The Climber

This route, created by Lake Champlain Bikeways, involves some strenuous climbing around 3,820’ Lyon Mountain, the highest point in Clinton County, and through some of the most sparsely settled areas in the county. Shortly after the Saranac Town Hall the first climb, Russia (pronounced Roo-sha) Hill begins – a 1 mile climb.

About halfway up the hill there is a 14-mile dirt road leading to a parking lot at the top of High Falls Dam with a nice view. The last store for 15 miles is in Clayburg about 1/4 mile before the Climber turns onto Standish Road and starts the major climb.

In Standish the route takes a sharp right turn toward the hamlet of Lyon Mountain and climbs for about 3/4 mile to the high point, 1,989’ Just before entering Lyon Mountain there is a public spring. Chazy Lake can be seen at a number of points south of Route 374 and at mile 33 the trip becomes all downhill. There is a great view of the Saranac Valley just before Nashville Road where Chazy Lake Road turns right for the downhill to Pickett’s Corners.