Don’t miss hiking the Kip Trail in this quaint New York village just a few minutes from downtown Canton. This guide is for early Spring but you can truly hit this trail any time of year.
Table of Contents
I Write with the Older Hiker in Mind
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 the Kip Trail
- Trail Name: Kip Trail
- Location: Canton, New York
- Length: 2.8 miles
- Difficulty: Easy (with a difficulty rating of 16)
- Duration: 1 hour
- Elevation Gain: 49 feet
- Type of Trail: out and back
- Who I Recommend this to: everyone who likes a pleasant walk
- What season did I go: spring
- Gear Recommendations: comfy clothes and shoes
- Cell service: good, you’re near towns
- Water availability: none provided
- Special Requirements: none
- Must see feature: Observation Platform to watch for birds & the lean-to (which I missed the turnoff. BUMMER!)
Location of Kip Trail Canton New York (Hint: it’s not in Ohio)
My Experience on the Kip Trail as an Older Hiker
I almost didn’t go.
“There’ll be lots of bugs” I was told.
“It’ll be muddy and hard to walk”
But seeing the sun and the fact that we’d break 60° F for the first time in months, I had to venture out to see for myself a trail without snow.
It was our first warmish day in Northern New York – aka North Country – and I needed to be on trail. I hadn’t been very active the last few month due to icy conditions that made walking a massive chore. To be honest, I was dreading even this short hike thinking about the flying bugs and possible ice in the shade still out there.
As I began the trail I felt relief and release come over my body. No ice! It was warm. And I was on solid trail again. Complete bliss!!!
As I walked the honking geese and chirping black birds filled the air with their songs, both pairing up for the yearly spring rituals.
Passing ponds, hard wood trees, evergreens and newly grown plants the trail wound through shade and sun. I come across an abandoned cabin. My mind wonders off to the past. Was this someone’s home? Or am I thinking too deeply and it was simply used by the 170 year old local St. Lawrence University as storage for their students and faculty studying some outdoor field?
There is mud but I can avoid it. There are bugs but not many. What there are plenty of are huge smiles on my face as I feel my body thaw out after the coldest winter this California native have ever experienced.
I brought overnight oats (recipe below) made from rolled oats, chia seeds, nuts and dried fruits to enjoy on a decaying, fallen tree but still viable sitting platform. The calm, warm day filled my heart with hope for coming bright days ahead. It feels damn good to get outside!
Watch my video on YouTube of the Kip Trail in Canton, New York.
Helpful Takeaways
Suggested gear and information for this hike that I found very helpful and made the hike a much more pleasant experience.
- Bring Deet bug spray in spring
- Don’t forget your camera for shots of beautiful flowers and birds
Online Resources for this Trail
- Please Leave No Trace when enjoying the outdoors
- Alltrails Kip Trail info
What To Do In the Area Before or After Your Hike
- Bring breakfast or lunch. There is a lean-to just off trail about .5 miles in, look for the sign.
- Hang out a bit in the charming village of Canton for some shopping and yummy eats.
- Visit the St. Lawrence Bookstore to grab a gift, book or bite the eat.
FAQs for Kip Trail for Older Hikers
Yes! There is a lean to you can enjoy, first come first serve. Use the fire ring responsibly and leave no trace. Leave the site better than you found it.
Most New Yorkers would agree that Autumn is the best time to hike because of the fall colors, and they are gorgeous! But because of the easy, level ground this hike is great for all seasons. Bring your cross-country skis or snow shoes when snow is on the ground. And your bug spray in spring. Happy Trails!
Yes, there is parking at both trail heads on Pike Road and County Road 27. There is more at CO road 27.
Yes, dogs can enjoy this trail as long as they are on a leash. Enjoy Fido!
Watch my video on YouTube of the Kip Trail in Canton, New York
Recipe: Overnight Oats Seen in My YouTube Video
If you watched my YouTube video on the Kip Trail then you saw me eat breakfast on trail. I love when I can combine 2 of my favorite hobbies – eating and hiking.
This is a simple way to enjoy breakfast on trail. No need to cook, this has the carbs and protein to keep you full and energized enough to peak that mountain or ford that running river.
The night before your hike, grab a jar with a water tight lid at least 16 oz. Put in that jar:
- 1/2 cup of rolled oats (not quick or steel cut)
- 2/3 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
Stir and place in the fridge.
The morning of the hike take the jar out of the fridge and add:
- 1/4 cup raisens
- 1/4 nuts (I use walnuts and raw almonds)
Enjoy on the trail.
Thank You for Stopping By!
Hi, I’m Allie, obsessed hiker, explorer of our world and reinventor of my life in my 50s.
Let’s wander, grow, and figure it out together.
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