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Dean Farm Heritage Trails

Hike

Dean Farm Heritage Trails

The Dean Farm Heritage Trails offer a scenic 3.6-mile loop perfect for hikers of all ages and skill levels. Beginning with the Meadow Ramble East, the trail winds through serene meadows, along peaceful streams, and into the tranquil woodlands of the Enchanted Forest. These well-marked paths are a great way to experience the natural beauty of the region, offering a blend of open spaces and shaded forest, perfect for a peaceful outdoor adventure.

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Photo by Jennifer Kietzman.

Dean Farm Heritage Trails - All Trails - Kristin Olmstead 4

Photo by Kristin Olmstead.

Scenic Stops & Educational Insights

This route starts at Meadow Ramble East and follows Streamside, Enchanted Forest, Woodland Loop, and Sled Hill, offering a 3.6-mile mix of easy meadow walks and peaceful woodland paths. Along Streamside, enjoy calming views of Stony Creek, while Woodland Loop provides a serene forest escape, with Sled Hill offering a gentle incline to conclude the hike.

3.6 mi
2 hours
Gain 452 ft
Easy to
Moderate
43.289ºN, 73.969ºW
No Mtn. Elevation

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Directions & Parking

From Exit 23 of the Northway, head west and turn right onto Route 9. Cross Judd Bridge, then follow River St. (NY-418W) for 3.9 miles. Continue on W Stony Creek Rd for 8.6 miles to Stony Creek, then turn right onto Harrisburg Rd for 0.4 miles, right onto Lanfear Rd for 0.2 miles, and left onto Murray Rd. The trailhead and parking will be on your left.

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43.4299,-73.9271

Dean Farm Heritage Trail

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  • Dean Farm Heritage Trails - Matthew Ziehnert 1

    Matthew Ziehnert
  • Dean Farm Heritage Trails - All Trails - Amy Goldberg

    Amy Goldberg
  • Dean Farm Heritage Trails - Steven Franczkiewicz

    Steven Franczkiewicz
  • Dean Farm Heritage Trails - Lake George Area Facebook

    Lake George Area Facebook
  • Dean Farm Heritage Trails - Dan Waytkus

    Dan Waytkus
  • Dean Farm Heritage Trails - Matthew Ziehnert 3

    Matthew Ziehnert
  • Dean Farm Heritage Trails - All Trails - Kristin Olmstead

    Kristin Olmstead
  • Dean Farm Heritage Trails - Jennifer Kietzman, Entrance to ADA Accessible Trails on West Side of Murray Road

    Jennifer Kietzman
  • Dean Farm Heritage Trails - All Trails - Kristin Olmstead 3

    Kristin Olmstead
  • Dean Farm Heritage Trails - Steven Franczkiewicz 2

    Steven Franczkiewicz
  • Dean Farm Heritage Trails - Nicole Naatz

    Nicole Naatz
  • Dean Farm Heritage Trails - Jennifer Kietzman, Welcome Sign

    Jennifer Kietzman
Things You Don’t Want to Miss

Trail Highlights


The Dean Farm Heritage Trails are well-marked and ideal for families and beginners seeking a peaceful hike in nature. Along the way, interpretive signs and benches provide opportunities to rest and learn more about the local ecosystem, while picnic areas and scenic spots invite hikers to pause and take in the beauty of the landscape. This combination makes the trails a rewarding experience for nature lovers of all ages.

How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives.

Annie Dillard, The Writing Life

What to Know Before You Go

Trail Rules

Before heading out on the Dean Farm Heritage Trails, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the trail rules to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. These guidelines help protect the natural environment, preserve wildlife habitats, and maintain the beauty of the trails for all visitors. Please follow the rules outlined below to contribute to the preservation and enjoyment of these scenic paths.

  • Stay on marked trails to protect the environment and minimize damage.
  • Carry in, carry out all trash and pet waste to keep the trails litter free.
  • Dogs are welcome, but they must be kept on a leash at all times.
  • No motorized vehicles are allowed on the trails.
  • No fires are allowed on the trail to prevent forest fires.
  • Only picnic in designated areas to maintain the natural environment.
  • Keep a safe distance from wildlife and avoid disturbing animals.
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Similar Routes

Farming History and the Dean Homestead Museum

The Dean Farm Heritage Trails are located on a 271-acre parcel in Stony Creek, part of the First Wilderness corridor in the southern Adirondacks.These trails were designed to highlight the natural beauty and historical significance of the area, offering a mix of meadows, wetlands, and wooded paths. The land was originally part of a working farm and has been preserved to allow visitors to explore the diverse ecosystems, including wildflower meadows, streams, and forested landscapes.

In addition to the natural scenery, the area has a historical component tied to the Dean Homestead Museum, which is adjacent to the trails. The museum provides insights into the region’s farming history and offers a look back into the heritage of Stony Creek and the surrounding areas​.

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Take the Challenge

Are you ready to conquer the outdoors? Register for the Gateway 8 Challenge and explore Saratoga and Warren County’s most scenic hiking, biking, and paddling routes. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or new to the trails, this challenge offers the perfect mix of stunning views and physical achievement.

Lace up your boots, grab your gear, and start your adventure today!

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Bear Slides (aka Buttermilk Falls)

Hike

Bear Slides
(Buttermilk Falls)

The Bear Slides (also known as Buttermilk Falls) trail near Lake Luzerne is a gentle .8-mile out-and-back hike that’s perfect for families and beginners. Following the scenic Buttermilk Brook, this easy trail offers beautiful forested paths, rocky outcrops, and its unique feature, the Bear Slides—smooth natural rock formations created by the flowing water.

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Photo by Jennifer Kietzman.

Bear Slides - Jennifer Kietzman, Trail View in the Woods

Photo by Jennifer Kietzman.

Nature’s Waterslides & Forest Paths

The Bear Slides (aka Buttermilk Falls) is a natural 50-foot waterslide located along Buttermilk Brook near Lake Luzerne, part of the Lake George Wild Forest. The area is known for its smooth rock formations, where water cascades down, forming the unique Bear Slides.

Please note that the trail continues on beyond the slides on the left hand side of the brook, if you’d like to continue.

0.8 mi
30 minutes
Gain 344 ft
Easy
43.322°N, 73.846°W
El. 682 ft

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Directions & Parking

Parking is available near the trailhead off River Road in Lake Luzerne.

Plan Your Route

43.4008592,-73.8827701

Bear Slides

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  • Bear Slides - Jennifer Kietzman, View of the Trail before It Enters the Woods

    Photo by Jennifer Kietzman.
  • Bear Slides - Jennifer Kietzman, Upper Parking Lot

    Photo by Jennifer Kietzman.
  • Bear Slides - Jennifer Kietzman, Steeplebush

    Photo by Jennifer Kietzman.
  • Bear Slides - Jennifer Kietzman, Mossy Banks along Buttermilk Brook

    Photo by Jennifer Kietzman.
  • Bear Slides - Jennifer Kietzman, Buttermilk Falls

    Photo by Jennifer Kietzman.
  • Bear Slides - Jennifer Kietzman, Buttermilk Brook

    Photo by Jennifer Kietzman.
Things You Don’t Want to Miss

Trail Highlights


With minimal elevation gain and a peaceful atmosphere, it’s a great option for those looking for a relaxing, scenic walk. The trail ends at Buttermilk Falls, providing a serene spot for reflection. This trail offers year-round beauty, with snowshoeing available in the winter months.

We have an inherent urge to wander that we seldom think about, but that we are reminded of every time we follow a path.

— Torbjorn Ekelund, In Praise of Paths

What to Know Before You Go

Trail Rules

Before starting your hike on the Bear Slides (aka Buttermilk Falls) Trail, it’s important to be aware of the trail rules to protect both the environment and your safety. Following these guidelines ensures the area remains beautiful and accessible for future visitors. Below are the specific rules you should keep in mind during your visit.

  • Pets on Leash
  • No Hunting
  • Stay on Marked Trails
  • Carry In, Carry Out
  • No Motor Vehicles
  • Respect Wildlife

Trail Map

More Journeys

Similar Routes

Take the Challenge

Are you ready to conquer the outdoors? Register for the Gateway 8 Challenge and explore Saratoga and Warren County’s most scenic hiking, biking, and paddling routes. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or new to the trails, this challenge offers the perfect mix of stunning views and physical achievement.

Lace up your boots, grab your gear, and start your adventure today!

Continue reading

Potash Mountain Trail

Hike

Potash Mountain Trail

The Potash Mountain Trail in Lake Luzerne is a moderate to difficult hike offering stunning views of the Adirondack Mountains and Lake Luzerne. This 3.26-mile round-trip hike features a mix of steep climbs, rugged terrain, and dense forests, rewarding hikers with panoramic summit views. For those looking to extend their hike, the Nature Trail adds a relaxed loop that showcases the local trees and ecosystems. Rich in both natural beauty and history, Potash Mountain provides a fulfilling experience for outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds.

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Photo by Becky Gurney.

Elaine Winslow

Photo by Elaine Winslow.

Discover the Potash Mountain Trails

The Potash Mountain Trail features two distinct loops, offering varied hiking experiences. The Summit Trail (3.26 miles) is a moderate to difficult climb with an elevation gain of 1,033 feet, rewarding hikers with panoramic views of the Adirondacks and Lake Luzerne. The shorter Nature Trail (0.7 miles) provides a more relaxed loop with educational signage about the area’s trees, ideal for a peaceful, informative walk. Both loops can be combined for a well-rounded hike, balancing challenge with scenic serenity.

3.26 mi
and 0.7 mi
1-2 hours
Gain
1,033 ft
Moderate/
Difficult
43.368° N, -73.827° W
El. 1,751 ft

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Directions & Parking

Take the Northway to Exit 21. Turn left and head south on NY-9N towards Lake Luzerne. After approximately 6.7mi turn right onto Potash Rd. The trailhead and parking will be on your right after about 0.5mi.

Plan Your Route

43.368,-73.827

Potash Mountain Trail

Get Directions

  • Jennifer Kietzman
  • Steve Mackey
  • trail view

    Jennifer Kietzman
  • amanita

    Elaine Winslow
  • Potash Mountain Trail - Steve Mackey - Stalagmite

    Steve Mackey
  • bridge

    Jennifer Kietzman
  • Sandra Gathen
  • Steve Mackey
  • Jennifer Kietzman
  • Steve Mackey

    Steve Mackey
  • Potash Mountain Trail - Elaine Winslow, View from the Nature Trail

    Elaine Winslow
  • Becky Gurney
Things You Don’t Want to Miss

Trail Highlights


Potash Mountain offers a moderately challenging hike that leads to a stunning summit with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. At the top, the trail loops around for a smooth descent back down the mountain. For extra distance and an educational experience, explore the Nature Trail, where you’ll learn about the local trees and ecosystems.

Nature is what we know—
Yet have no art to say—
So impotent Our Wisdom is
To her Simplicity.

— Emily Dickinson

What to Know Before You Go

Trail Rules

Before starting your hike on the Potash Mountain Trail or the Nature Trail, please review the trail rules to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all. These guidelines help protect the environment and preserve the beauty of the area for future visitors. Adhering to these rules helps ensure that the environment remains pristine and that everyone can enjoy the breathtaking views and history that Potash Mountain has to offer.

  • Stay on marked trails to protect the environment and minimize damage.
  • Carry in, carry out all trash and pet waste.
  • Well-behaved dogs are welcome, but they must be kept on a leash at all times.
  • No motorized vehicles are allowed on the trails.
  • Open fires & campfires are prohibited.
  • Hunting is not allowed on or near the trail.
  • Keep a respectful distance from animals and avoid feeding or disturbing them.

Trail Map

More Journeys

Similar Routes

History of Potash Mountain

Potash Mountain holds a deep historical connection to the early settlement and development of the Lake Luzerne area. Prior to the Revolutionary War, the land, which included modern-day Lake Luzerne, Hadley, Corinth, Warrensburg, Thurman, Chestertown, and Johnsburg, was acquired by brothers Ebenezer and Edward Jessup. While it’s unclear if they named the mountain Potash Kettle, early records suggest the name could have derived from its unique shape, which resembled an inverted kettle—a feature recognized by the Mohawk people, who called the mountain Senongewok.

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The name “Potash” likely refers to a vital potassium compound that was America’s first industrial chemical. Used extensively in agriculture as a fertilizer, as well as in the production of soap, glass, textiles, and ceramics, potash was a crucial commodity for settlers in the region. Early settlers made use of the abundant trees by clearing land for farms, burning logs, and collecting the ashes to create potash. The process involved leaching the lye from ashes with water and boiling it down to create “black salts,” which settlers could sell or use for various purposes. This practice was nearly universal among early farmers and served as an important source of income as they developed the land.

Potash Mountain and its name stand as a testament to this early industry, and today, it is a community peak that connects visitors to the rich history of the Lake Luzerne area. You can learn more about the area’s heritage through exhibits at the Frances G. Kinnear Museum of Local History, home to the Hadley-Lake Luzerne Historical Society, which showcases artifacts like old postcards of the mountain labeled as “Potash Kettle Mountain.”

For further historical context, see Dan Forbush’s work, “Potash Mountain: Lake Luzerne’s Community Peak,” which provides detailed insight into the area’s transformation from early settlements to the bustling town it is today.

Learn More

Take the Challenge

Are you ready to conquer the outdoors? Register for the Gateway 8 Challenge and explore Saratoga and Warren County’s most scenic hiking, biking, and paddling routes. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or new to the trails, this challenge offers the perfect mix of stunning views and physical achievement.

Lace up your boots, grab your gear, and start your adventure today!

Continue reading