Saranac Lake 6er hiking challenge

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File photo — Morgan Ryan

Middle and Upper Saranac Lakes from the summit of Ampersand Mountain

Saranac Lake 6er hiking challenge

There are four patches for the Saranac Lake 6er hiking challenge: Summer, Winter, Ultra Summer and Ultra Winter. Ultra hikers leave from Berkeley Green in downtown Saranac Lake, complete all six mountains in 24 hours and finish at Berkeley Green, where they can ring the bell in the pavilion. Winter hikes are completed between Dec. 21 and March 21. All hikes must have been completed after May 25, 2013.

Hikers who finish the six peaks have the privilege of ringing the bell at Berkeley Green.

Anyone interested needs to complete the online registration form at www.saranaclake.com/activities/outdoor/saranac-lake-6. Each finisher will be sent a certificate with an official member number, 6er patch and sticker. All numbers are awarded in the order of completed applications received. Names will also be added to the official Saranac Lake 6er member roster. Allow for up to 12 weeks for processing.

Learn more at www.saranaclake.com.

Baker Mountain: 1.8 miles round-trip, 2,457 feet elevation

Trailhead: From downtown Saranac Lake, head north on Broadway (state Route 86) and turn right on Bloomingdale Avenue (state Route 3), then turn right on Pine Street after about a half mile. Cross the railroad tracks and turn left on Forest Hill Avenue and follow it as it wraps around Moody Pond. The trailhead is on the left in about a half mile.

St. Regis Mountain: 6.6 miles round-trip, 2,874 feet elevation

Trailhead: From downtown Saranac Lake head west on state Route 86, toward Paul Smiths. At Paul Smith’s College, turn right on state Route 30, take the first left on Keese Mill Road. Follow Keese Mill Road for almost 3 miles to the trailhead parking on the left.

Haystack Mountain: 6.6 miles round-trip, 2,874 feet elevation

Trailhead: From downtown Saranac Lake, take state Route 86 east toward Lake Placid. Continue for about 5 miles and look for the large parking area on the left. This is also the parking area for McKenzie Mountain.

Scarface Mountain: 7.6 miles round-trip, 3,058 feet elevation

Trailhead: From the intersection of state Route 3 and state Route 86 in Saranac Lake, follow Route 86 toward Lake Placid. Continue into Ray Brook, take a right onto Ray Brook Road (just before Maplefields), and look for the parking lot about 0.1 mile on the left.

Ampersand Mountain: 5.4 miles round-trip, 3,352 feet elevation

Trailhead: From downtown Saranac Lake, turn right onto state Route 3, heading west toward Tupper Lake. The parking area is on the right after about 8 miles. The trailhead is across the road on the left.

McKenzie Mountain: 10.6 miles round-trip, (3,861 feet elevation

Trailhead: From downtown Saranac Lake, take state Route 86 east toward Lake Placid. Continue for about 5 miles and look for the large parking area on the left. This is also the parking area for Haystack Mountain.