The SANTANONI RANGE
via Bradley Pond Trailhead

Special Considerations:

Do the Express trail up to Santanoni first. This range is very wet and muddy – bring Gore-Tex boots and gaiters. Trekking poles are highly recommended. Navigational skills are necessary. Bring a map

Intro

The Santanoni Range derives its name from Saint Anthony, the patron saint of the Saint Regis and Abenaki Natives. Some believe it also originated from an Abenaki dialect, calling it Sandanona or Si-non-bo-wanne. Santanoni first appeared on maps in 1838.

Panther Peak, identified in 1901, follows the Adirondack tradition of naming features after animals, possibly inspired by the elusive eastern cougar, rumored to still roam these woods. The first recorded ascent was made by Daniel Lynch in 1904.

Couchsachraga Peak (pronounced Kook-suh-krah-guh) was mistakenly included in the original 46 High Peaks, as early surveys estimated its elevation to be over 4,000 feet. In 1954, a USGS re-survey corrected its height to 3,820 feet, but it remains on the 46er list. The name comes from an ancient Indigenous term referring to the Cold River Valley and translates to "the great dismal wilderness" or "beaver hunting grounds." The peak is notorious for its bog, remoteness, and lack of views.

The Hike

This guide follows the best recommended loop, starting with Santanoni via the Express Trail, then heading toward Couchsachraga, and finishing with Panther before descending via Bradley Pond Trail.

The hike begins on Santanoni Road, a gentle 1.8-mile walk with only 200 feet of elevation gain, leading to the Bradley Pond Trail turnoff. Marked by two yellow arrows and blue markers, this turn is easy to spot.

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Turning right onto the Bradley Pond Trail, the next 1.9 miles gain 900 feet, taking you across a wooden bridge, up moderate terrain, and into the heart of the range. This stretch is often muddy and rugged, with some areas washed out. At mile 3.7, you’ll reach the Santanoni Express Trail, marked by a large cairn. It can be easy to miss, so pay close attention.

Turning left onto the Express Trail, you’ll cross a small stream—your last water source until you descend. The next 1.6 miles climb 1,700 feet, featuring a mix of steep scrambles, muddy slopes, and eroded sections. About 0.8 miles up, you'll reach a notorious 50-foot rock scramble, which can be slippery when wet. Carefully navigate your best route.

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Just beyond the scramble, you’ll catch your first views of Santanoni’s summit. The terrain gradually eases for the last 0.3 miles before reaching the Santanoni Trail junction. Turn left and hike 0.1 miles to the summit, marked by a wooden sign and a large rock.

From the summit, descend 1.1 miles along the unmarked ridgeline toward Times Square—a confusing junction with trails leading in multiple directions. Stay vigilant here, as many hikers have gone off-course.

From Times Square, locate the spur trail to Couchsachraga, marked by a small cairn on the left. This brutal out-and-back is 3.2 miles total, featuring one of the most infamous trails in the 46.

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Descending 1.6 miles, you’ll immediately enter deep mud pits. After 0.4 miles, a small viewpoint provides a look toward the Seward Range. The next 0.6 miles drop sharply to Couchsachraga Bog, an unavoidable muck-filled swamp. Cross it quickly—expect wet feet.

Beyond the bog, a final 300-foot ascent leads to Couchsachraga’s treed-in summit, marked by a wooden sign. Take in the partial views before retracing your steps 1.6 miles back to Times Square.

Back at Times Square, take the left turn toward Panther—only 0.25 miles away. The trail features two muddy sections before reaching a rocky scramble up Panther’s summit face.

At the summit, enjoy some of the best views in the Santanonis, with unobstructed scenery except to the east. Many hikers say Panther offers better views than Santanoni.

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From here, return to Times Square and descend 1.6 miles via the Bradley Pond Trail. This section is steep, wet, and extremely muddy. You'll cross Panther Brook before reaching Bradley Pond.

From Bradley Pond, follow signs back to the Bradley Pond Trailhead. It's 2.5 miles to Santanoni Road, followed by a final 1.8-mile road walk back to the trailhead.

Trail Summary

• 0.0 Start at the AMR parking lot.

• 0.6 Reach AMR gate for Lake Road.

• 2.7 Turn left onto Gill Brook Trail.

• 3.7 Pass a trail sign, continuing straight.

• 3.9 Pass Indian Head trail sign, continuing straight.

• 4.5 Pass another Indian Head sign, staying straight.

• 5.3 Reach Nippletop/Colvin fork, staying left toward Nippletop.

• 5.8 Reach Elk Pass, beginning the steep ascent.

• 6.6 Arrive at Nippletop intersection (0.2-mile sign).

• 6.8 Summit Nippletop. Descend the ridgeline to Dial.

• 8.7 Summit Dial Mountain.

• 10.4 Reach Bear Den summit.

• 11.2 Reach Noonmark’s Shoulder (Burn Zone).

• 12.8 Reach Lake Road.

• 13.6 Arrive at the AMR gate.

• 14.2 Return to St. Hubert’s parking lot.