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Trails–Paul Smiths VIC

Silviculture Trail

The Paul Smiths VIC features 6 miles of interpretive trails and about 8 miles of backcountry trails on its 2,885-acre property. The major trailheads are located at the building, although Black Pond and Long Pond may be accessed from the Keese Mill Road.

INTERPRETIVE TRAILS: Surfaced and scenic

Heron Marsh Trail This 0.8-mile loop serves as the prime wildlife viewing trail at the VIC. There are two boardwalks and an elevated tower that are fine stops from which to spot the marsh regulars. There are also two Adirondack lean-tos on the lower side of the trail. Return through a forest of red and white pines. (GREEN markers)

Barnum Brook Trail This 0.8-mile loop was designed to be accessible to those in wheelchairs, with assistance. The trail passes through a second-growth forest to a pair of marsh overlooks. Then it follows the brook through a riparian woodland on a boardwalk. After crossing a fish barrier dam, you will return through an impressive stand of white pines. (RED markers) Easy access.

Shingle Mill Falls Trail This 0.7-mile loop, which is accessed from the Heron Marsh Trail, has fine views of open water, especially from the 300-foot pontoon bridge across the marsh. You will pass the tumbling falls at the dam and an old home site returning to a forest. (BLUE markers)

Boreal Life Trail This 1.3-mile loop passes through a forest of spruce, fir, pine, hemlock, cedar and tamarack. The upland portion of the walk takes you to a giant white pine before turning to the shore of Barnum Pond. Here an elevated tower offers magnificent views of Barnum Pond, Jenkins Mountain and St. Regis Mountain. After skirting the pond, you return through a spruce swamp and bog on a 1,600-foot boardwalk and then through hardwoods. (YELLOW markers)

Forest Ecology Trail This 1.2-mile trail features woods and wetlands that are typically Adirondack. The trail is accessed from the Barnum Brook Trail or the Heron Marsh Trail and makes a 2.0-mile loop from the VIC. It includes a variety of forest habitats and a 900-foot boardwalk crossing a rich peatland. (ORANGE markers)

Silviculture Trail This 0.9-mile loop of mixed woods and plantation pines was developed with Paul Smithís College. Interpretive signs explain the basics of sustainable forestry. The trail is reached from a 0.3-mile connector off the Forest Ecology Trail or from a parking area off Keese Mill Road. (YELLOW markers)

BACKCOUNTRY TRAILS: A Wilderness Experience

Woods & Waters Connector Trail This 1.1-mile trail connects the interpretive and backcountry trails and allows visitors to enjoy a 4.8-mile loop to Long Pond from a trailhead at the VIC. The trail connects the Silviculture Trail to the Black Pond Trail. (GREEN markers)

Long Pond Trail This 0.6-mile trail is accessed from the Jenkins Mountain Trail or the Black Pond Trail. Long and Black ponds are managed for native heritage brook trout by the DEC, Paul Smithís College and the Adirondack Park Agency. (RED markers)

Black Pond Trail Loop This 2.3-mile loop starts at the Keese Mill Road trailhead and follows the shore of Black Pond in a clockwise direction back to the road. A DEC-built canoe launch is located at the trailhead, providing access for non-motorized boats to Black and Little Black ponds. (ORANGE markers)

Jenkins Mountain Trail On this 8.2-mile round-trip, hikers should be prepared for whatever might be encountered on any wilderness trail in the Adirondacks. The trail is designed for those looking for a long day hike and a summit with views. Elevation: 2,514 feet. (BLUE markers)

Forest Ecosystem Research Demonstration Area (FERDA) Take an easy 1-mile walk on the Jenkins Mountain Trail to see modern forestry practices as they look on the land. The FERDA plots were developed with the USDA Forest Service and Paul Smithís College to study and interpret the impacts of different cutting practices on natural communities.

(Note: The backcountry trails used in the summer are not officially part of the VIC winter trail system; however, they may still be used for skiing and snowshoeing.)

Paul Smiths VIC Summer Trails Map

download the trail map

TRAIL USE
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Hiking: Yes
Snowshoeing: Yes
Cross-country skiing: Yes
Trail running: Yes
Dogs: Dogs are allowed during non-winter months only, and they must be leashed.
Fishing: Yes, but only on Black and Long ponds and only with nonlive bait. Ice fishing is not allowed.
Canoeing/kayaking: Yes, but only on Black and Long ponds (accessed from Keese Mill Road).
Camping: No
Natural object collecting: No
Hunting: No
Bicycles: No
Horses: No
ATVs/Snowmobiles: No

Winter Trail System at the Paul Smiths VIC: X-C Skiing HQ About 9.5 miles of Paul Smiths VIC trails are available for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing use during the winter, and learning the basics of both sports is easy. The staff offers programs and trail walks throughout the season, and donít forget to attend the annual Chilly Ski Festival and the Friends & Families Snowshoe Day in January.

Visitors must bring their own equipment, as the VIC does not rent skis or snowshoes. Rentals are available at outfitters in Saranac Lake and Lake Placid.

Paul Smiths VIC Winter Trail Conditions
For current conditions, call (518) 327-3000.

Paul Smiths VIC Winter Trails Map

download the trail map

WINTER TRAILS: Ski & Snowshoe

Dual-use trails People may snowshoe on the ski trails and ski on the snowshoe trails. But people may only walk on the Barnum Brook Trail. See etiquette and rules below for more information.

Heron Marsh Ski Trail 0.8-mile loop (GREEN markers)

Shingle Mill Falls Ski Trail 0.7-mile, not including 0.4 mile (one way) to access trail (BLUE markers)

Tamarack Ski Trail 2.1-mile loop (ORANGE markers)

Esker Ski Trail 4.0-mile loop (RED markers)

Hemlock Ski Trail 0.8-mile loop (BLUE markers)

Northwoods Snowshoe Trail 1-mile loop, not including 0.6 mile (one way) to access trail (ORANGE ribbons)

Barnum Brook Trail 0.8-mile loop (RED markers)

Boreal Life Snowshoe Trail 1.3-mile loop (YELLOW markers)

Jenkins Mountain Trail 8.2-mile round-trip, with summit elevation of 2,514 feet (BLUE markers)

WINTER TRAIL RULES

No dogs are allowed on the trails.
Stay on the marked trails.
Stay off the ice.
Stay away from closed areas.
Do not start on the Esker Trail after 3:30 p.m.
Report trail maintenance needs to VIC staff.
Do not collect natural objects or disturb wildlife.
Building closes at 5 p.m.

WINTER TRAIL ETIQUETTE

Snowshoes or skis required on all trails except the Barnum Brook Trail.
Walking only allowed on the Barnum Brook Trail.
Ski/snowshoe in direction indicated.
Snowshoe to the side of ski tracks.
Give skiers the right of way.

WINTER SAFETY TIPS

Dress for the weather. That means wool or synthetics, which will keep you the warmest.
Keep your feet, hands and head warm and dry.
Drink plenty of fluids.
Allow ample time to return to the building. It gets dark between 4:30 and 5:30 p.m.
In case of emergency, alert VIC staff to location of injured persons in need of assistance.
Be careful when trail conditions cause ice to form.


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			PAUL SMITHS VIC Adirondack Wildlife Festival Barnum Pond Canoe Paddles Bird of Prey Birding Walks Butterfly House Night Hikes Ski/Snowshoe Trips ----- NEWCOMB VIC Birding Walks Bird of Prey Naturalist-Led Trail Walks Snowshoe Workshops GPS Workshops Guided Backcountry Trips
	For Kids For Families For Teachers Paul Smiths VIC Newcomb VIC Newsletter Wildlife Watch Publications Research Program Partners	Trails–Paul Smiths VIC The Paul Smiths VIC features 6 miles of interpretive trails and about 8 miles of backcountry trails on its 2,885-acre property. The major trailheads are located at the building, although Black Pond and Long Pond may be accessed from the Keese Mill Road. INTERPRETIVE TRAILS: Surfaced and scenic Heron Marsh Trail This 0.8-mile loop serves as the prime wildlife viewing trail at the VIC. There are two boardwalks and an elevated tower that are fine stops from which to spot the marsh regulars. There are also two Adirondack lean-tos on the lower side of the trail. Return through a forest of red and white pines. (GREEN markers) Barnum Brook Trail This 0.8-mile loop was designed to be accessible to those in wheelchairs, with assistance. The trail passes through a second-growth forest to a pair of marsh overlooks. Then it follows the brook through a riparian woodland on a boardwalk. After crossing a fish barrier dam, you will return through an impressive stand of white pines. (RED markers) Easy access. Shingle Mill Falls Trail This 0.7-mile loop, which is accessed from the Heron Marsh Trail, has fine views of open water, especially from the 300-foot pontoon bridge across the marsh. You will pass the tumbling falls at the dam and an old home site returning to a forest. (BLUE markers) Boreal Life Trail This 1.3-mile loop passes through a forest of spruce, fir, pine, hemlock, cedar and tamarack. The upland portion of the walk takes you to a giant white pine before turning to the shore of Barnum Pond. Here an elevated tower offers magnificent views of Barnum Pond, Jenkins Mountain and St. Regis Mountain. After skirting the pond, you return through a spruce swamp and bog on a 1,600-foot boardwalk and then through hardwoods. (YELLOW markers) Forest Ecology Trail This 1.2-mile trail features woods and wetlands that are typically Adirondack. The trail is accessed from the Barnum Brook Trail or the Heron Marsh Trail and makes a 2.0-mile loop from the VIC. It includes a variety of forest habitats and a 900-foot boardwalk crossing a rich peatland. (ORANGE markers) Silviculture Trail This 0.9-mile loop of mixed woods and plantation pines was developed with Paul Smithís College. Interpretive signs explain the basics of sustainable forestry. The trail is reached from a 0.3-mile connector off the Forest Ecology Trail or from a parking area off Keese Mill Road. (YELLOW markers) BACKCOUNTRY TRAILS: A Wilderness Experience Woods & Waters Connector Trail This 1.1-mile trail connects the interpretive and backcountry trails and allows visitors to enjoy a 4.8-mile loop to Long Pond from a trailhead at the VIC. The trail connects the Silviculture Trail to the Black Pond Trail. (GREEN markers) Long Pond Trail This 0.6-mile trail is accessed from the Jenkins Mountain Trail or the Black Pond Trail. Long and Black ponds are managed for native heritage brook trout by the DEC, Paul Smithís College and the Adirondack Park Agency. (RED markers) Black Pond Trail Loop This 2.3-mile loop starts at the Keese Mill Road trailhead and follows the shore of Black Pond in a clockwise direction back to the road. A DEC-built canoe launch is located at the trailhead, providing access for non-motorized boats to Black and Little Black ponds. (ORANGE markers) Jenkins Mountain Trail On this 8.2-mile round-trip, hikers should be prepared for whatever might be encountered on any wilderness trail in the Adirondacks. The trail is designed for those looking for a long day hike and a summit with views. Elevation: 2,514 feet. (BLUE markers) Forest Ecosystem Research Demonstration Area (FERDA) Take an easy 1-mile walk on the Jenkins Mountain Trail to see modern forestry practices as they look on the land. The FERDA plots were developed with the USDA Forest Service and Paul Smithís College to study and interpret the impacts of different cutting practices on natural communities. (Note: The backcountry trails used in the summer are not officially part of the VIC winter trail system; however, they may still be used for skiing and snowshoeing.) Paul Smiths VIC Summer Trails Map download the trail map TRAIL USE Hours: Dawn to dusk Hiking: Yes Snowshoeing: Yes Cross-country skiing: Yes Trail running: Yes Dogs: Dogs are allowed during non-winter months only, and they must be leashed. Fishing: Yes, but only on Black and Long ponds and only with nonlive bait. Ice fishing is not allowed. Canoeing/kayaking: Yes, but only on Black and Long ponds (accessed from Keese Mill Road). Camping: No Natural object collecting: No Hunting: No Bicycles: No Horses: No ATVs/Snowmobiles: No Winter Trail System at the Paul Smiths VIC: X-C Skiing HQ About 9.5 miles of Paul Smiths VIC trails are available for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing use during the winter, and learning the basics of both sports is easy. The staff offers programs and trail walks throughout the season, and donít forget to attend the annual Chilly Ski Festival and the Friends & Families Snowshoe Day in January. Visitors must bring their own equipment, as the VIC does not rent skis or snowshoes. Rentals are available at outfitters in Saranac Lake and Lake Placid. Paul Smiths VIC Winter Trail Conditions For current conditions, call (518) 327-3000. Paul Smiths VIC Winter Trails Map download the trail map WINTER TRAILS: Ski & Snowshoe Dual-use trails People may snowshoe on the ski trails and ski on the snowshoe trails. But people may only walk on the Barnum Brook Trail. See etiquette and rules below for more information. Heron Marsh Ski Trail 0.8-mile loop (GREEN markers) Shingle Mill Falls Ski Trail 0.7-mile, not including 0.4 mile (one way) to access trail (BLUE markers) Tamarack Ski Trail 2.1-mile loop (ORANGE markers) Esker Ski Trail 4.0-mile loop (RED markers) Hemlock Ski Trail 0.8-mile loop (BLUE markers) Northwoods Snowshoe Trail 1-mile loop, not including 0.6 mile (one way) to access trail (ORANGE ribbons) Barnum Brook Trail 0.8-mile loop (RED markers) Boreal Life Snowshoe Trail 1.3-mile loop (YELLOW markers) Jenkins Mountain Trail 8.2-mile round-trip, with summit elevation of 2,514 feet (BLUE markers) WINTER TRAIL RULES No dogs are allowed on the trails. Stay on the marked trails. Stay off the ice. Stay away from closed areas. Do not start on the Esker Trail after 3:30 p.m. Report trail maintenance needs to VIC staff. Do not collect natural objects or disturb wildlife. Building closes at 5 p.m. WINTER TRAIL ETIQUETTE Snowshoes or skis required on all trails except the Barnum Brook Trail. Walking only allowed on the Barnum Brook Trail. Ski/snowshoe in direction indicated. Snowshoe to the side of ski tracks. Give skiers the right of way. WINTER SAFETY TIPS Dress for the weather. That means wool or synthetics, which will keep you the warmest. Keep your feet, hands and head warm and dry. Drink plenty of fluids. Allow ample time to return to the building. It gets dark between 4:30 and 5:30 p.m. In case of emergency, alert VIC staff to location of injured persons in need of assistance. Be careful when trail conditions cause ice to form.

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