Short hikes in and around Lake Placid

A trip to the Adirondacks isn't complete without experiencing one of our hiking trails. They're accessible year round, and there are hundreds of miles of paths to explore. Some people flock here for the big mountains, but even the easy hikes near Lake Placid are a great place to start, especially if you're new to hiking.

Short, sweet, and what a view!

Many of our short hikes offer up a great outdoor experience that's complete with a beautiful view. There are a variety of walking and easy hiking options for you and your entire family (including your pet!) to enjoy in the Lake Placid Region — find your favorite and make some great memories! Some of our trails don't have that classic panoramic mountain view, and that's okay! A lot of our hikes offer towering evergreen trees, the chance for unique wildlife encounters, and even historic significance. If the list of hiking trails below proves to be too much to choose from, this writeup of short hikes with big views in the Lake Placid area may help you make up your mind.

If you're looking for hikes and mountains that are a little more challenging, check out some of the 2 to 4 hour hikes that the Adirondacks are known for. Before these hikes, make sure you have some of the below hikes under your belt!

Leave No Trace

The magic of the Adirondacks is the result of previous generations taking a long view and protecting the mountains, lakes, and rivers within the Blue Line. That tradition continues today as we support and encourage everyone to practice Leave No Trace principles, which help protect the lands and waters of the Adirondacks. One of the most important parts of Leave No Trace is being prepared with the right gear and knowledge before you go. Familiarize yourself with the local regulations and weather, and take a look at the NYSDEC's resources for outdoor recreation.

 

Two people sit on a short summit with views of trees and mountains
Moderate trail, maximum fun!

Interested in a quick hike, great views and moderate effort? Try this hike, right in town!

Cobble Hill
A young boy stands on an open rock summit.
Need more?

Curious for some more adventure? Try these trails are that are a bit longer, but totally worth every step.

Hike on
Walking through the mud
Take it easy!

Not in the mood for a big, day-long adventure? No worries. These scenic walks are full of scenic delights and are perfect for a short adventure.

Let's explore

Results for "1 - 2 Hour Hikes"

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John Brown Farm State Historic Site
115 John Brown Road, Lake Placid
(518) 523-3900

Hiking John Brown Farm in the town of North Elba is the home and gravesite of abolitionist John Brown. John Brown died in the pursuit of freedom of slaves, and after an assault on Harpers Ferry to obtain arms in 1859 he was hanged in Virginia. His...

  
Mt. Jo
Adirondak Loj Rd, Lake Placid
(518) 523-2445

A great mountain for families and beginners, Mt. Jo's open summit ledges provide one of the best views of the High Peaks for relatively little effort.

  
Rocky Falls is a gem of a hike.
Rocky Falls
Heart Lake, Lake Placid
(518) 523-2445

This is a gentle walk to a lovely, miniature waterfall. This hike's charm is the easy route and the lovely setting. 

  
South Meadow
Meadow Lane, Lake Placid
(518) 523-2445

You may think of South Meadow is simply as a place to park your car when hiking into the High Peaks Region, but it’s so much more than that.

  
Little Cherrypatch Pond
State Route 86Lake Placid, Lake Placid
(518) 523-2445

Hiking Route Overview At the back of the parking area there is a herd path that leads to the shore of the pond. The path is easy enough to follow but not marked. There is minimal elevation change as you hike the roughly quarter mile. Trailhead From...

  
Connery Pond
State Route 86Lake Placid, Lake Placid
(518) 523-2445

A portage trail leads to the shore of the pond, where there is an amazing vista across the water that includes Whiteface Mountain.

  
Henry's Woods
Bear Cub Lane, Lake Placid
(518) 523-3061

Henry’s Woods, which is owned and maintained by the Uihlein Foundation, is a community preserve located just outside the village of Lake Placid. The caretakers of this beautiful property and the Uihlein Foundation invite the public to use these trails.

  
Cobble Hill
Mirror Lake Drive, Lake Placid
(518) 523-2445

Cobble Hill, a local favorite, is a great hike, but please be aware of new trail and parking conditions in 2021.

  
Stag Brook Falls
5021 New York 86, Wilmington
(518) 946-2255

Stag Brook Falls is an excellent couple hours of hiking along an attractive brook with numerous waterfalls and cascades. Picnic benches, nature signs, and swimming are available along the way.

  
Blueberry Cobbles
Route 9, Elizabethtown
(518) 523-2445

This aptly-named mountain is the first summit on the East Trail to Rocky Peak and Giant at 1.9 miles from Rt. 9.

  
Baxter Mountain
Route 9N, Keene
(518) 523-2445

Baxter Mountain offers outstanding views and great blueberry picking in season, making it an excellent hike for the entire family. It's a mostly moderate, 1.2 mile hike to the first summit.

  
Owen, Copperas, and Winch Ponds
Route 86, Wilmington
(518) 523-2445

These three ponds are located in the Sentinel Range and offer excellent loop opportunities. There are two trails that lead into the area and either can be used to create a loop to the three ponds.

  
Roaring Brook Falls
Route 73, Keene Valley
(518) 523-2445

Roaring Brook Falls is visible from the road at a pull off, but now you can see it up close via a short hiking trail.

  
Rattlesnake Mountain
4525 NYS Route 22 (across the road), Willsboro
(518) 523-2445

This mountain is well-known for offering great "value for effort." There are spectacular views of the entire area.

  
Giant's Nubble
Route 73, Keene Valley
(518) 523-2445

Enjoy a short hike to this rocky little knob, where there is an up-close view of Giant Mountain, plus many of the peaks in the Great Range.

  
Cobble Lookout
Route 18A, Wilmington
(518) 523-2445

Constructed in the fall of 2014, this trail has become very popular because of its relatively short distance for such an amazing view of the Ausable Valley below.

  
Round Pond - Saint Huberts
Route 73, Keene Valley
(518) 523-2445

Hiking Round Pond is an excellent destination for the entire family. This can be done as a short hike destination, fishing destination or a family camp outing. The pond is a very attractive objective with the mountains soaring above on many sides...

  
Flume Knob
Route 86, Wilmington
(518) 523-2445

The Flume Knob is another hidden gem in the Wilmington Region that should not be missed.

  
Town of Keene Ridge Loop
Airport Road, Keene
(518) 523-2445

Hiking This is a nice walk through the woods on an easy trail with a couple of modest climbs to reach the height-of-land. It features interesting views and a quiet forest add up to a nice, short, family hike. Primary Trailhead: Leave Lake Placid on...

  
Keene Pond Walk
Route 73, Keene Valley
(518) 523-2445

Hiking The pond walk is simply a small beaver pond located behind the Keene Central School. Primary Trailhead: Follow Route 73 out of Lake Placid and continue through Keene and into Keene Valley. As you pass through Keene Valley there will be a major...

  
Monument Falls
Route 86, Wilmington
(518) 523-2445

Hiking Follow the path to, and along, the Ausable River for an easy trip suitable for small children. The Monuments commemorate the 50th, and 100th Anniversary of the establishment of the Adirondack Park. Find out more Read our blog post about...

  
A view from a small rocky opening
Bear Run
Route 73, Keene
(518) 523-2445

Bear Run is a narrow rock cut into the side of the mountain. The trail passes through the rocky shoot and up to a nice overlook.

  
Big Crow
Route 73, Keene
(518) 523-2445

While steep in spots, this short, 0.7 mile hike from Crow Clearing to the 2,815 foot summit of Big Crow offers one of the Adirondacks' best views for the least effort.

  
High Falls Gorge - Snowshoe Trek
4761 Route 86, Wilmington
(518) 946-2278
  

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