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 trail register is located near the yellow state gate. From here, you will begin a mellow hike along an old carriage road for 1.2 miles. This will be on a mostly flat grade along a snowmobile trail to the junction for Debar Mountain.
Take this left toward Debar Mountain; there is a trail sign marking this trail intersection. From here, the trail remains relatively moderate. After a couple of short climbs, you will come to the Debar lean-to. At this point, the summit is another 0.8 miles away.
Once past the lean-to, the climb becomes much steeper. The trail sweeps by the base of a relatively new slide. The trail then climbs along the slide to its left before steeply ascending rocky terrain. Once atop here, the grade moderates a bit and eases out to the summit rock. The summit offers outstanding views of the area, with 180-degree vistas. This is a great place to bask in the sun on a hot day.
By the numbers
Distance Round Trip: 7.4 miles
Elevation: 3,305 feet
Elevation Gain: 1,725 feet
Hiking
Trailhead: From Malone, take Route 30 south to Meacham Lake State Campground. In season, there is a small day-use fee. Once in the campground, follow the roads to the trailhead, which is located on the left side of the campground down a narrow dirt road.
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. Follow the main road through the campground to find the signs for the trailhead, which leads to a dirt road, 0.5 miles from the campground, to reach the actual trailhead.
Seasoned snowshoers can complete this trek in about 5 hours.
