Be cautious along the open ledges of Santa Clara’s The Pinnacle. (Photo provided — Diane Chase)

I’m always looking for a quick, easy hike to share with family and visiting friends. It’s a bonus when that same hike allows me to get my dog off her leash for a few moments, give her a bit of a run, and get back on the road to finish our errands. Santa Clara’s Pinnacle trail is the perfect combination.

With an elevation of 1,814 feet and an ascent of 381 feeet, the 0.6-mile hike is a gradual wooded walk through a section of the Santa Clara Conservation Easement. The easement is a permanent, legal agreement between the land owners and the state to protect a variety of resources within the designated tract. The Santa Clara Conservation Easement continues to be a working forest with logging and privately leased camps surrounding the area. Though the trail is open to the public, all conservational easement comes with certain restrictions so please respect private property and adhere to all signage.

The longest section of the trail is the 1.7-mile drive along the dirt road to reach the trailhead. Driving past the yellow gate, a second yellow gate is reached in 0.7 miles. Bear to the left and continue along the road until reaching the end. There is a designated parking area.

The beginning of the trail is unmarked and starts toward the northern section of the parking area. There are a few herd paths, but once under the beginning tree cover there are red trail markers leading to the register.

My dog has already made herself at home. She welcomes the opportunity to be off the leash to wander as she pleases. The wooded path leads through a young forest and around large boulders. There a few herd paths, but the trail markers keep us headed in the right direction. The tree line starts to thin and glimpses of the view are peeking through the branches. The dog is the first to reach the open ledges and waits patiently by a picnic table.

The view of the Santa Clara Flow is breathtaking. I am nervous about my dog wandering around the ledges so I bring her treats and tie her to the picnic table. She’s a bit older now and quick to obey my words of caution, but I recommend being particularly mindful of younger dogs and children around the ledges. It’s a steep drop on the opposite side. After enjoying a snack, it’s an easy return to the car to complete the rest of our journey.

To reach The Pinnacle take state Route 30 from Paul Smith’s College and drive nine miles, turning onto Route 458/Santa Clara Road. Drive an additional 10 miles on Route 458 and the Santa Clara Conservation Easement/The Pinnacle access will be on the north side of the road.

Diane Chase is the author of the Adirondack Family Activities guidebook series, Adirondack Family Time: Your Four-Season Guide to Over 300 Activities.” For more family-friendly activities go to www.AdirondackFamilyTime.com.