is a picnic area located on the grounds but the benches provided at numerous overlooks along their trail system are ideal lunch spots. 

*For current hours and seasonal updates, please visit the AIC's website.

Hiking at the AIC

The AIC trails offer a variety of terrain and habits including forest, lakeshore, and wetland. All trails begin at the AIC building and start by following the Rich Lake Trail (green markers). Rich Lake Trail is an easy 0.6-mile trail, perfect for a warm-up with views of Rich Lake and Goodnow Mountain. Two overlooks along the lake provide for photo opportunities and wildlife viewing. The Peninsula Trail (red markers) is a 0.9-mile loop which starts from the Rich Lake Trail and offers more views of Rich Lake. There are beautiful old-growth hemlocks on this trail and a long boardwalk across a marsh dominated by cranberry and button bush. The 1.0-mile Sucker Brook Trail (blue markers), also accessed from the Rich Lake Trail, follows the outlet of Rich Lake and is a great trail for spotting wildlife. This trail follows the route felled trees traversed during the Hudson River log-driving days. The R.W. Sage Jr. Memorial Trail (yellow markers) is a 1.1-mile loop which starts and ends on the Sucker Brook Trail. This trail features stands of pure hardwood forests and a boardwalk through a seasonal wetland offering visitors a true deep-woods feel. From the Sage Trail you can take the 0.5-mile Santanoni Preserve Connector Trail (DEC red markers) that leads visitors through NYS DEC lands to the Newcomb Lake Road Trail. Looking for something a little more challenging? The Goodnow Mountain trailhead is just 1.7 miles from the AIC. A 2-mile hike to the top of the mountain followed by a climb up the stairs of a fire tower will be rewarded by a spectacular view of the central Adirondacks. 

Winter at the AIC

In winter, the center loans snowshoes to visitors who wish to explore their snow-covered trails. A few well-marked alterations to the trails in winter provide for easy to moderate snowshoeing. Trails are also open for the use of experienced cross-country skiers; the terrain makes it a little too challenging for the novice skier. Only the Peninsula Trail is closed to skiing. Winter is an amazing time to be on the trails and creates a completely different experience. Winter trails are an excellent opportunity for discovery since animal tracks are easy to see in the snow. Extend your snowshoe or ski trip by heading over to the Camp Santanoni Preserve via the Santanoni Preserve Connector Trail. 

Birding

This complex offers a variety of habitats including old-growth hemlock, cedar swamp, conifer, and northern hardwood, as well as near lake, river, stream, and wetland environments. More than 100 species of birds have been sighted, including warblers, thrushes, flycatchers, Common Loon, and Great Blue Heron. Birds of prey include Bald Eagle, Osprey, and owls. Woodpeckers are abundant so you might hear them before you see them.

The AIC is part of the NYS Birding Trail. This trail is not a physical trail, but a "connection" between outstanding birding locations in regions across the state.

Find more trails in the Adirondack Hub

Looking for another hike? With the Adirondack Hub being at the center of so many trails, we’re sure to find another adventurous hike for you!

How to get there

Take Exit 29 off of Interstate 87 and turn west on to Blue Ridge Road heading toward Newcomb. After ~18 miles, turn right on Route 28N and drive through the Town of Newcomb. The AIC driveway will be on the right on the western edge of town.

Hiking to the top of Mount Severance (also known as Severance Hill) offers views of Schroon Lake and Pharaoh Mountain. There aren't many marked trails in the Hoffman Notch Wilderness Area, so take advantage of this one.

Key takeaways

• Distance: 2.4 miles round trip
• Elevation gain: 750 feet
• Mountain elevation: 1,693 feet

Hiking Mount Severance

After leaving the parking lot, the trail first passes under the Northway via two culverts and soon begins a steady, moderate climb before leveling off just before some plank bridges at 0.6 miles. Soon resuming the climb, the trail reaches the mostly wooded summit at 1.2 miles. The first ledge offers views of Schroon Lake and Pharaoh Mountain, while a second view adds in Paradox Lake. 

Mount Severance in the winter

This is a good snowshoeing option for beginners with a bit of experience. The trail is not recommended for cross-country skiing. Being prepared is necessary for any winter hike, make sure to bring your microspikes and snowshoes, along with all other winter hiking essentials.

Find more trails in the Adirondack Hub

Looking for another hike? With the Adirondack Hub being at the center of so many trails, we’re sure to find another adventurous hike for you!

How to get there

The trailhead is located on the west side of Route 9, 0.6 mi. south of the junction of Routes 9 and 74 off Exit 28 on I-87, the Adirondack Northway. There are two parking areas marked by a large brown and yellow sign.

A long hike to the base of the mountain, a short climb, then 360 degrees of stunning views from the summit of the vast Pharaoh Lake Wilderness area.

How to get there

There are more access points for this mountain. Here is one: Take exit 28 off of I-87 and continue south on Route 9 to Alder Meadow Road. Turn left on Alder Meadow Rd. for 2.2 miles, then left on Crane Pond Rd. The road beyond is quite rough but still drivable with high clearance vehicles but not recommended. Park here and walk the easy road to a flooded area with a trail bypass to the left that leads to Crane Pond, 2.0 miles from the parking area.

By the numbers

• Distance: 4.9 miles, one way from the parking area before the rough road starts
• Mountain elevation: 2,556 feet

Hiking

Cross the bridge over the outlet and continue on the flat for 0.7 miles to a junction. Turn right and soon start a gradual climb that steepens at 1.9 miles from Crane Pond and reaches the rocky summit at 2.9 miles. 

Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing

Skiing Crane Pond road would be enjoyable, but we recommend switching to snowshoe for the mountain ascent.

The Roosevelt Truck Trail is a perfect place for birding, cross-country skiing, hiking, snowshoeing, and accessible camping. It is surrounded by boreal habitat, so you really feel like you are the in the middle of wilderness.

Key takeaways

• Distance: 2.6 miles one-way
• Elevation gain: 260 feet from north to south, 375 feet from south to north
• Trail has two handicap accessible tent sites

Hiking the Roosevelt Truck Trail

The trail has minimal elevation gain, only going uphill slightly in a few places. You can choose to do this as a out-and-back if you only have one car. However, doing this as a point-to-point, and spotting a car at each trailhead, is the easiest way to do this. The route finding is straightforward.

In the winter

This would make for a good beginner snowshoe or cross country ski, when conditions permit and snowpack is good. Be prepared for winter conditions.

Camping

There are two accessible tent sites located along this trail. Access to the sites is from the Route 28N trailhead with a Motorized Access Permit for People with Disabilities (MAPPWD) permit. This is available from the DEC. Four wheel drive pick-ups or other high clearance vehicles are recommended. The tent sites have a firm, level surface with accessible picnic tables and accessible privies.

Birding

This boreal habitat is perfect for finding unique birds! Black-backed Woodpecker, Boreal Chickadees, and Canada Jays are present year-round, but in warmer months, there are warblers aplenty! This is one of the few known locations Cape May Warblers nest in the Adirondacks.

Find more trails in the Adirondack Hub

Looking for another hike? With the Adirondack Hub being at the center of so many trails, we’re sure to find another adventurous hike for you!

How to get there

There are two trailheads for the Roosevelt Truck Trail, making it possible to do a thru-trip if you have two cars available. The trail runs between Blue Ridge Road and Route 28N. A map is available here. GPS coordinates are available on the NYSDEC website and may be more helpful finding this location since there is no trailhead sign.

To access from Blue Ridge Road, travel west on Blue Ridge Road from North Hudson. Follow this road 15 miles to the location on the right. The entrance is on a curve and can be difficult to spot, but there is a a metal gate and stone wall on each side of the trail. There's room for 2 cars to park on the side of the road.

To access from Route 28N, travel east on Route 28N from Newcomb. Cross over the railroad tracks, and then in another 0.4 miles, you'll reach a road that leads north of the highway (it looks like driveway). Turn here, and park in the woods, but do not block the gate. Again, there is room for 2 cars.