High Peaks Wilderness · Seward Range · Tupper Lake Region

Seymour Mountain

Heading out? Conditions change fast and help can be hours away. What to bring ↓

Distance14 miRound trip
Summit4,120 ftElevation
Ascent2,355 ftTotal gain

Part of the Seward Range but not often climbed with the other three mountains in it, Seymour is a trail-less Adirondack High Peak, ranked #34 among the 46, that stands alone across a large valley from Seward, Donaldson and Emmons. Despite its remote location and its distance from the other Sewards, it is a worthwhile climb, with many great views on the way to the top.

The route

Given its remote location, Seymour starts at the Corey's Road trailhead, with about 5 miles of gradual terrain to the Ward Brook Lean-To.

From the lean-to, continue approximately 500 feet to a brook, where you will see the herd path marked by a rock cairn heading up to your right.

Continue along the herd path for about 0.5 miles until you come to an old slide. Climb the slide with care for loose rocks, and pause to take in the views. The route gets continuously steeper and footing can be difficult.

Soon the slide becomes too steep to continue along, and the herd path begins again off to your right. Follow it until the trail comes to a Y. To the right, in 50 feet, it opens onto a rock ledge. To the left, you continue 100 feet to the summit of Seymour, which is in the trees.

The views

The summit is in the trees, so take the right side of the Y for the rock ledge, with views of Upper Saranac Lake and Azure Mountain. The old slide on the way up has views of its own.

Make it an overnight

Many choose to camp at the Ward Brook Lean-To and use it as a basecamp for summiting all four Sewards over the course of a couple of days.

High Peak details

Difficulty: Very strenuous
46er rank: #34 of 46
Range: Seward Range
Trail type: Herd path, no maintained trail
Trailhead: Corey's Road
Basecamp: Ward Brook Lean-To

Trailhead and map

Beginning in Saranac Lake, follow Route 3 toward 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.

Trail resources

Conditions: Conditions change fast. Check current trail conditions and DEC's High Peaks page before heading out.

#33 Mount Donaldson #35 Sawteeth All 46 High Peaks

Before you go

Adirondack weather turns quickly, cell service is unreliable, and help can be hours away. Pick a plan that fits your group's fitness and experience.

Layers and rain gear, even in summer. Skip cotton
A headlamp, so you are not relying on your phone
A map and compass, or navigation that works offline
More food and water than you expect to need, plus first aid
In cold months, carry traction. In the Eastern High Peaks, skis or snowshoes are required when snow is 8 inches or deeper
Staying overnight in the Eastern High Peaks? A bear-resistant canister is required from April 1 to November 30
Leave your route and return time with someone
Check the forecast and current conditions, and know when the sun sets
Turn back if weather worsens, someone is exhausted, or dark is coming

Plan on getting yourself out. Rangers can be hours away, cell service can't be counted on, and every rescue puts other people at risk. If someone is seriously hurt, lost or in danger, don't wait. Call 911 or DEC Forest Ranger Dispatch at 833-NYS-RANGERS (833-697-7264). Save that number before you leave. Read DEC's Hike Smart NY guidance and current Adirondack backcountry conditions.

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