This trail is seldom used in any large capacity during the winter; this is mainly due to parking. From the roadside you will drop down to the parking lot and then over the embankment and continue on a moderate descent through a mixed forest. The base of the hill will bring you to a small stream crossing which is a tributary of the Raquette River, not a problem crossing in winter. Once across the stream you will have an easy climb as you go over a small unnamed little knob. The trail remains on top of the knob for a while where you can kick and glide smoothly before descending into a boreal forest, where the trail narrows and becomes lined with spruce and balsam. The trail ends at the shore of the Raquette River near a lean-to and other camping locations. The current of the river here is very low, so it can take on the look of being fully frozen, I wouldn’t trust the safety of the ice.

Elevation Gain/Loss to Destination:

-120 feet, rolling hills, mostly downhill

Approximate Time, Round Trip:

Family with Kids:                        3 to 4 hours

Experienced Skier:                        2 to 3 hours

Out of Shape/Beginner Skier:            2.5 to 3.5 hours

Distance Round Trip:

3.2 miles

Trailhead Location:

From the intersection of Route 30 and Route 3 in Tupper Lake follow Route 3/30 toward Saranac Lake. Directly across the road from where Route 30 and Route 3 split is the trailhead for Trombley Clearing/Landing.

Difficulty: 1=beginner, 5=advanced

Two: While the terrain isn’t very difficult the downhill’s can be a bit tricky with a couple sharp turns.

Additional Important Information:

Parking is usually not plowed out in winter; you will need to park along Route 3 in a safe and courteous location. There is parking a bit further up Route 3 and Route 30 that can be used if needed, but it will require you to ski the roadside for a short distance, but the parking will be better. 

Skiing over a frozen body of water is a cross-country skiing past time; it can access you to areas not seen by most in the summer. With that being said it is a dangerous activity to cross frozen water bodies and should be done with care and respect for your environment. Know the ice conditions and be prepared for anything including heavy winds, snow drifts, whiteouts, slushy conditions, and thin ice.