Inside

‍The Paul Smith's College VIC offers year-round environmental education and outdoor recreation opportunities. Before exploring the property’s outstanding trail network, stop by the visitor center’s nature museum and learn a few things about Adirondack ecosystems. While you’re there, you can ask staff about trail recommendations, and check out the art gallery and butterfly house before hitting the trails.

‍Outside

‍Outside of the visitor center, a 25-mile trail network begins. Take the wide, easy path down to Heron Marsh and birdwatch from one of the viewing platforms. If you want something longer but just as easy, continue straight to the boardwalk over the marsh — this is an amazing opportunity to walk through a wetland without getting wet — or bear right and follow Barnum Brook to the Boreal Life trail, where another boardwalk winds past pitcher plants and bog rosemary to a viewing platform overlooking Barnum Pond.

The VIC trails are free to use in the summer, but in winter the property becomes a cross-country ski center. For a small day pass fee (season passes are also available), visitors can use snowshoe, backcountry, and groomed cross-country trails. The groomed trails are maintained for both classic and skate skiing, and they take skiers through the variety of habitats on VIC’s property.

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The lowdown

• Trails are open dawn to dusk
• 15K of groomed trails for snowshoeing, skate, and classic skiing
• 40K of maintained trails for classic skiers and snowshoers
• A full range of trail difficulties and lengths
• Indoor space to get you geared up for your winter adventure - open weekends 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Parking

In downtown Saranac Lake, take Route 86 west toward Paul Smiths. At the intersection with Route 30, turn right on Route 30 and look for the VIC entrance on the left after about a mile. Parking is just down the road. 

The trails

Classic cross-country Trails

These trails are typically groomed 4 feet wide with an ATV and grooming equipment. Track is set when conditions permit. Classic ski trails are open to snowshoers who must walk on the side, avoiding all tracks.

WOODS AND WATERS TRAIL: This trail is a 3.0-mile (one-way) route that crosses through the varied habitats of the VIC property. Cross the floating bridge, ski through open hardwoods and conifers, and through a dense balsam section by the lean-to on Little Black Pond. Follow the red trail markers.

HERON MARSH TRAIL: This is a 3-mile loop that circles Heron Marsh. Features of interest include Shingle Mill Falls, the Lester family home site, several observation platforms, a 900’ boardwalk, and scenic vistas across the marsh. Follow the light grey trail markers.

ESKER TRAIL: This route is accessed from the Logger’s Loop Trail. The trail features a significant climb with switchbacks and a series of enticing vistas. The 1.5-mile connector trail is in the center of the VIC property. There are challenging up and downhill grades on this recently logged terrain. Please use caution! Ski the trail clockwise to best navigate steep terrain. Follow the light green trail markers.

BOBCAT TRAIL: This trail is the connector route from the Paul Smith’s College campus. The 1.25-mile trail can be accessed by the VIC building or across the road from the Saunders Sports Complex. Follow the orange trail markers.

SILVI TRAIL: This one-mile trail intersects with the Woods and Waters Trail and leads through a forest plantation developed on the site of the St. Regis Golf Club. Follow the blue trail markers.

Skate Ski Trails

These trails are typically groomed 8′ to 10’ wide with the VIC’s quads and groomers. The trails are packed and rolled as conditions permit. Skate trails can be used by non-skate skiers. However, those on classic skis or snowshoes are asked to stay to the side of the trail.

EASY STREET: This trail is a one-mile loop trail accessed from the Logger’s Loop Trail. Follow the light blue trail markers.

LOGGER’S LOOP: This 6-mile loop trail links restored logging and skid trails. Skiers will experience varied terrain, a few narrow spots, and a hairpin turn thrown in for good measure. Follow the dark green trail markers.

FOX RUN: This half-mile, rolling connector trail is accessed via Logger’s Loop. It can be bumpy and patchy with lighter snow. It allows skiers to avoid steep terrain on Logger’s Loop. Follow the dark red trail markers.

SKIDDER TRAIL: This trail cuts across the silviculture area of the VIC. Skiers can explore varied forests of hard and soft wood, as well as pine plantations, at different stages of succession and management. Varied animal tracks are often visible. Follow the orange trail markers.

Prices

• Day Pass
• $5 per person ages 6 - 17
• $10 per person ages 18 and up
• Children under 6 are free

Season Pass

• $50 per person ages 6 - 17
• $100 per person ages 18 and up
• Group of 4: $325
• Family: $7