Saranac Lake Region · St. Regis Canoe Area

St. Regis Mountain

Part of the Fire Tower Challenge Part of the Saranac Lake 6er

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

Distance~6.6 miRound trip
Summit~2,880 ftElevation
Ascent~1,250 ftTotal gain

St. Regis Mountain is one of the northern Adirondacks' best-kept secrets, further off the beaten track than most fire tower hikes but rewarding in ways that justify the extra effort. The summit takes in the lakes and ponds of the St. Regis Canoe Area, the High Peaks to the south and Whiteface on a clear day.

The trail

From the Keese Mill Road trailhead, the route begins with two miles of rolling terrain through northern hardwood forest. As the trail steepens in the final mile, watch for clusters of glacial erratics along the ridge, remnants of the last ice age. The trail then opens onto exposed rock, and a short scramble carries you to the open summit and the restored 35-foot steel tower.

The paddle and hike option

St. Regis is one of the few Adirondack fire towers with a canoe-in approach. Launch from the Upper St. Regis Lake boat launch, paddle to the Spring Bay dock and pick up the trail there, roughly a mile to the main trail junction.

What to bring

Wear broken-in footwear and carry more water than you think you'll need. Pack layers for the exposed summit and tower, and consider trekking poles for the rocky descent. Packing lists for every trip type via Onward Guides.

The fire tower

Difficulty: Moderate
The tower: 35-foot steel tower, restored and open to climb
Watch for: Glacial erratics along the ridge
Paddle option: Launch at Upper St. Regis Lake and paddle to the Spring Bay dock

On the trail

A paddle and hike combo on St. Regis Mountain, filmed and edited by Pure Adirondacks.

Trailhead and map

From Saranac Lake, head north on Route 86 toward Paul Smiths, about 12 miles. At the intersection with Route 30 near Paul Smith's College, cross over to Keese Mill Road. Follow Keese Mill Road for 2.6 miles. The trailhead parking will be on your left.

Trail resources

Trail map: Download the DEC trail map
Conditions: Conditions change fast. Check current trail conditions before heading out.
Reading: Hiking Fire Lookouts: New York, a guide to 85 fire tower hikes across the state. Affiliate link: as an Amazon Associate, Pure Adirondacks earns from qualifying purchases.

Adirondack fire towers Saranac Lake 6er

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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