Baker Mountain Trailhead — Attraction in Town of Saint Armand

It's an interesting trail but it is not "easy". Based on quite a few people using that word and recommending it for families I was going to bring my 4 and 6 year old. I am an avid hiker and my kids have done some pretty decent mountain hikes so far. Thankfully I went to scope it out myself first because it is not even close to an easy trail in winter (I can't speak to the trail without snow although I think my assessment would be the same).

Other than the relatively short distance (compared to an all day hike) everything else about this trail is moderate to rather intense at times. It makes for a diverse trail that was fun to do as an experienced hiker but not one I would recommend to anyone who is not used to a consistent sustained uphill climb. And certainly be prepared if you are a parent bringing kids because it will be intense for them. Potentially very fun because of the interesting terrain but a challenge. Adding to the intensity is a lack of switchbacks on the trail. Perhaps in an effort to make it a "short" hike much of it seems to be pointed straight or steeply diagonal uphill. There are almost no easy sections to take your time on. Again, fine for a hiker who wants a challenge.

It's a nice hike and the views from the top are good (if somewhat limited by the surrounding trees). But I'm writing this review to try and give families an accurate assessment of the trail. For parents, go for it if your kids are ready for a hike that is not super long but does include a sustained, at times intense climb.

And one final note. There are almost no trail markers. I think I saw maybe 7-8 on the whole trail. (I'm sure I missed some). Thankfully there had been plenty of people who had already made tracks in the snow. But if the snow is fresh you would not be able to navigate at all based on markers. Maybe the trail is so well worn without snow that they are unnecessary. But it was certainly the least marked trail I have been on in...

It's a roadside parking area, literally on the side of a village street, in the middle of what was once a quiet neighborhood. As to trailhead, I guess there's a DEC sign in box, followed by an overused trail to the top of what was once a quiet "mountain" (large hill by area standards) with a few areas where the village of Saranac Lake can be glimpsed. We locals use it as a variation of a home gym. It ain't "the real thing", but the grandfolks, kids, and often times way-too-many damn dogs seem to like the trek. Others/visitors like it for the same reasons. It's close to town, there are no fees, it's a place of beauty where rules are few and the trip done and over in an hour so mom and dad can go get something to eat and drink. Myself, for all those reasons and a few more, almost never use it. The only reason I'm doing this is because I have friends who live nearby, and when I visit them, this thing pops up. Anyway, many swear by Baker mountain, many swear at it. Try it. At least, if you can find parking -- just look for the cars parallel parked on the shoulder -- the price is right. Sorry....

If you’re doing the Saranac 6ers then it’s not an option to skip this peak but After climbing an unlimited amount of mountains on the Adirondacks I would say that this is probably the last one I would go to. The parking is horrendous. There’s literally no spaces and there are locals that put fake parking tickets on your window basically warning you. Even if you park off the road on the grass the best you can. It’s an incredibly heavily used trail. Which makes things even worse.

My deal is if you don’t have proper parking and no one can use it then shut the thing down.

The peak itself is incredibly fast you can literally go up and down in an hour. It has a small section of a decent incline but it’s great for smaller kids and older people who are maybe not regular hikers. The top is pretty wooded with obstructed view but there are a few little outcrop areas for a decent view.

Like I said I had to get it done for the Sixers but I would never...