Ampersand Mountain is another popular hike in the Adirondacks, and is part of the Saranac Lake 6 challenge.
The trailhead is off Route 3 a litle over 7 miles west of Saranac Lake, on the right is the parking area, across the road is the trailhead.
When we signed in, we were the only ones on the trail. We would not run into anyone until we were well down and on the way back out. We were able to bare boot the entire way, but added microspikes at around 2,750 feet when it started to get icy/slippery. The hike is fairly short at around 4.7 miles round trip.
At around 2.2 miles (3,000') it seems to level out and become more of a ridge walk, with a small section left to push up through.
We really enjoyed the hike, and even did a little...
A beautiful day to be in the woods, and it was well overdue. A 6.6 mile round trip through some open hardwoods, and some spectacular views.
St. Regis Mtn. is reportedly a popular mountain, but today there wasn't much traffic when I started. This hike is much like the hike to Scarface, a gradual increase with a short difficult section towards the end, but neither is overly difficult. I guess this is what makes these hikes popular. The trail is easy enough to follow up and over rolling hills through a mix of soft and hardwoods. Towards the end of the trail, you will come to a sharp right, at which point the climbing really begins, for only about a 1/4 mile. This section is almost like a shute as you go up between crags, ultimately coming...
Not to be confused with the High Peak Mt. Haystack! This one is in Ray Brook and offers a friendlier climb.
The trailhead for Haystack and McKenzie mountain is on the right, off Route 86 about 5 miles west of Lake Placid
A pleasant walk in the woods until you cross an old man-made dam. From here the trail begins a steady uphill climb until you get closer to the mountain where it becomes steep. Once you get towards the top of the shute the trail leads to an open rock face and ledge with some views. From the south-facing summit, there are 180-degree views of Whiteface, the High Peaks, and the Saranac Lake chain.
Distance: 6.6 miles RT (10.6 km)
Ascent: 1302 (397 m)
Elevation: 2864 (873 m)
A nice hike, with Derek.