St. Regis Mountain
St. Regis Mountain is one of the gems of the lesser-recognized mountains that don't make up the Adirondacks' 46 High Peaks. It is 2,874 feet high, and while the climb only gains modest elevation, its bare rock summit offers spectacular views.
This 6.8 mile round trip hike wanders through a beautiful hardwood forest, and hikers may enjoy identifying species of flora and fauna during the ascent.
The majority of the hike maintains a moderate grade. For the last 0.3 miles, the grade steepens, and a lengthy set of stone steps carries hikers to the summit.
Atop the mountain, you'll see a vintage abandoned fire tower, a relic dating back to 1910 when fire observers identified blazes from miles away. When it was finally closed in 1990, the St. Regis Mountain tower was the longest-operating structure of its kind in New York State. Work is currently underway to restore the tower and make it safe for public use.
St. Regis is a member of both the Saranac Lake 6er Challenge and the Adirondack Fire Tower Challenge.
How To Get There:
The trailhead for St. Regis is on Keese Mills Road, about 2.5 miles from the intersection of Rt. 86 and Rt. 30, where Paul Smith's College is located.
Surnise photo above: Mike Carillo