Challenge: 46 High Peaks · Seward Range ·

#24 Seward Mountain

Named after William Henry Seward, a New York Governor and Secretary of State in Lincoln’s cabinet, this mountain is often climbed in the same trip as Donaldson and Emmons, the three mountains together making up the Seward Range. When hiking all three peaks (as many hikers do), the trip is challenging, about 18 miles total, and typically takes over 12 hours. While the view from Seward’s summit is obstructed, there is an expansive and beautiful view from a false summit just before you reach the peak’s true summit. Among the Adirondack High Peaks, Seward ranks #24 in elevation.

Trail Stats:

Distance	~18 miles round-trip for Seward, Donaldson, and Emmons
Elevation	4,361 feet
Ascent	2,600 feet

There are a couple of different routes up the Sewards (all trailless peaks), but we are going to detail the route via the Calkin Brook herd path. You will begin at the trailhead on Corey’s Road and follow a maintained trail to an intersection (while you’re hiking, you will see a horse trail off to your right, be sure to follow the trail to the left when they diverge). At the intersection, take a right along an old trail that will bring you to the Calkins Brook herd path, which will be marked with a rock cairn.

Follow this trail to the left and follow it up along a brook. The path will crisscross over the brook, continuing steadily but steeply up until it leaves the brook and then comes to a T. Follow the trail to the left and continue steeply up into a col between Seward and Donaldson. The trail will pitch down for a ways before then continuing up again, to Seward’s false summit where you can stop and take in the view, and then to actual summit beyond. If you are hiking the other peaks in the Seward Range as well (as is typically the case), please check out our posts on Donaldson, Emmons, and Seymour.

Trailhead:

Beginning in Saranac Lake, follow Route 3 towards Tupper Lake. Continue for around 13 miles to the turnoff for Corey’s Road on your left. Follow Corey’s Road for 5.5 miles until you reach the trailhead on your right.

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