Ampersand Mountain

It is not unusual to see cars parked along the roadside at this very popular trailhead. Most folks will be there to climb the mountain, but you will be there to take your time and enjoy the forest. When starting on the trail, right away you will be surrounded by original, unlogged, forest. The well-worn trail will take you by impressive sugar maple, hemlock, and yellow birch. The yellow birches are close to 500 years old, and have been called some of the most impressive in New York. There are also beech trees, but the largest of these have been killed by beech-bark disease. Tasteful little bridges will lead you over beautiful streams. This old-growth forest has been described as "two miles wide and 8 miles long," covering approximately 1,400 acres. If you are an off-trail sort of hiker, there are lovely spots to explore and enjoy throughout this forest.