Adirondack Wildflowers: Flat-topped White Aster on recently logged sections of the Skidder Trail at the Paul Smiths VIC (19 August 2013)

Backcounty Hiking Trails in the Adirondacks:
Skidder Trail

This page is no longer being updated.  For an updated and expanded version of this material, see: Adirondack Hiking Trails: Skidder Trail

Paul Smiths VIC Sugar Bush on the Skidder Trail (19 August 2013) Adirondack Wildflowers: Fringed Bindweed on the Skidder Trail (19 August 2013) Adirondack Habitats: Recently-logged section of the Skidder Trail (19 August 2013) Adirondack Wildflowers: St John's Wort on the Skidder Trail (19 August 2013) West end of the Skidder Trail near the gravel logging road (19 August 2013) Adirondack Ski Trails: Skidder Trail at the Paul Smiths VIC.  Photo by Sandra Hildreth.  Used by permission.
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The Skidder Trail is a one-mile back country hiking trail connecting the northwest portion of the Easy Street Trail with the western side of the Logger’s Loop Trail.  There is no interpretive signage. Hiking boots are recommended, due to the rough portions of the trail.  

From the eastern (Easy Street) end, the Skidder Trial begins at a well-marked intersection by the Paul Smiths VIC Sugar Bush.  The trail starts out as a shady woods road, passing through a deciduous forest. You will note the tubing connecting the Sugar Maples on your left. 

The Skidder Trial then opens up into a recently-logged corridor through a mixed forest.  The trail through the logged corridor has been recently reworked (fall 2013) to remove stumps; it has also been levelled. In summer, it is dotted with sun-loving wildflowers, such as St John’s Wort, Flat-topped White Aster, and Fringed Bindweed.  The trail intersects with the Logger’s Loop Trail (at that point, a wide gravel logging road) in a clearing.

In the winter, the Skidder Trail becomes a skate trailFollow the orange tree markers and signs

 

 

 

Explore the VIC

The Paul Smiths VIC offers a wide variety of programs throughout the year to educate and inform Adirondack Park residents and visitors about the natural wonders of the Adirondack Mountains. You can help support these programs by joining the Friends of the VIC. More information on Friends of the VIC memberships

Explore the Trails

The VIC trails are free and open to the public, from dawn to dusk, spring through fall. In winter, the trails are open to cross-country skiers and snowshoers for a fee. Day or season passes may be purchased.