Sawyer Mountain - Very Popular

Sawyer Mountain is a very popular climb in the Indian Lake area of the central Adirondacks. The large trailhead parking areas, which attest to the popularity of this hike, are located approximately 4 miles north of Indian Lake on Route 28/30. The best description of this hike is that it is a short sweet treat with a prized view. The trail to the summit is 1.1 miles and the ascent is 630 feet. This means that you are going upward continuously to ascend the required vertical. The trail is of a moderate grade throughout.

I decided to snowshoe Sawyer Mountain on a brilliantly clear early March day.  There is a trailhead register to sign in at, and the gentle climbing starts immediately through an open hardwood forest. I cannot say enough about what a wonderful snowshoe trail the Sawyer Mountain trail is. The climb is steady but within an hour after ascending the steepest pitch of the trail the summit is attained. Through the trees you can see hulking Blue Mountain. Walk just past the viewless summit to a col which leads to an impressive rock outcrop with a panoramic view of the Cedar River Valley and surrounding mountains including Panther, Metcalf, Wakely, and Blue. It was too cold on the exposed area to linger on the day I was there but on a warmer day it would be a great spot to enjoy a snack. The way back down to your car should take no more than a half hour. All you will need is a half day to enjoy this wonderful sweet climb.

NOTE: For a more complete description of the trail, please see ADK's guide to ADIRONDACK TRAILS - Central Region, pp 124-125.

Enjoy your hike!
Dr. Stuart Delman