Debar Mountain
A remote summit with big views in the northern Adirondacks
Looking for a quieter trail with rewarding views? Debar Mountain might be just the spot. Located near Meacham Lake in the northern Adirondacks, this moderately challenging hike offers peaceful forest trails, a historic lean-to, and a summit with expansive views of the surrounding wilderness.
Trail Description
The journey begins near Meacham Lake Campground, following an old carriage road that gently winds through mixed hardwood and conifer forest. This first stretch is easy-going and perfect for warming up.
After about 1.2 miles, you'll reach a junction—take the left to begin the real climb up Debar. The trail grows steeper as you go, weaving through rocky terrain and shaded pine groves. Around 2.5 miles in, you’ll come to a lean-to, which makes a great place to take a break before the final push.
The last half-mile to the summit is the steepest section, gaining nearly 800 feet in elevation. Once at the top, you're rewarded with a broad rock ledge and sweeping views—Meacham Lake glimmers below, with distant peaks stretching toward the horizon.
Trail Stats
- Round-Trip Distance: ~8.2 miles
- Elevation Gain: ~1,725 ft
- Summit Elevation: 3,305 ft
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Dog-Friendly: Yes, on leash / under voice control
- Trailhead: Access via Meacham Lake Campground (off Route 30). Off-season hikers may need to park along Route 30, adding extra mileage.
Trail Map
Click here to view the official DEC trail map (PDF)
Nearby Adventures
- Azure Mountain – a shorter fire tower hike with beautiful views
- St. Regis Canoe Area – a paddler’s paradise nearby if you want to cool down post-hike
What to Pack
- PureADK Trucker Hat – for sun protection on open rock ledges
- Plenty of water & trail snacks
- Offline maps or a GPS app
- Hiking boots with good grip for the steep sections
Final Thoughts
Debar may not be on every Adirondack hiker’s radar, but that’s part of its charm. With its quiet trails, scenic summit, and sense of remoteness, it offers a classic ADK experience—minus the crowds.
