Ampersand Mountain

The trail

1. 0 – 1.7 mi

   Through the hemlocks

   Hiking begins flat and easy from the trailhead, cutting through an old growth forest with tall, canopying hemlock trees for 1.2 miles before it begins climbing. At 1.7 miles you reach a small clearing where the foundation of an old observer's cabin remains.

2. 1.7 – 2.4 mi

   The steep section

   Follow a brook for a short distance before the trail begins climbing more steeply at 1.9 miles. The most challenging part of the climb is the following half-mile, as the trail is quite steep and eroded in some spots.

3. 2.4 – 2.7 mi

   Open rock to the summit

   The trail becomes more gradual at 2.4 miles, and you emerge above the trees at 2.5 miles, climbing on the bare rock face for the rest of the way to the summit.

Good to know

Difficulty

Moderately strenuous

Rank

#2 in total elevation among the Saranac Lake 6ers

On the summit

The site of the old fire tower and a plaque in memory of Walter Channing Rice, the Hermit of Ampersand

After the hike

Ampersand Beach on Middle Saranac Lake is a short half mile from the parking area, and a great swimming spot

Trailhead and map

From Tupper Lake, follow Route 3 as if you are headed to Saranac Lake. 3.5 miles after passing Bartlett Carry Road on your left, the trailhead will be on your right, just across the street from a larger parking area. Coming from Saranac Lake, follow Route 3 out of town until you reach the parking area on your right and the trailhead on your left, approximately 7 miles from the intersection of Main Street and Route 3 in downtown Saranac Lake.