Ampersand Mountain Trail is a 4.8 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Saranac Lake, New York that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as difficult. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from June until March. Dogs are also able to use this trail.
SEASONAL ROAD CLOSURE: Roads leading to this trailhead are subject to seasonal closure in Winter. This hike is not one of the 46's but at 3352', Ampersand is a fun and challenging hike with great views from the top. There is some steep, tough areas with rocky faces and some bouldering but it is well worth it. Depending on the time of year, we recommend microspikes/crampons.
February 21, 2021As previously stated in other reviews first mile and half are pretty easy. Then is is all in your face straight up the mountain. Very doable if you are comfortable in your snow shoes just watch out for hikers coming down on those little but sleds. The views are amazing at the summit. Coming back down the mountain in the winter is a very technical descent. Switched to micro spikes because snow shoes seemed like they would be very troubling
February 20, 2021Not for the unexperienced, but I still went up with my husky and was not prepared for how enduring it gets after about 1.5 miles. I slid down on my butt for at least a mile while my husky pulled me. It was too steep for my snowshoes to really have traction on the way down and the butt sledding was absolutely amazing.
February 18, 2021Snowshoes!!! Good butt sliding (-:
February 18, 2021WE GOT ENGAGED
February 15, 2021That worked every muscle i had but it sure was worth it. cloudy but still breathtaking
February 14, 2021Great hike. Tough climb but didn't have a view at the top because of weather. Beautiful views and a lot of fun sliding down the steep parts of the mountain.
February 13, 2021Beautiful trail stunning views.
February 7, 2021
February 3, 2021We went out after a day after there was a foot of snow and were the first ones out so the last mile uphill was slow moving. Very pretty though and a lot of fun.
January 31, 2021January 29, 2021SUBLIME Vue 360° !!
January 27, 2021We timed this perfectly to hit the summit at sunset on Jan. 24th. Lots of fresh snow from the day before, no need for spikes. Absolutely stunning at the summit (very cold and windy so be prepared!) Good to have spikes in your pack just in case. We descended by moonlight and had the time of our lives glissading on our butts and feet (wear waterproof snow/ski pants for this). Tons of fun.
January 24, 2021Not feeling it
January 12, 2021Spikes a must
January 10, 2021Beautiful! Clear and sunny. Some ice. Microspikes a must.
January 10, 2021Beautiful afternoon hike...blue skies at the summit. Microspikes saved the day!
January 9, 2021Only difficult at the last mile or so. Ice spikes are definitely advised. Trekking poles if you have them. Over all, amazing view, great hike! 3-6 down!
January 3, 2021Icy, Amazing view!!!
January 3, 2021Micros needed at top. My fave sixer. Amazing view
January 2, 2021January 1, 2021January 1, 2021January 1, 2021Icy but manageable w microspikes. Final mile is as steep as ever. Nice still day up top for us.
December 31, 2020One of our first hikes with kids, 6/2016. Not my favorite, but I was raining and absolutely no views because of cloud cover
December 30, 2020You will not survive this hike without micro spikes under the current condition. Half of the hike is covered in solid ice. It has a great view on the top, plus strong wind that might take you where your heart desires.
December 29, 2020Great short hike trail, leave early and be back for lunch. Definitely need micro-spikes because the last half mile to the top is completely covered in ice.
December 28, 2020Great trail. Good workout up to the top, and what I imagine are great views from the bald summit when not covered in clouds.
