Schroon Lake Day Hike
What is up my fellow Road Trip Warriors!? Mount Severance is a great, short hike located up near Schroon Lake in New York. Hiking Mount Severance can be combined with spending time at the lake, or hitting another short trail in the area. It offers pretty views of the lake and I recommend it for those looking to get outside for a short trek. See everything you need to know about this hike down below!
Summary of Hiking Mount Severance
- Difficulty: Easy
- Length: 2.4 miles round trip
- Elevation: 1,693′
- Hiking Time: Can be done in 2 or less hours depending on speed and time spent on summit.
- Elevation Gain: Somewhere between 750′ and 800′
- Photo Opportunities: You could take photos as you enter the tunnels that bring you under I-87 at the beginning of the hike. At the summit there is an opening where you can take pictures of the lake.
Trailhead
The trailhead for Mount Severance can be located a half mile south of the intersection between Route 74 and State Route 9 in Schroon Lake, NY. There is a brown, wooden trail sign that can be seen from the road. It is easy to spot.
starting the Hike
After parking, the trail immediately takes you under I-87 via two tunnels. It is cool walking under such a heavily trafficked highway, and the tunnels are pretty dark. Luckily, they are quick to get through and you can see the other side the entire time.
Once through the tunnels there will be a trail register where you should sign in for the hike.
The Trail to the summit of Mount Severance
The trail up this mountain is an easy, gradual climb. The steepest part of this hike is the last half mile. Even then, the trail is not cumbersome. It is a typical Adirondack trail with roots, loose rocks, and some small rock slides.
The trail is well-marked and very easy to follow to the top.
Mount Severance
The first outlook provides scenery of the Schroon Lake Region with the second outlook providing views of Paradox Lake and the surrounding wilderness there.
For being such a short trek to the summit, the views are worth it. You can also reach the summit quickly without much sweat, so it is a great hike for some outdoor leisure.
Getting back to trailhead
This hike is an out-and-back so just follow the same trail you took to the top of the mountain back down! Just watch your footing on loose rocks and wet roots if there happen to be any!
Dog-friendly
This hike is MORE than suitable for bringing your furry friend on. In fact, this hike probably won’t even tire out your dog. My Black and Tan coonhound/retriever mix was still amped up once we got back to our car. Just make sure to bring extra water and dog treats!
Fam-Friendly
This hike is very easy, so bringing anyone in the family should not be an issue. It is a short trek, with views that anyone would appreciate. I recommend it for both inexperienced and experienced hikers.
Clothes/Gear Worn
- Northface hat
- Adidas athletic shirt
- Compression shorts
- Athletic shorts
- Wool hiking socks
- Timberland socks
Equipment/Food Brought
- 3L of water
- Peanut butter granola bars, peanut butter sandwiches, trail mix
- Extra EMS hiking socks
- Bandana
- Extra shirt and underarmour
- Wind/rain pants
- Emergency tent and blankets
- Knife
- Paracord and carabiners (non climbing carabiners)
- Water-proof matches
- Life-Straw (water filtration straw, costs about $20)
- Trekking poles
- First-Aid Kit
- Garmin InReach (satellite device that has a GPS, can send texts, send SOS, and has many other helpful features.
Helpful Links
- All Trails Link – For Hiking Mount Severance
- Lake Placid 9er Challenge – For a FUN, Family-Friendly Hiking Challenge
rTW Note
Thanks my Road Trip Warriors for checking out this post! If you found it helpful or any other hikes on the website useful, please share it with others! Hiking Mount Severance is a breeze and a good mountain to bring the family up. It provides pretty views for little effort. Make sure to check out our socials too with our links on the website! Stay safe and carry out what you carry in!
-Ant
