Canoe and hike in the St Regis wilderness

    

Saint Regis mountain is nestled in New York states only wilderness canoe area.  Named for the patron saint of lace, the mountain was once home to a functioning fire tower.  (with the tower still visible from a distance) The mountain maybe approached by land or sea.  My favorite path starts as a boat launch at St Regis landing, don't forget to sign in at the brown box.

     The paddle portion of the trip is fairly short so you may want to explore a little either before or after the hike.  Lower St. Regis lake leads to Spitfire lake through a small channel on the northside of the lake.  Making your way through Spitfire lake, again to the north, leads to Upper St. Regis Lake at Paul Smiths College.  If you continue on this path you will arrive at the other St. Regis mountain trailhead on Keesemill Rd.

     The waterborne Lower St. Regis trailhead is located on Spring bay.  Simply follow the south shore of the lake past several old great camps.  After about half an hour you'll come to Ward island, a large island with several great camps.  The small channel to the left of the island will take you to spring bay.  On the far side of the bay you'll see a dock along a fairly steep hillside.  This is the path that will lead you up the mountain.

     The trail from the water starts off steeper than the road trail but both come together about mid hike.  Before the trails merge you may spot an old fifties Nash rotting in the woods, with chrome bumpers shining and all.  As you approach the top the trail steepens almost to a climb.  All this effort is quickly rewarded as you round the summit and witness the expansive views of the St. Regis ponds. 

     On your way back to the boat launch you may spy the access to the St. Regis ponds via the Bog  pond carries.  It is located on the south shore of Lower  St. Regis on your way back to the boat launch.  Don’t forget to sign out at the brown box.

     St. Regis is now a part of the Saranac Lake 6er Challenge! Climb the six different mountains around Saranac Lake to become a "6er!" For more information, see the Saranac Lake 6er Challenge website.

     The Hohmeyers Lake Clear Lodge is located a stones throw away from these and many other outdoor recreational opportunities. It's a hub for hiking, biking, paddling, fishing and even scuba diving!

The Lodge is situated on the lake with 25 acres to explore in addition to the surrounding  wilderness.  The Hohmeyers have rustic lodging options, canoe and kayak use, dinner by reservation, breakfast for guests and romance packages for that special someone.  

www.lodgeonlakeclear.com

Book online HERE!