Saranac River to Moose Pond Trail
Sometimes overlooked, this hike is pleasant and very enjoyable for the entire family!
How to get there
From downtown Saranac Lake, follow Route 3 toward Bloomingdale. Parking is 4.0 miles from the Stewart's intersection. It is not marked, but a dirt road leads to a small bridge over the Saranac River here. There is room for 2 or 3 cars to park by the water, but most will find it easier to park along the road.
By the numbers
- Distance: 1.1 miles, one way
- Elevation gain: 200 feet round trip
Hiking
From the parking area on state Route 3 between Saranac Lake and Bloomingdale, this hiking trail goes 1.1 miles to the south end of Moose Pond. From the parking area, the trail crosses the Saranac River on a metal bridge before the trail register. From there, it follows an old access road with easy grades and minimal elevation change.
At about the 1-mile mark, the old road continues straight to the site of a former lodge (long gone, though the chimney remains). Bear right at the split to reach a rock outcrop and the shore of the pond about 0.1 miles later. From the rock outcrop, there are views of Whiteface Mountain and the McKenzie Mountain Range.
Saranac River to Moose Pond Trail
- Saranac Lake, NY 12983
Sometimes overlooked, this hike is pleasant and very enjoyable for the entire family!
How to get there
From downtown Saranac Lake, follow Route 3 toward Bloomingdale. Parking is 4.0 miles from the Stewart's intersection. It is not marked, but a dirt road leads to a small bridge over the Saranac River here. There is room for 2 or 3 cars to park by the water, but most will find it easier to park along the road.
By the numbers
- Distance: 1.1 miles, one way
- Elevation gain: 200 feet round trip
Hiking
From the parking area on state Route 3 between Saranac Lake and Bloomingdale, this hiking trail goes 1.1 miles to the south end of Moose Pond. From the parking area, the trail crosses the Saranac River on a metal bridge before the trail register. From there, it follows an old access road with easy grades and minimal elevation change.
At about the 1-mile mark, the old road continues straight to the site of a former lodge (long gone, though the chimney remains). Bear right at the split to reach a rock outcrop and the shore of the pond about 0.1 miles later. From the rock outcrop, there are views of Whiteface Mountain and the McKenzie Mountain Range.