Red Dot Trail

The Red Dot Trail is an excellent trail with easy to moderate terrain. From the trailhead you will essentially follow a trail with red dots on the trees. Immediately you will cross a small bridge bringing you into an attractive open forest. As you climb up along an esker, the trail leads left. There is an unmarked trail which heads up and along the esker.

This is a mix of habitats and different types of trees, so expect variety from the birds and wildlife.

Getting there

From the intersection of Route 86 and Route 3 in Saranac Lake, follow Route 86 (north) toward Paul Smiths. Continue through Gabriels and begin looking for White Pine Road on the right. Take White Pine Road for about 0.5 miles to the boat launch for Osgood Pond on the left. The trail leaves from the boat launch.

Alternate Trailheads: other main access points are the Church Pond Hand Launch Site, the Hoffman Road Parking Area on Route 30, the Jackrabbit Cross-Country Ski Trail, and several woods roads along State Route 30.

Nature walks

The Red Dot Trail continues to pass through the forest on a nice scenic walk through the woods. Be sure to watch for the side trails that can end up being a bit confusing. Always look for the red dots on the trees to follow the correct course