Debar Mountain offers beautiful views and a skill-testing cross-country ski and snowshoe trail. Reach the top for a panoramic view of the Santa Clara tract and the northern Adirondacks. Look for St. Regis and Azure Mountains to the west. This remote location shows few signs of human civilization. The Debar lean-to is 0.8 miles shy of the summit.

How to get there

The trailhead is located within the Meacham Lake Campground. From Malone, NY, take NY-30 south for about 30 miles to Meacham Lake; the entrance will be clearly marked on the left. From the south, take NY-30 north and follow the signs to the Meacham Lake entrance, which will be on the right. After entering the campground, stay left at the Y. Continue to the guest check-in booth, where you will need to pay an $8 day-use fee. After passing through the booth, take the second left and drive less than 0.25 miles; the trailhead will be on your right.

‍By the numbers

Distance Round Trip: 7.4 miles

Elevation: 3,305 feet

Elevation Gain: 1,725 feet

‍Debar Mountain in the winter

This popular trail is usually well packed down from other snowshoers and skiers. Crampons and other climbing aids are recommended for the climb to the summit, which begins past the lean-to. The entrance road to the campground is usually plowed to within a quarter mile of the entrance station. Seasoned snowshoers can complete this trek in about 5 hours.