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.
As 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
Not 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.
That worked every muscle i had but it sure was worth it. cloudy but still breathtaking
Great 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.
We 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.
We 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.
Beautiful afternoon hike...blue skies at the summit. Microspikes saved the day!
Only 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!
Icy but manageable w microspikes. Final mile is as steep as ever. Nice still day up top for us.
Great trail. Good workout up to the top, and what I imagine are great views from the bald summit when not covered in clouds.