§ Field Notes
About Mark Twain Maple Works.
Mark Twain Maple Works began its commercial production of maple syrup in the spring of 2013, after building "Bushwhack Jack's Sugar Shack" in the fall of 2012. Starting with 255 taps, the operation has grown to 400 taps and also accepts sap from local friends and neighbors, fostering a community effort in syrup making. The spring of 2026 will mark their thirteenth full season.
The business is named in honor of Sam Clemens, also known as Mark Twain, who spent the summer of 1901 in Saranac Lake at what is now known as the Mark Twain Camp. This camp has been in the family of the maple works owners since 1913. The sugar shack is located a short distance from the shore of Lower Saranac Lake, evoking the historical connection to Twain's time in the Adirondacks.
They produce several grades of New York State maple syrup, each with a unique name. Offerings include Nitai's Nectar for Golden grade, Jack's Phyl'O Syrup for Amber, and Saranac Jack's for both Dark and Very Dark grades.
