The Little Known Hiking Path in a New York Canoe Area Is Our Favorite First Hike of the Year

A new year brings promise and the opportunity to discover something new, and nothing says that to me like exploring nature. I've always been a fan of winter hiking. With the proper gear and clothing, it provides an opportunity to see the area like never before, and you'll rarely see the crowds you do during the warmer months. A great New York winter hike that many people might not know about is the Saint Regis Mountain Trail, found in the Saint Regis Canoe Area in a peaceful area of upstate New York. The area isn't too far from Lake Placid. However, it's still quite a drive to get there, and not many hikers visit in the winter. We recommend you take this adventure, though, because not only will you find a beautiful trail, but one of the most unique and stunning views in the Empire State.

The Saint Regis Mountain Trail is a challenging hike, coming in at 6.9 miles with a 1,604-foot elevation gain. But it's well worth the journey, as it provides some of the best views in the region. The terrain can be a little rocky and steep, but you won't need to do any scrambling.

During the warmer months, it's a popular trail for bird-watching and is considered dog-friendly. After it snows in the winter, the Saint Regis Mountain Trail is an ideal snowshoeing route. The surroundings change from dense forests to wide-open vistas with some incredible vantage points.

The real reason to take this hike, though, is the Saint Regis Fire Tower, an impressive structure you can climb for a unique view. Surprisingly, it's open in the winter, which means you're in for one of the most unique experiences in the state.

The intense cold, and heavy snow, in this area means the entire metal structure often gets a coating of frost and snow. It's an experience worth taking for this view alone, and to me, nothing says the promise of a new year than taking an epic trek.

Have you taken the Saint Regis Mountain Trail during the winter? If you're interested in this New York winter hike, we recommend partnering with someone on this challenging adventure, so tell a friend about this article. See more pictures of the trail on the AllTrails trail listing, and visit the website of the Saint Regis Canoe Area for details about winter access. If this is a multi-day adventure for you, you're about an hour from this beautiful all-inclusive lakeside resort. For winter hiking, we recommend a subscription to AllTrails+. The point-by-point directions are invaluable for staying oriented when a snowy trail is in front of you.