Birding Hikes

Birding hikes

Birders who visit the Adirondacks will find a variety of hikes in Hamilton County presenting birders with a chance to find unique species. Birders can hike mountains like Wakely and Blue mountains, and watch as the bird community changes from the variety of warblers and other songbirds at the base to the community at the summit. This community not only includes Bicknell's Thrush, but also Swainson's Thrush, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Blackpoll Warbler, Boreal Chickadee, and Yellow-bellied Flycatcher.

View our birding hikes below and find one just right for you. Read more information about birding in the Adirondacks, complete the birding challenge, and find paddles for bird watching as well. 

Leave No Trace

The magic of the Adirondacks is the result of previous generations taking a long view and protecting the mountains, lakes, and rivers within the Blue Line. That tradition continues today as we support and encourage everyone to practice Leave No Trace ethics, which help protect the lands and waters of the Adirondacks. Remember, not every "challenge" today has a patch or prize. The best way to cement your legacy is to pledge to always protect the wild lands and waters of the Adirondacks by practicing Leave No Trace ethics and good stewardship.

Hamilton County Birding Challenge Patch

 

 

Experience More

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A Weekend of Winter Birding
Three Spring Birding Hotspots
Birding After Dark





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Dan Berggren: Traditional Adirondack Songs & Stories
Cascade and Stephens Ponds
Blue Mountain Lake, NY 12812
Cascade and Stephens ponds are two beautiful gems in the Blue Ridge Wilderness. In any season, you'll find peaceful forests and pristine waters. If you're lucky, you'll catch a glimpse of an otter; they've been known to frequent these parts.
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Cascade Pond
Sis and Bubb Lakes
Inlet, NY 13360
The trail to Sis and Bubb lakes, located in the Fulton Chain Wild Forest, is very pleasant, with stunning views awaiting those who take this short walk.
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The view of a pine tree lined lake.
Barker Pond
Blue Mountain Lake, NY 12812
Barker Pond isn't frequently visited, offering those who do hike here a chance to find solitude. Chances are your only company will be wildlife.
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The view of a small pond surrounded by trees.
Great Camp Sagamore Lake Trail
Raquette Lake, NY 13436
This interesting loop around Sagamore Lake starts and ends at the Great Camp Sagamore. Many of the trails around the Great Camp are open to the public.
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A skier glides through open woods
Robbs Creek Trail
Wells, NY 12190
This hike is along an old forest road. The old road weaves in and out, and crosses Robbs Creek several times while working its way over rolling hills to the Siamese Ponds Wilderness Area.
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A stream flowing through chunky rocks.
Lower Sargent Pond from Tioga Point State Campground
Raquette Lake, NY 13436
This trail to Lower Sargent Pond is only accessible by boat via the Tioga Point State Campground. It's a unique adventure to a pretty destination.
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A lake during a hazy sunset.
High Peaks Wilderness Area
Newcomb, NY 12852
The High Peaks Wilderness Area is the largest Wilderness Area in the Adirondack Mountains and New York state.
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Aerial fall view of a complex of ponds among mountains
Auger Falls Loop
Route 8/30
Speculator, NY 12164
This quick hike to Auger Falls along the Sacandaga River is sure to please any member of the family. Remember to be cautious on the steeper slopes near the falls. Take a short trip just to see the falls or go for a longer loop hike around the area.
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Two males hiking with Auger Falls' spring run behind them
Echo Cliff-Panther Mountain
Piseco, NY 12139
Echo Cliff on Panther Mountain is a popular hike near Piseco, NY. It offers well-worn trails and occasional steep sections, making it great for beginners looking for a short challenge.
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People at an overlook on a cliff with a view of the water
Moose River Plains Wild Forest
Moose River Plains Wild Forest
Inlet, NY 13360
The Moose River Plains Wild Forest is part of the 80,000 acre Moose River Plains Complex, a collection of public lands crossed by more than 40 miles of old dirt logging roads.
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Trail sign for Cathedral Pines
Hamilton County Nature Trail
Lake Pleasant, NY 12108
The Nature Trail (aka the Adirondack Eco Trail) at the Hamilton County Building Complex in Lake Pleasant is a well-maintained, multi-use trail system. 
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Close up of a hiker's boots
Hope Center Trails
Hope, NY 12134
Enjoy the approximately three miles of marked trails at Hope Center Trails, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Take a break at one of the 3 park benches and enjoy the scenery. 
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A nice trail at Hope Center Trails.
Buck Mountain
South Sabattis Road, County Route 10
Long Lake, NY 12847
In 1933, a fire tower on Buck Mountain was established on private lands between Long Lake and Tupper Lake.
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From the tower cab on Buck Mountain looking toward Little Tupper Lake.
Good Luck Lake-Good Luck Cliffs
New York State Route 10
Arietta, NY ‎12139
A level walk on a marked trail leads to Good Luck Lake, followed by another level stretch that leads to a final steep ascent of Good Luck Cliffs. This final stretch is one of the toughst hike in the southern Adirondacks.
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Hiking boots in the mud.
John Pond
Indian Lake, NY 12842
John Pond is a scenic destination in the Siamese Ponds Wilderness. This relatively flat trail through an Adirondack Wilderness Area ends at a lean-to, the perfect place to rest on the shore of John Pond, or stay for an overnight.
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A close-up view of a dirt trail and grass on either side
Fly Pond
Inlet, NY 13360
The hike to Fly Pond is a short walk to a small backcountry pond with a grassy shoreline. Wildlife viewing and birding are nice here, and it's a good addition to a hike of Bald Mountain.
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A small pond with considerable wetland plants.
Mountain Pond and Cork Mountain Loop
Inlet, NY 13360
Hiking the Mountain Pond and Cork Mountain Loop utilizes foot trails, multi-use trails, and a forest road. While the footing may be slippery and rough in places, it's an attractive walk through a mixed evergreen and deciduous forest. 
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A woman walks towards a pond on an exposed granite trail.
Old Forge Mountain Bike Trail System
Rondaxe Road
Inlet, NY 13360
A developing mountain biking trail network that branches out from Old Forge can be found here! 
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A close up of a bicycle wheel and foot