Waterfalls, lakes, and low elevation peaks to hike during spring

Early spring in the Adirondacks. The leaves are not yet all the way out, the views are expansive, and the air is crisp and cool. There’s just one thing: mud. With this exciting time of year comes increased trail fragility, particularly at high elevations. Keeping that in mind, thinking of recreating at lower elevations can keep environmental impact to a minimum, and the adventure at a maximum! Enjoy some backcountry lakes, bogs filled with singing birds, and waterfalls rushing with that spring-time snow melt. Here are just a few spots you should consider hiking to this spring in Hamilton County. 

Watch Hill

Gaining less than 500 feet of elevation round trip, Watch Hill is perfect for getting those mountain views, without heading up too high. After following an old forest road, and climbing up some interesting rock lips, the well-marked trail brings you to a rock-ledge that juts out towards Indian Lake, with incredible views of Snowy Mountain to go along with it. Once you’re at the summit, you’ve got two options: go back the way you came, or go down the other side of the mountain to the rocky beach area. If you choose the latter, you will have to backtrack up Watch Hill!

Ferd’s Bog

Watch Hill a bit too much for those spring hiking legs? Bringing your binoculars for some hiking and birding at Ferd’s Bog is an excellent way to stay low in elevation, and see a wide range of species at this “Important Bird Area,” as designated by the National Audubon Society. Keep your eyes and ears on alert for birds like red-eyed vireo, black-throated blue warbler, hermit thrush, black-capped chickadee, and red-breasted nuthatch. For plant enthusiasts, this bog is also home to some Adirondack favorites. We’re talking pitcher plants, sundews, tamaracks, and creeping snowberries! 

OK Slip Falls

So we’ve been to a peak, and we’ve been to a bog, but if you’re looking to see the powerful nature of spring, OK Slip Falls is a must. Not only is it one of the most stunning waterfalls in Hamilton County, but many put it high on the park-wide list for top waterfalls. Plunging over 250 feet down onto the blocky talus below, the spring version of OK Slip is powerful, stunning, and honestly jaw-dropping. The first overlook is your best option for a spring hike, and sticking to the safe trail, and avoiding side trails that lead near the edge, is important. At a bit over 6 miles round-trip, and around 1,000 feet of elevation gain, the trail is not a gimme. Be mindful of the length, and although the elevation gain is spread out, you’ll still want to be prepared for a long hike with plenty of food, water, and emergency supplies.

West Stony Creek Falls

Just like OK Slip Falls, this cascade is part of the Waterfall Challenge, and although West Stony Creek Falls doesn’t plunge hundreds of feet off a cliff, it does offer a great excuse for a spring picnic in the backcountry. What makes this hike perfect for the typically-muddy spring season is the old tote road you follow to the bridge near the falls. It’s fairly flat (less than 300 feet of elevation gain), and at 3 miles round trip, doesn’t have to take up the whole day. You’ll also reach the Northville-Placid Trail, which you should consider doing a section hike on later in the year when the trails are dry and you’ve got your hiking legs back.

Queer Lake 

The Pigeon Lake Wilderness Area is an under-appreciated portion of the Adirondacks. Named for the passenger pigeons that once dominated the skies (now extinct), this massive piece of public land offers 40+ miles of hiking trails, a handful of lean-tos, nearly 50,000 acres of protected Forest Preserve, and amidst all of that, Queer Lake! Part of the locally-known Great Eight Lakes, it can be hiked along with other backcountry lakes, but bringing a lunch and spending an hour at the lean-to can be just as fun. The 6 miles round-trip does make this hike a bit longer, but that means the 750 feet of elevation gain is stretched out. Take your time, enjoy the forest found at this lower elevation, and look for spring wildflowers on the way to Queer Lake.

Sis and Bubb Lake

Close to amenities in Inlet and Old Forge, this hike is perfect for a slow spring morning. Grab a cup of coffee at Blue Line Coffee House, pack a sandwich from town, and hike to the shores of Sis and Bubb Lake. At around 3 miles round-trip, and 350 feet of elevation gain, it’s not a huge commitment for the day, and is a great low elevation option with lakeside views. The drainage area between the two lakes is particularly beautiful, with a bridge spanning the spot, leading to another viewpoint on Bubb Lake about 1.5 miles from the trailhead. If you want to make the day even longer, loop in Moss Lake and consider dropping a car at one of the trailheads!

All of these hikes would make great companions for a spring trip to Hamilton County! Combine a hike with an area attraction, go on a scenic drive, and hit the town for dining and drinks. During the spring season, let's all do our part to stay off of high elevation trails, and do some of the lesser-appreciated, low elevation trails, of which Hamilton County is home to many. And if you do decide to hike any of these trails, when you encounter mud, do your best to hike through it and not around it!