Complete guide to Ampersand Mountain trail. Discover what to expect on this Adirondacks trek – best seasons to hike, how long it takes, and tips for older hikers.
Table of Contents
Which Hiker Do I Write For
I tailor my hiking reviews to over 50 hikers. This is not to say the hike will be easy or short, older hikers are very capable, I’ve seen 70 year old hikers that can out hike most people. But what I am putting out there is special considerations for our older bodies.
You might notice I have a trail difficulty rating number listed below, please see my Hiker Resource Page to see how I come to this rating.
Basic Trail Information for Hiking Ampersand Mountain Trail
- Trail Name: Ampersand Mountain Trail
- Location: New York State. Nearest village is Saranac Lake. Nearest large cities are Syracuse and Albany, New York
- Length: 5.3 miles
- Difficulty: 137 Moderately Strenuous
- Duration: 3.5 to 4.5 hours
- Elevation Gain: 1784 feet
- Type of Trail: Out and back
- Who I Recommend this to: most hikers. There are slippery rocks and elevation gain but most can hike the trail.
- What season did I go: Fall / September
- Gear Recommendations: Trekking poles for your descent. A sturdy boot with ankle support, there are lots of rocks and roots that can twist ankles.
- Special Requirements: No permits needed but do register at the trailhead.
Location of Ampersand Mountain Trail
Ampersand mountain trail to Ampersand Mountain peak is located in New York state in beautiful, vast Adirondack Park. Below are 2 maps to orient you to where you’d head out to find this amazing hike!
My Experience on Hiking Ampersand Mountain Trail
My move to New York coincided with the arrival of autumn in the Adirondacks. I’ve trekked many trails over the years, yet most have been in or west of the Rocky Mountains. The moment I started Ampersand, I knew I was in for a treat!
I have no other experience in the Adirondack Mountains than when I started in fall, but I can say with certainty — from what I’ve seen, heard, and read — this time of year is possibly the most beautiful. Sure, most hiking trails are beautiful, but the changing leaves of the birch, maple, and oak are a visual pleasure. The only rival for me would be hiking among the aspens of Flagstaff, Arizona.
Let’s start from the beginning — parking. It’s limited. If you prefer a spot in the parking lot, be sure to arrive by 8 a.m. or so on the weekend. My hiking partner and I didn’t make it that early, so like many, we left the car on the shoulder and walked about 100 feet to the trailhead. Here, we registered our names, where we were coming from, where we were headed, and other requested information.
Right away, I was in love with the corridor of trees ahead of me. I had just arrived from the Arizona desert, where trees — and the shade they provide — are a luxury on trails. My mind was racing with excitement to begin this journey in a place quite foreign to me.
Ampersand Mountain Trail starts out for the first 1.5 miles as relatively flat and rather pleasant as you pass streams and small waterfalls along the way. Much of the trail was covered in downed leaves — some soggy from recent rains and some still crispy enough to kick around (my inner child couldn’t resist). The trail was also a bit soggy in places, but I was delighted to walk the beautiful boardwalks built for hikers to travel safely while preserving the natural habitat.
The first 1.5 miles were fun and exciting to explore. This desert hiker loved finding new-to-me natural treasures along the route, like moss-covered downed trees, beautiful ground covers like ferns, and various shrubs and mosses. (Read more about the plants of the Adirondacks.) I was impressed by the care taken to build bridges, boardwalks, and — soon to be seen — rock stairs along this trail. Thank you to the various organizations and their volunteers for your work.
After the pleasant, meandering first mile and a half, the ascent begins. There’s no other way to put it except to say — be ready for your butt to get a workout. Apparently, mountain trails in the Adirondacks don’t believe in switchbacks, so you’ll be hiking vertically up, at times at a 30% grade. This is definitely the strenuous section, but like I mentioned above, there are rock stairs placed to help along the way.
I don’t want to scare you into believing this part of the trail is impossible for the older hiker. On the contrary — if you’re someone who hikes often or moves a lot during your regular days, this will simply pose a fun challenge. It’s a workout, but there are tons of opportunities to stop, catch your breath, rest, get water and a snack, and curse the person who dragged you out there.
As the hiking community always boasts, “the view is worth it,” and Ampersand Mountain does not disappoint. Once you make it past the stone stairs and the large boulder climbs, you’ve made it to one of the prettiest sights in New York. (If you disagree, comment below and tell me which one tops it for you!)
Put your puffy on and take in the 360-degree views — it’s spectacular up there, especially in autumn. The views go on for miles!
Be sure to watch my YouTube video about Ampersand Mountain and my person empowering journey that this trek represented for me.
Helpful Older Hiker Gear and Tools
Suggested gear for this hike that I found very helpful and made the hike a much more pleasant experience.
- Trekking poles – to help save your knees on descent
- Hiking boots – to avoid twisted ankles
- Puffy jacket – for the peak, it gets cold at the top
- Water purifier – if you’re like me and guzzle water but don’t want to carry it there are water sources along the way
Online Resources for Ampersand Mountain Trail
- Alltrails Ampersand Mountain info
- More about Adirondack Park where Ampersand Mountain is located
- Great read : A New Clue to the Origin of Saranac Lake’s “Ampersand”
- Please Leave No Trace when enjoying the outdoors
What To Do In the Area Before or After Your Hike
- Bring lunch. The view at the top is spectacular, why not enjoy it with a great sandwich!
- Support local businesses nearby in Tupper Lake at Raquette River Brewing. (Click for more info) There’s also amazing food trucks! Yum!
- Visit the quaint village of Saranac Lake for eateries, lodging, outdoor activities and shopping
FAQs for Ampersand Mountain Trail for Older Hikers
Ampersand Mountain is about a five-and-a-half-mile round trip with roughly 1,700 to 1,800 feet of elevation gain. The first half of the trail winds gently through a forest with boardwalks and small streams, but the second half turns steep, rocky, and challenging. The final stretch includes boulder scrambles and stone stairs that make it a true leg workout. Despite the challenge, this trail rewards you with one of the most stunning summit views in the Adirondacks.
The best time to hike Ampersand Mountain is between late spring and early fall, but autumn is by far the most magical. The birch, maple, and oak trees explode with color, turning the forest into a masterpiece of golds and reds. If you go in spring or after heavy rains, expect mud, and if you plan a winter hike, you’ll need proper snow or ice gear. For most hikers—especially those who love crisp air and fewer crowds—September and October are ideal.
Most hikers reach the summit in about two to three hours and complete the entire hike in four to five hours, depending on pace and how long you linger at the top. It’s steep enough to slow you down, but not so long that it feels impossible. Starting early in the morning gives you plenty of time to enjoy the views and descend safely before the afternoon light fades.
Older hikers should bring supportive hiking boots, plenty of water, and a few light layers because the summit can be windy and chilly even when it’s warm below. Trekking poles are helpful for balance on the steeper sections, and a small backpack with snacks and a basic first-aid kit is plenty. Leave behind heavy gear, cotton clothing, and anything unnecessary that adds weight. The key is to travel light and steady, take breaks as needed, and enjoy the climb rather than rush through it.
There are no restrooms or water refill stations along the Ampersand Mountain trail. Once you leave the parking area, it’s all wilderness until you return. You’ll cross streams along the way, but it’s best to bring your own water and not rely on natural sources unless you carry a filter. Plan ahead and treat it like a true backcountry hike—come prepared, and you’ll be perfectly fine.
Watch My Hike of Ampersand Mountain on YouTube
Thank You for Stopping By!
Hi, I’m Allie, obsessed hiker, explorer of our world and reinventor of my life in my 50s.
Here at AllieRambles I explore what it means to rebuild and chase freedom in your 50s and beyond—because life doesn’t end at midlife, it begins.
I also write A LOT about being outdoors hiking, biking and paddling as much as I can – all over the United States and beyond.
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