New York · Hiking

Snowbird

SnowbirdPhoto: andyarthur, CC BY 2.0 (via Flickr)
1.7 mi
round trip
311 ft
climb
1,351 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Jun–Sep
best months

Snowbird is an easy out-and-back hike in Tug Hill State Forest in New York, managed by the State Department of Conservation. The route is about 3.3 miles long, with a total climb of 311 feet and a high point of 1,351 feet. The steepest stretch comes at about 0.4 miles in, with a 10% grade. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Watertown show July highs around 80°F and lows near 62°F, while winter brings frequent snow days and highs in the 20s. The trail sits among a cluster of other routes. Home Run, a mountain biking trail, is just 0.1 mile away, and the Whiteway and Electric Loop hikes are each about 0.3 mile off. South Sandy Creek, a canoeing spot, lies about 3.8 miles away.

  • Best time to go · Jun–Sep

    Best time to visit Snowbird

    Best months: June–September. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      29° / 11°

      18 wet · 12 snow

    2. Feb

      31° / 12°

      15 wet · 10 snow

    3. Mar

      40° / 22°

      14 wet · 6 snow

    4. Apr

      53° / 35°

      13 wet · 1 snow

    5. May

      67° / 47°

      14 wet

    6. Jun

      75° / 57°

      12 wet

    7. Jul

      80° / 62°

      11 wet

    8. Aug

      79° / 60°

      11 wet

    9. Sep

      72° / 52°

      12 wet

    10. Oct

      59° / 41°

      16 wet

    11. Nov

      46° / 30°

      15 wet · 4 snow

    12. Dec

      35° / 20°

      17 wet · 9 snow

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Watertown, NY, 10.3 mi away at 497 ft. The station sits about 900 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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