Not every great Adirondack hike requires an all-day death march. Ampersand Mountain proves that point beautifully: at just 5.4 miles round trip with 1,800 feet of gain, it's accessible to most fit hikers. Yet the summit—a broad dome of bare granite with 360-degree views—rivals any High Peak for scenery.
Ampersand isn't one of the 46 High Peaks (it falls just short at 3,353 feet), but that technicality works in your favor. The crowds are smaller, the trail is well-maintained, and the experience is pure Adirondack magic without the suffering.
The Trail
Basic Stats
- Distance: 5.4 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 1,800 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Time: 3-5 hours
The trail begins gently, following an old road grade along a brook. Enjoy this section—it's the only flat part. Soon the trail leaves the brook and begins climbing, moderately at first, then more steeply as you approach the summit.
The final section is the steepest, with rock stairs and some scrambling required. But it's never technical, and the emerging views provide motivation.
The Summit
Ampersand's summit is the star of the show—a broad granite dome with nothing blocking the view. What you'll see:
- North: Saranac Lakes region spread below
- East: McKenzie Mountain and the nearby peaks
- South: High Peaks including Marcy, Colden, and the MacIntyres
- West: More lakes and the seemingly endless Adirondack wilderness
The summit is large enough to accommodate many hikers comfortably. Pick a spot on the warm granite and take your time—the view is why you came.
When to Hike
- Late May through October: Best conditions
- Summer: Popular; start early for parking and solitude
- Fall: Spectacular foliage from the summit
- Winter: A great snowshoe option for experienced winter hikers
Time of Day
The summit faces all directions, making any time good for views. Sunrise hikers will find solitude; afternoon visitors enjoy warmer rock for lounging.
Who Should Hike Ampersand?
Ampersand is perfect for:
- First-time Adirondack visitors wanting a taste of what makes these mountains special
- Families with older kids (10+ who are comfortable with hiking)
- Hikers building fitness for more challenging High Peaks
- Anyone wanting big views without a 15-mile day
Not Ideal For
- Very young children (the final section is steep)
- Dogs with mobility issues (rock stairs are challenging)
- Those with fear of heights (summit is exposed)
Practical Information
Getting There
The trailhead is on Route 3 between Saranac Lake and Tupper Lake. A small parking area accommodates about 15 cars—it fills early on summer weekends.
Fees
No fee for day hiking.
What to Bring
- Sturdy footwear (rock stairs are rough)
- Water and snacks
- Layers (summit can be windy)
- Camera (the views demand it)
Nearby Attractions
The Saranac Lake area offers plenty to explore:
- Lake Colby beach
- Downtown Saranac Lake
- Paul Smith's VIC trails
- Multiple other hiking options
Quick Reference
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Distance | 5.4 miles RT |
| Elevation Gain | 1,800 feet |
| Summit Elevation | 3,353 feet |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Best Season | May-October |
Ampersand Mountain delivers the Adirondack experience in a manageable package—challenging enough to feel like an accomplishment, accessible enough for a half-day outing. That bare granite summit with High Peaks on the horizon is one of the finest viewpoints in the park. For hikers wanting quality over quantity, Ampersand is the answer.
