SEWARD RANGE
via Coreys Road
The Seward Range is a remote and rugged collection of peaks in the western High Peaks Wilderness, often tackled later in the 46er journey due to its challenging terrain and lack of marked trails. This range consists of three primary High Peaks—Seward, Donaldson, and Emmons—typically hiked together, while Seymour Mountain, which is separate from the main ridgeline, is often done as its own out-and-back. The Seward Range’s ruggedness, lack of views compared to other ranges, and notoriously wet, muddy conditions make it one of the least-traveled sections of the 46. However, its solitude and old logging history make it a unique experience.
What to know
Start:
Seward Trailhead
Blueberry Trail
Elevation Gain:
4,000 feet
Summit Elevations:
Seward Mountain (4,361 feet),
Donaldson Mountain (4,140 feet),
Emmons Mountain (4,040 feet)
Trail Length:
16.0 miles round trip
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Difficulty:
5 out of 7 - Moderately Difficult
Average Hiking Time:
10–12 hours
View Type:
Limited; each peak has views to some degree, but don't expect much compared to other High Peaks.
Dog Friendliness:
Not the best hike for dogs, but fine if your dog is used to this kind of outing.
Trail Surface:
This range is unmarked and far less traveled than other ranges; very rugged with tons of rocks, roots, and mud
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Water Availability:
Water is scarce; it can be found at the base of Seward Mountain via a small stream or from crossing Caulkins Brook.
Maximum Grade:
2,100 feet in 2 miles (ascent of Seward)
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Sunrise or Sunset:
This range is not ideal for either, but Donaldson has decent sunrise potential.
Special Considerations:
This route does not have to be done as a loop. If you want to make it even easier, just out and back via Caulkins Brook to Donaldson and do the range that way. This is a very wet range. Gore-Tex boots and gaiters are highly recommended. Trekking poles will be extremely useful.
Intro
The Seward Range was once thought to contain much taller mountains than it does today. In 1837, Ebenezer Emmons estimated Mount Seward’s elevation at around 5,100 feet, making it seem like one of the highest peaks in the Adirondacks. However, in 1870, Verplanck Colvin and his guide Alvah Dunning corrected this error, determining Seward’s true height at 4,361 feet. The region was heavily logged by the Santa Clara Lumber Company in the early 1900s, stripping away much of its old-growth forests. Although logging ceased over 80 years ago, signs of its past remain scattered throughout the range. Before the Civil War, this area was known for its immense and pristine woodlands, a stark contrast to the second-growth forests present today. While the scars of the logging era still mark the terrain, the range has slowly reclaimed its wilderness, offering hikers a glimpse into the rugged and untamed heart of the Adirondacks.
The Hike
At mile 5.2, near a wooden bridge, you’ll turn right onto the Seward Mountain herd path, marked by a cairn with metal. The climb up Seward is one of the toughest in the Adirondacks, gaining 2,300 feet over 2.3 miles. Initially, the trail remains relatively moderate, weaving through dense woods and alongside a small river. Around 0.5 miles in, you’ll cross a small stream—your last reliable water source. From here, the terrain grows increasingly steep and rocky, eventually transitioning to a pure rock scramble.
Seward’s trail is infamous for its unrelenting, rugged ascent, featuring one of the rockiest trails in the High Peaks. Near the top, you’ll encounter a rare Adirondack switchback, where a fantastic viewpoint opens up to the north. A short distance beyond this, you’ll reach the summit of Seward, marked by a wooden sign. While the summit itself lacks a great view, there is a decent clearing just beyond it.
Today’s hike will follow a clockwise loop, tackling Seward Mountain first, then traversing to Donaldson and Emmons before descending via Calkins Brook Trail. This route allows for a more energy-efficient climb and avoids descending the brutal terrain of Seward.
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The hike begins at the Seward Trailhead, following the Blueberry Trail—a relatively wide and well-maintained path. Over the first 5.2 miles, you’ll pass several landmarks, including the horse trail cutoff at mile 0.8, the turn for Calkins Brook Truck Trail at mile 1.3, the Blueberry Lean-to at mile 4.8, and finally, the Ward Brook Truck Trail intersection at mile 5.0.
From Seward’s summit, the trail continues 0.8 miles to Donaldson, descending steeply before leveling out slightly. This section involves multiple scrambles, loose rock, and intermittent views. You’ll climb a short, steep section before reaching Donaldson’s summit spur, which will be on your left. The summit is marked by a wooden sign and offers limited views through the trees toward the east.
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Next, you’ll traverse to Emmons, which is 0.9 miles away. This section is notorious for its deep mud pits—a defining feature of the Seward Range. About 0.2 miles past Donaldson, you’ll encounter another scenic viewpoint that overlooks Long Lake and the path ahead toward Emmons. The trail then descends 300 feet before beginning the final push to Emmons, which involves a 6-foot rock scramble just before the summit. Emmons’s summit is marked by a wooden sign but offers little in the way of views.
After completing the Seward Range traverse, you’ll backtrack 1 mile to Calkins Brook Trail, which is located just beyond Donaldson. This marks the start of the 2.6-mile descent down Calkins Brook Trail, which consists of loose dirt, muddy patches, and an often-overgrown herd path. This narrow path will lead us around blowdown and will eventually come to Calkins Brook just over halfway down.
At the bottom, you’ll cross the brook, looking for cairns to the other side, and continue along a herd path to the intersection marked by rocks and metal. Turn right here on to the truck trail. You are 3.2 miles from the trail head at this point.
We’ll walk along the wide truck trail for 1.8 miles where you will pass a campsite on the right. At this point, you can either turn left to take the horse trail shortcut, which will save you a few minutes, or continue straight on the Blueberry Trail.
Either option is fine; just make sure to eventually turn left. Once you reconnect withthe Blueberry Trail, we’ll hike the remaining distance back to the trailhead, completing your adventure.
Trail Summary
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0.0 Start at the trailhead parking lot; follow Blueberry Trail.
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0.8 Pass the horse trail cutoff on your right.
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1.3 Pass the turn for Calkins Brook Truck Trail.
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4.8 Pass the Blueberry Lean-to.
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5.0 Connect to Ward Brook Truck Trail.
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5.2 Turn right at the wooden bridge for Seward Mountain.
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7.5 Reach Seward summit.
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8.2 Pass the Calkins Brook Trail (0.1 miles before Donaldson).
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8.3 Arrive at Donaldson summit.
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9.2 Reach Emmons summit.
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10.2 Return to the Calkins Brook Cutoff trail (just beyond Donaldson).
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12.8 Reach the truck trail at the bottom of Calkins Trail.
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14.7 Pass campsite; turn left for the Horse Trail shortcut or continue straight.
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16.0 Arrive back at the trailhead and parking lot.