Lake Placid Hiking Trails


Mt Marcy Summit - Adirondack High PeaksYou can discover the High Peaks Region on foot – but give yourself time to explore what many consider one of their favorite Lake Placid outdoor activities. With a staggering 2,000 miles of marked trails – the largest hiking trail system in the nation – you'll have your work cut out for you if you want to see it all.

As the fall foliage is at its peak for the longest stretch in the entire Northeast, you've got plenty of time to hit the trails and capture the majestic Adirondack scenery from the mountain tops. The crisp fall air will refresh you as you make your ascent to the summit—and you'll see spectacular red and orange leaves in every direction.

Begin climbing all 46 Adirondack High Peaks by taking on Mount Marcy, New York's highest peak, or enjoy a short day hike with your kids up Mount. Jo — a preferred Lake Placid family attraction for many who have visited our region. Whether a relaxing, gentle incline or a more challenging multi-day adventure, you can enjoy the Adirondack Mountains at your own pace and build your ideal hiking experience.

Many Lake Placid hotels offer special hiking packages and guided tours for hikers of all skill levels. See below for some of the many hiking options available. 

Hiking Highlight Map

Hiking in the Elizabethtown/Keene Area

Click on the map images to download and print. 


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Mt. Jo

Mt. Jo
The open summit ledges provide one of the best views of the High Peaks to be attained for such little effort. This is an interesting ...

Location: Adirondak Loj Rd, Lake Placid, NY 12946

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Avalanche Lake

Avalanche Lake
A lovely walk to Marcy Dam turns into a challenging scramble over a boulder-strewn trail. The west edge of the lake follows a trail of ...

Location: Heart Lake, Lake Placid, NY 12946

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Porter Mountain

Porter Mountain
Often climbed with Cascade Mountain, Porter is still a rewarding experience. Follow a yellow-blazed trail that leaves the trail about ...

Location: Route 73, Keene, NY 12942

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Owl Head Lookout

Owl Head Lookout
These rocky ledges offer great views of Giant Mountain, Rocky Peak Ridge, and the Champlain valley. Owl Head Lookout Trailhead: ...

Location: Rt 9N, Keene Valley, NY 12943

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Adirondack Center Museum Nature Walk

Adirondack Center Museum Nature Walk

Location: 7590 Court Street, Elizabethtown, NY 12932

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Bald Peak

Bald Peak
An excellent spring choice! Part of the Giant Mountain hike, it is a mostly open trail with lovely views, and wonderful spring ...

Location: Rt 9, Keene Valley, NY 12943

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Mount Colden

The 11th highest peak, Mt. Colden is a rather interesting mountain with extensive slides and a unique dike. It offers a view of Mount ...

Location: Adirondak LOJ Rd, Lake Placid, NY 12946

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High Peaks Mountain Guides-Guide Service

High Peaks Mountain Guides-Guide Service
body> We have everything you need for your Adirondack adventure. We specialize in complete outfitting and gear rentals, and trip ...

Location: 2733 - 2739 Main Street, Lake Placid, NY 12946

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Whiteface Mt. Via Connery Pond

Whiteface Mt. Via Connery Pond
Don't want to take the easy ways up Whiteface Mountain? There is a hiking trail, but be aware that this is a big mountain;...

Location: Route 86, Wilmington, NY 12997

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Mount Marcy

Mount Marcy
This is the BIG one! Mount Marcy is the tallest mountain in New York, and that means a dawn to dusk expedition to summit and back in one ...

Location: Adirondack Loj, Lake Placid, NY 12946

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Whiteface Mountain - Wilmington Trailhead

Whiteface Mountain - Wilmington Trailhead
This is a rugged climb that is essential for a 46'r. This popular route lets you "bag" Esther Mountain, too. Whiteface ...

Location: Reservoir Lane, Wilmington, NY 12946

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Round Mt. Loop

Round Mt. Loop
Views of the Great Range from its open rocky summit. An excellent choice for beginners. Round Mountain Trailhead: Southerly jct. of ...

Location: Rt. 73, Keene Valley, NY 12943

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Adirondack Park Visitor Interpretive Center at Paul Smiths

Adirondack Park Visitor Interpretive Center at Paul Smiths
Miles of scenic, surfaced trails complemented by indoor exhibits, multi-image presentations on the park, and, in winter, free snowshoe ...

Location: 8023 State Rt 30, Paul Smiths, NY 12970

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Owls Head

Owls Head
Climb through the woods and over a series of ledges to open summit views. This is the perfect first climb for young hikers. Owls Head ...

Location: Route 73, Keene, NY 12942

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Cooper Kiln Pond

Cooper Kiln Pond
A picturesque spot far from the populated trade routes and solitude is just about guaranteed. Cooper Kiln Trailhead: Franklin Falls ...

Location: Route 431, Wilmington, NY 12997

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Mt. Van Hoevenberg

Mt. Van Hoevenberg
A pleasant and mostly level walk is followed by a relatively easy climb up a wooded hillside to several open ledges that offer great ...

Location: Meadow Lane, Lake Placid, NY 12946

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LaChute River Walk

LaChute River Walk
Take a lovely loop around Bicentennial Park with many interpretive signboards to learn about history and nature. LaChute River Walk ...

Location: Ticonderoga, NY 12883

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Belfry Mountain

Belfry Mountain
Reach the summit by old road, with views of Lake Champlain and abandoned iron mines. Great children's hike and an excellent fire tower ...

Location: County Highway 7C, Witherbee, NY 12998

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Washbowl

Washbowl
the Washbowl is an excellent destination in any season, but especially so in winter when the hopeful bring their skates. Washbowl via ...

Location: Rt 73, Keene Valley, NY 12943

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Historic Walking Tour of Essex

Historic Walking Tour of Essex
The entire village of Essex is on the National Register of Historic Places. Take a walking tour of one of the most intact collection of ...

Location: Essex, NY 12936

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Indian Pass Trail

Indian Pass Trail
An easy woodland walk gets a bit rugged at the pass, and becomes a trip to primeval wilderness. An excellent Zen choice for an all day ...

Location: Heart Lake, Lake Placid, NY 12946

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Poke-O-Moonshine

Poke-O-Moonshine
A fire tower adds to the famous views of Canada, Lake Champlain, and the Adirondack Park. Trailhead: next to the Poke-o-Moonshine ...

Location: 135 Route 9, Keeseville, NY 12944

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Haystack Mountain

Haystack Mountain
Not to be confused with the High Peak Mt. Haystack! Haystack Mountain is a friendlier climb, a great choice for a morning or afternoon ...

Location: Route 86, Ray Brook, NY 12977

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Ampersand Mountain

Ampersand Mountain
Ampersand Mountain starts with a woods walk, then the last mile climbs the mountain for some extraordinary views from the open summit. ...

Location: Rt 3, Saranac Lake, NY 12983

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Big Crow, Little Crow

Big Crow, Little Crow
Known to locals at "The Crows," these two peaks offer great photography opportunities with their many open ledges, and views ...

Location: Route 73, Keene, NY 12942

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