Chimney Mountain

Indian Lake, New York

Getting to Chimney mountain: Coming from Indian Lake, head south on Route 30 and turn left on Big Brook Rd after about 0.5 mile. Follow Big Brook Rd for 8 miles to end. The trailhead is on private property. Keep your dogs on leash and pay the $2 parking fee.

The trail is well marked and easy to follow along. The trail has a gradual rise of about 900 feet to the elevation of 2,720 feet. Towards the top there are a few very short steeper section. Its approximately 2.5miles round trip depending on how much exploring you do up top.

Navigating around is pretty straightforward, going in and out of caves. There was a set of caves closed due to protecting the bats. There was a lot to enjoy, even the cool breeze that sneaks its way through the caves was refreshing

St. Regis Mountain

A beautiful day to be in the woods, and it was well over due. A 6.6 mile round trip through some open hardwoods, and some spectacular views.

St. Regis mountain. is reportedly a popular mountain, but today there wasn't much traffic when I started. This hike is much like the hike to Scarface, a gradual increase with a short difficult section towards the end, but neither are overly difficult. I guess this is what makes these hikes popular. The trail is easy enough to follow up and over rolling hills through a mix of soft and hardwoods. Towards the end of the trail you will come to a sharp right, at which point the climbing really begins, for only about a 1/4 mile. This section is almost like a chute as you go up between crags, ultimately coming out to a gradual incline before coming out to the somewhat bare summit and tower. You'll be greeted with fantastic views of surrounding lakes and mountains.

To get to the trail-head you'll head westerly off Route 30 in Paul Smiths, immediately north of the entrance to Paul Smiths College on the left is Keese Mills Rd. From there travel 2.5 miles to the parking area which is on the left. By foot, cross over the bridge and follow the access road to the trail-head that's a short distance on the right.

The fire tower has recently been renovated.

St Regis has an elevation of 2,874 feet.
The hike itself has an approximate gain of 1,250 feet.
I clocked 4.9 miles round trip.

For winter season with Derek.