Location and surroundings
Sawteeth sits in the Great Range, part of the Adirondack High Peaks in the Adirondack Mountains of New York, United States. Administratively it lies in the Town of Keene in Essex County. Within the Great Range it ranks 11th highest of 19 named peaks, so it is a mid-ranked summit in a very compact high mountain group.
The mountain rises above the lake-and-ridge country of the central Adirondacks. Its slopes are tied to the Lower Ausable Lake area, and the surrounding terrain is steep, wooded, and broken by ledges and narrow cols. The nearby high peaks make Sawteeth part of a closely packed alpine landscape rather than an isolated summit.
Neighbouring peaks
- Sawteeth-Southeast Peak — 1,252 m, 0.5 km SE
- Pyramid Peak — 1,401 m, 1.1 km NW
- Gothics — 1,410 m, 1.6 km NW
- Gothics — 1,425 m, 1.6 km N
- Armstrong Mountain — 1,350 m, 1.8 km N
- Armstrong Mountain — 1,320 m, 2.2 km N
- Indian Head — 813 m, 2.3 km E
- Saddleback Mountain — 1,375 m, 2.4 km NW
The nearest higher peak is Pyramid Peak, 1.1 km to the northwest. Sawteeth is lower than the main Great Range summits around it, but it still forms a distinct ridge point between higher neighbours and the lower country to the east.
The view from the summit
Within 25 km, the highest peaks include Mount Marcy to the west at 1,629 m, Algonquin Peak farther west at 1,555 m, and Mount Haystack to the west at 1,498 m. Also in range are Dix Mountain to the southeast at 1,473 m, Basin Mountain to the west at 1,468 m, and Mount Colden to the west at 1,436 m.
From Sawteeth, the summit outlook is part of the broader Adirondack High Peaks scene, with the highest country concentrated to the west and southwest. The nearby Great Range summits also shape the view, especially toward Pyramid Peak, Gothics, Armstrong Mountain, and Saddleback Mountain.
The range
Sawteeth belongs to the Great Range, which is part of the Adirondack High Peaks in the Adirondack Mountains. The highest peak of the Great Range is Basin Mountain at 1,468 m, about 3 km west of Sawteeth. The range contains 19 named peaks.
In that company, Sawteeth is not among the top heights, but it is a recognised summit in one of the best-known mountain chains in the northeastern United States. Its position near the centre of the Great Range makes it part of a dense sequence of peaks, cols, and ridges rather than a standalone mountain.
Climbing routes
Two main routes reach the summit from the Ausable Club area on Lower Ausable Lake. The shorter line follows the Pyramid-Gothics Trail for 1.7 miles to the col between Sawteeth and Pyramid Peak, then leaves it on the yellow-blazed Sawteeth Trail for another 0.5 miles to the summit. That makes a one-way distance of about 2.2 miles.
The older Scenic Trail branches off very near the start and follows the lake shore before climbing steep ledges, including Lookout Rock, then a very steep section with ladders to the junction with the trail to Upper Ausable Lake. From Lower Ausable Lake to the summit this route is about 3.0 miles one way with an ascent of 2,275 feet.
Access and starting points
The usual starting area is near Keene Valley, New York, at the Ausable Club on the road by Lower Ausable Lake. The trail system begins from the lake road at a bridge below the Lower Ausable Lake dam, where the routes split toward the col below Sawteeth and Pyramid Peak.
Visitors often use the AMR road and the trail network on the Ausable Club side. Sawteeth can also be approached from the broader Great Range trail system, but the Ausable Club side is the standard access for most hikers.
Climate and weather
These are estimates from NASA POWER climate data for the summit elevation. The mean temperature at the summit is about 14 °C in July, the warmest month, and about -12 °C in January, the coldest month. Months with a mean above freezing at the summit are April through October. The surrounding area receives about 1,100 mm of precipitation a year, with about 130 mm in June and about 60 mm in January.
Weather in the Adirondacks can change quickly, with cool winds on exposed ridges, fog, rain, and winter ice or snow lingering well into the shoulder seasons. Steep rock, wet ledges, and sudden temperature drops are common concerns on this kind of mountain.
Best time to visit
For a summit at this elevation, the most practical hiking season is usually from late spring through autumn, when the summit is more likely to be free of deep snow and the days are longer. At Sawteeth, the months with a mean above freezing at the summit are April, May, June, July, August, September, and October.
The drier part of the year is around January, but that is also the coldest period and not the easiest time for a normal hike. In practice, many visitors choose summer or early autumn, when the trails are more manageable and the ridge views are more likely to be clear.
Nature and wildlife
Sawteeth lies in the forested Adirondack high country, where lower slopes are typically covered by mixed northern hardwoods and higher ground shifts toward spruce, fir, and stunted alpine vegetation. The ridge-and-lake setting creates a mix of shaded woods, wet ground, exposed rock, and steep ledges.
Wildlife in this region can include deer, black bear, foxes, and a range of mountain birds. On the upper slopes, conditions are harsh enough that plant life becomes sparse and low-growing. Hikers should stay on the trail to protect fragile alpine and subalpine surfaces.
Guides and organised ascents
For a hike like Sawteeth, a certified guide is usually not required for experienced hikers, but it can be useful if you want help with route-finding, pacing, or a longer Great Range day. In the United States, the main professional body is the American Mountain Guides Association, an IFMGA/UIAGM member. The national alpine club is the American Alpine Club.
Examples of established guiding companies in the country include RMI Expeditions in Ashford, Washington, and Exum Mountain Guides in Moose, Wyoming. Guided trips in the mountains of the United States usually depend on trip length, group size, and equipment needs. For some peaks and parks, permits or registration may apply; for example, Denali requires advance registration and Mount Rainier has permit rules for glaciers or high camps.
Safety and preparation
Sawteeth is a steep Adirondack hike with rugged footing, exposed ledges, and sections that can be slippery after rain or in early season conditions. Good boots, layered clothing, navigation, and enough food and water are important, and hikers should be ready for a full day if they continue beyond the summit or combine routes.
In the United States, the emergency number for mountain rescue is 911. Dispatchers alert the local search and rescue team, usually through the county sheriff or a national park system. Because weather can change quickly, it is wise to start early and turn back if the ridge becomes wet, icy, or foggy.
History and name
The name Sawteeth was popularised in the 19th century by residents of Keene, who used it for the jagged look of the ridge from Lower Ausable Lake. A different name, Resagonia Mountain, was proposed by Erastus Hopkins, a reverend from Massachusetts, after Monte Resegone in the Italian Alps, but the local name remained in use.
The earliest recorded ascent was made in 1875 by Newell Martin, described as a hobbyist mountain climber. That early climb places Sawteeth among the Adirondack High Peaks that were explored during the late 19th-century period of mountain travel and naming.
Interesting facts
Sawteeth is the 11th highest of 19 named peaks in the Great Range. Its nearest higher neighbour is Pyramid Peak, 1.1 km away to the northwest. The Great Range high point, Basin Mountain, lies about 3 km to the west.
The mountain’s profile is one of its defining features: from the Lower Ausable Lake side, the ridge looks saw-like, which is how the modern name took hold. Sawteeth also sits close to several major Adirondack High Peaks, making it part of a dense cluster of summits rather than a solitary mountain.
FAQ
How high is Sawteeth? Sawteeth rises to 1,260 m.
Where is Sawteeth located? It is in the Town of Keene, Essex County, New York, in the United States.
Which mountain range is Sawteeth part of? It belongs to the Great Range in the Adirondack High Peaks of the Adirondack Mountains.
What are the nearest higher or notable peaks? The nearest higher peak is Pyramid Peak, 1.1 km northwest. Nearby summits include Gothics, Armstrong Mountain, and Saddleback Mountain.
Is there water on the way to Sawteeth? The routes pass by Lower Ausable Lake, but on the upper mountain you should carry your own supply. For a day hike, plan on about 1.5 to 3 litres depending on heat and route length.
How long does it take to hike Sawteeth? From the Ausable Club side, the Scenic Trail route is about 3.0 miles one way from Lower Ausable Lake, and the round trip is commonly a full-day outing. A practical estimate is about 5 to 7 hours round trip, depending on route and conditions.
Will my phone work on Sawteeth? Coverage in the hills is patchy and depends on the operator. On open ridges it may be better, while in valleys and behind ridges it often fails. 112 reaches emergency services over any available network, and maps should be downloaded before setting out.