Kid friendly hikes and climbs near Lake Clear in the Adirondacks

Kid friendly hikes and climbs near Lake Clear in the Adirondacks

    OK, I did mention grand kid friendly places above so here a few easy mountain climbs for the young ones.  I think you'll enjoy them too and it's certainly better than trying to cajole a reluctant budding hiker up too challenging a peak.  It is so much fun to be part of a child's first climbing experiences, even if he or she needs a little help from a grown up.

     Right in the village of Saranac Lake is Baker Mountain.  It's a short (0.9 mile), in places a bit steep, climb to the summit where there are good views of Mc Kenzie Pond and Mc Kenzie, Haystack and Moose Mountains one way and, if you stop on one of the several rocky ledges off to the right before the actual summit, views of the village and lakes.  To get to the trail head turn left at the second traffic light coming into town from Lake Clear onto route 3, then right onto Pine Street just past the Belvedere Restaurant, then left onto East Pine St (the 2nd left).  Follow the road around to the far end of Moody Pond.  Park on the right next to the pond.  The trail starts on the left side of the road.

    A longer drive (about 40 minutes) brings you to Coney Mountain south of Tupper Lake.  It has a somewhat better 360 degree view from the treeless summit compared to Baker with Tupper Lake prominently featured.  The kids will enjoy picking blueberries at the top. (OK,  admittedly I do too.)   It's about 1 mile up an easy trail.  Bring lunch and enjoy a picnic with a view.   Get there by following route 30 south through the village of Tupper Lake – 30 makes a left turn in the heart of downtown TL.  About 5 miles south of town there is a parking turn off on the right just past the Hamilton county boundary sign.  The trail head is on the opposite side of the road about 200 feet closer to Tupper.  There is an Dept of Environmental Conservation trail sign in the grass back from the road marking it. 

     Panther Mountain rounds out this trio of family climbs.   It offers a 0.7 mile climb to a partially bare summit with views of far off Tupper Lake and some closer  high peaks.  The views from Baker and Coney are better in my opinion.  To get there drive south on route 30 to the “T” intersection with route 3.  Turn left on 3 heading toward Saranac Lake, go 1.6 miles and look for the parking lot on the right.  The trail head is on the opposite side of the road . 

    These 3 are the easiest mountains in the area.   We've climbed them all numerous times with grand children of all ages admittedly including some carrying of the youngest ones at times.  Eventually I suppose the appeal will be they are easy enough for my old, aching body to summit !  But not too soon for that scenario – I'm 2 climbs away from finishing my 2nd round of climbing the 46 Adirondack high peaks.  

Stay near us and book a room at The Lake Clear Lodge where they offer a main Lodge plus suites and chalets on 25 acres