Adirondack Mountain Club

The Paul Smith's College Visitor Interpretive Center (VIC) is one of the most significant birding hotspots in Franklin County. There are six miles of trails and we will likely choose to do the Boreal life trail which has one stretch of significant descent and another with climbing on the loop. However, we will be birding at a slow pace so you can take your time.

There is an extensive 1600’ boardwalk through boreal habitat and a nearby observation tower. Many of the wood warblers will have already migrated south and most that remain will be in fall plumage. The trail features boreal species and we may be lucky enough to see Black-backed woodpecker and Palm Warbler. Other birds seen from time to time include Crossbills, Lincoln’s Sparrow, and Rusty Blackbird. We should also expect to see some ducks and herons on the property.

Bring binoculars of course. The pace will be slow and we may take a brief look at some of the other trails if we hear of birds of note. There are restroom facilities at the VIC.

Meeting place: Campus lodge dining room
Travel distance: Caravan 25 minutes from campus
Trip rating: C (Easy)
Trip distance: about 2 miles
Maximum group size: 8
Reference: Adirondack Birding, pages 121; map at p. 120.