Paul Smith's College VIC

Inside
The Paul Smith's College VIC offers year-round environmental education and outdoor recreation opportunities. Before exploring the property’s outstanding trail network, stop by the visitor center’s nature museum and learn a few things about Adirondack ecosystems. While you’re there, you can ask staff about trail recommendations, and check out the art gallery and butterfly house before hitting the trails.
Outside
Outside of the visitor center, a 25-mile trail network begins. Take the wide, easy path down to Heron Marsh and birdwatch from one of the viewing platforms. If you want something longer but just as easy, continue straight to the boardwalk over the marsh — this is an amazing opportunity to walk through a wetland without getting wet — or bear right and follow Barnum Brook to the Boreal Life trail, where another boardwalk winds past pitcher plants and bog rosemary to a viewing platform overlooking Barnum Pond.
The VIC trails are free to use in the summer, but in winter the property becomes a cross-country ski center. For a small day pass fee (season passes are also available), visitors can use snowshoe, backcountry, and groomed cross-country trails. The groomed trails are maintained for both classic and skate skiing, and they take skiers through the variety of habitats on VIC’s property.
VIC trails
Heron Marsh Trail: A 3-mile loop with plenty of viewing platforms and vistas along the way.
Jenkins Mountain Trail: Follow the path for 4.5 miles as it climbs 900 feet to the summit, where outstanding views await.
Woods and Waters Trail: A 3-mile-long trail, one way, over gently rolling terrain and a floating bridge on Heron Marsh.
Boreal Life Trail: An easy, 1-mile loop through a bog-like habitat that includes a long boardwalk.
VIC Links
VIC snowshoeing
Inside
The Paul Smith's College VIC offers year-round environmental education and outdoor recreation opportunities. Before exploring the property’s outstanding trail network, stop by the visitor center’s nature museum and learn a few things about Adirondack ecosystems. While you’re there, you can ask staff about trail recommendations, and check out the art gallery and butterfly house before hitting the trails.
Outside
Outside of the visitor center, a 25-mile trail network begins. Take the wide, easy path down to Heron Marsh and birdwatch from one of the viewing platforms. If you want something longer but just as easy, continue straight to the boardwalk over the marsh — this is an amazing opportunity to walk through a wetland without getting wet — or bear right and follow Barnum Brook to the Boreal Life trail, where another boardwalk winds past pitcher plants and bog rosemary to a viewing platform overlooking Barnum Pond.
The VIC trails are free to use in the summer, but in winter the property becomes a cross-country ski center. For a small day pass fee (season passes are also available), visitors can use snowshoe, backcountry, and groomed cross-country trails. The groomed trails are maintained for both classic and skate skiing, and they take skiers through the variety of habitats on VIC’s property.
VIC trails
Heron Marsh Trail: A 3-mile loop with plenty of viewing platforms and vistas along the way.
Jenkins Mountain Trail: Follow the path for 4.5 miles as it climbs 900 feet to the summit, where outstanding views await.
Woods and Waters Trail: A 3-mile-long trail, one way, over gently rolling terrain and a floating bridge on Heron Marsh.
Boreal Life Trail: An easy, 1-mile loop through a bog-like habitat that includes a long boardwalk.
VIC Links
VIC snowshoeing
Packages and Promotions
Valid Jan. 21
- Jan. 21
Valid Jan. 21
- Jan. 21
Pet Getaway
Voco Saranac Lake
Your dog deserves an Adirondack getaway too. Book our pet friendly hotel near Lake Placid welcomes every member of your crew. Book our Pet Package...
Valid May. 1
- Nov. 2
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- May. 1
Forest Bathing Guided Experience - 10% off for pre-season registration
Adirondack Riverwalking & Forest Bathing
Guided forest sensory immersion walk for all. Sign up early for 10% off!
Valid Dec. 1
- Dec. 1
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- Dec. 1
Linger Longer in Saranac Lake
Best Western Saranac Lake
Linger Longer in Saranac Lake at our supremely located property, Best Western Saranac Lake. Stay 2 nights or more and get 15% off!
Valid Jan. 21
- Jan. 21
Valid Jan. 21
- Jan. 21
Stay and Dine
Voco Saranac Lake
Receive a 50 dollar credit per stay to use in our Boathouse Saranac Lake Pub. Enjoy an exceptional dining experience with unparalleled views great...
Valid Jun. 20
- Sep. 7
Valid Mar. 12
- Jun. 30
Guided Nature Immersions - 10% off for Pre-Season Registration
Adirondack Riverwalking & Forest Bathing
Picture it now...you are wading the Ausable River on a warm summer day, feel the cool water against you, hear the sounds of the birds and the...