Baker Mountain

An excellent hike, right in Saranac Lake. A series oflookouts provide spectacular views of Saranac Lake, Lake Flower, andthe High Peaks to the east. This amazing little peak looks out to morethan 20 major mountains! 

How to get there

From downtown Saranac Lake, head north on Broadway (Route 86) and turn right on Bloomingdale Ave. (Route 3), then turn right on Pine Street after about a half mile. Cross the railroad tracks and turn left on Forest Hill Ave., and follow it as it wraps around Moody Pond. The trailhead is on the left in about a half mile. 

Parking

Please plan ahead as parking at the trailhead is extremely limited and located adjacent to a quiet local neighborhood. Only use designated parking spots or you will be ticketed. It is recommended that you park downtown and walk or bike the short mile distance to the trailhead. The walk/ride is beautiful, and best of all, you'll be close to downtown's excellent restaurants for a post-hike repast! There is also no trash receptacle or portable toilet at the trailhead, so be sure to pack it out and leave no trace.

By the numbers

• Distance from Berkeley Green: 1.3 miles to the summit
• Distance from the trailhead: 0.9 miles to the summit
• Elevation: 2,452 feet
• Ascent: 884 feet

Saranac 6er

NOTICE TO HIKERS: If you are hiking Baker Mountain as part of the Saranac Lake 6er hiking challenge, you are required to start and end your hike at the 6er Bell in Berkeley Green for the hike to qualify.

Hiking

Although you can start your hike from the north end of Moody Pond, one of the best ways to enjoy Baker is by starting your hike at Berkeley Green. Berkeley to the official trailhead is an easy, relaxed mile. From there, enter the woods at the trailhead sign, sign in at the trail register, and continue slightly uphill through the power line cut. Shortly after that there is a Y intersection — bear right to stay on the marked path. From here the trail starts climbing and never really lets up. At 0.4 mile, after a series of sweeping bends in the path, there is a short, level stretch. The summit is straight ahead and can be seen through the canopy.

After the level stretch, the path dips slightly before climbing steeply, sometimes over short ledges and bare rock, before reaching the summit in 0.9 mile. Be sure to stay on the marked path, as there are several side routes here that don't necessarily lead to the summit. Speaking of the summit, bear right just before you reach it to get to the overlook, where there are expansive views that include the village of Saranac Lake to the right, the McKenzie Mountain Wilderness Area to the left, and the High Peaks straight ahead in the distance.

Baker Mountain in winter

Baker is a great beginner snowshoe for anyone who feels ready to tackle a mountain. Snowshoes are necessary to avoid postholing through the snowpack, and snow spikes are suggested for ascending 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 the summit ledges, which are partially exposed and likely to be much colder than the lower sections of the mountain.