Moderate Hikes

It's the perfect day — lunch on a mountain followed by a satisfying dinner in town. The best thing about half-day hikes is finding yourself someplace scenic with plenty of time to enjoy the view before the sun sets. 

Be prepared

We love our mountains, and you should too! Please help us protect them by enjoying them responsibly. Before heading out, review Leave No Trace principles, make sure you're prepared for the journey ahead, and familiarize yourself with regulations and weather in the mountains.

The Department of Environmental Conservation is a great resource for more outdoor recreation related information.

A little bit of effort goes a long way

We can't say these hikes are easy, but they will take you to some pretty amazing places. Get you up close and personal with one of the most picturesque waterfalls in the Adirondacks at Beaver Meadow Falls, or hike to Whiteface Landing and go swimming in Lake Placid, then contemplate whether you're up for the steep ascent of Whiteface Mountain, New York's fifth highest peak. If Whiteface seems like a bit much, try Hurricane Mountain. 

If 2 to 4 hours is stretching it, try some easier 1 to 2 hour hikes, or check out our 4 to 8 hour hikes if you want something more challenging.

The Adirondack Hiking Essentials

1. Navigation

  • Sign in at the trail head
  • Map of your route
  • Area trail guide book or maps
  • Compass
  • GPS 

2. Don't get burned- bring sun protection

  •  Sunscreen
  •  Lip balm
  •  Sunglasses

3. Proper clothing and insulation

  • Jacket, vest, pants, gloves, hat
  • See Clothing below based on season/weather

4. Don't get left in the dark

  • Flash light or head lamp with an optional spare
  • Extra batteries for any equipment

5. First-aid supplies

  • A complete First-aid kit 

6. Be prepared with fire essentials

  • Matches or lighter
  • Waterproof container
  • Fire starter for an emergency survival fire
  • Remember to never leave a fire unattended and to be sure it is completely out before abandoning the site

7. Tools and supplies

  • Knife, Swiss army or a multi-use pocket tool 
  • Kits for stove, mattress; duct tape strips

8. Keep energy up with proper nutrition

  • Energy food (bars, gels, chews, trail mix)
  • Energy beverages or drink mixes
  • Lunch
  • Extra day's supply of food

9. Stay hydrated- always bring enough water

  • Water bottles, camel back or another portable hydration system
  • Electrolyte tablets or powder
  • Water filter or other treatment system

10. Emergency shelter

  • Tent, tarp, bivy and a reflective blanket
  • More than the 10 hiking essentials
  • Multifunction watch with altimeter
  • Binoculars
  • Trekking poles
  • Insect repellent and a head net
  • Toilet paper
  • Hand sanitizer or hand wipes
  • Two-way radios
  • Camera
  • Cell or satellite phone
  • Interpretive field guides for fauna and wildlife
  • Post-hike snacks, water, towel, clothing change
  • Trash bag for clean up
  • Swim suits

Warm weather clothing options

  • Moisture Wicking T-shirt and underwear
  • Quick-drying pants or shorts
  • Long-sleeve shirt both for bugs and sun protection
  • Hat with a brim or neck cover for sun-shielding 
  • Fleece jacket or cover up with insulation
  • Bandanna, head scarf or buff

Cool weather clothing options

  • Thermal moisture wicking long-sleeve T-shirt
  • Long underwear
  • Hats, face mask or cover up
  • Gloves or mittens
  • Jacket providing insulation, temperature based
  • Rain jacket and waterproof pants
  • Insulated winter pants weather dependent

For winter hiking check out our cold weather preparedness blog and winter essential gear guide.

Proper footwear

  • Hiking boots or shoes suited to terrain, preferably with ankle protection
  • Synthetic or wool socks and a second pair
  • Gaiters
  • Sandals (for river fording, trip home)
  • Crampons for ice

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 ethics, which help protect the lands and waters of the Adirondacks.

Seven Principles of Leave No Trace

Results for "2 - 4 Hour Hikes"

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Mt Van Hoevenberg
South Meadows Rd, Lake Placid
(518) 523-2445

There are two approaches to this awesome mountain. Both offer fine trails and lead to excellent views. Mount Van Hoevenberg is one of the Lake Placid 9er mountains.

  
Balanced Rocks
Route 73, Lake Placid
(518) 523-2445

Balanced Rocks is a very popular destination along the Pitchoff traverse.

  
Adirondack Rail Trail
400 Old Military Drive, Lake Placid

The new Adirondack Rail Trail is a 34-mile, multi-use trail that connects the communities of Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, and Tupper Lake. Walking, running, bicycling, birding, and snowmobiling are all possible on the well-graded, wheelchair accessible...

  
Klondike Notch
South Meadows Road, Lake Placid
(518) 523-2445

This steep trail ascends the shoulder of Phelps Mountain before topping out at Klondike Notch. One can descend the other side of the notch and arrive at Johns Brook Lodge in the Johns Brook Valley.

  
Mountain Pass Lodge Hiking Center
31 Van Hoevenberg Way, Lake Placid

The new hiking center at the Mountain Pass Lodge at Mount Van Hoevenberg provides hikers with the opportunity to regroup before or after a hike, and use front country amenities before heading off on the trail.

  
Whiteface Landing
Off Route 86, Lake Placid
(518) 523-2445

Hiking It's a 2.5 mile hike one way to Whiteface Landing. The trail starts at the left side of the trailhead parking area and soon climbs moderately away from the pond and the private camps on the pond before descending to the shore of the pond at 0.4...

  
Cooper Kiln Pond
Route 431, Wilmington
(518) 523-2445

Cooper Kiln Pond lies in the valley between Morgan Mountain and Wilmington Peak. The pond sits nestled in the mountains with a somewhat heavily treed shoreline.

  
Three Brothers
Garden Trailhead, Keene Valley
(518) 523-2445

Hiking The Three Brothers are generally climbed in conjunction with Big Slide Mountain. However the First and Second Brothers are a worthy destination in themselves. The First and Second Brothers both have outstanding views, while the Third Brother...

  
Bloomingdale Bog Trail
Route 86, Saranac Lake
(518) 523-2445

The Bloomingdale Bog Trail is a scenic, end-to-end path that follows an old railroad corridor that connects Saranac Lake to Bloomingdale. The entire route is wide, level, and mostly straight, making it perfect for a casual stroll or bike ride.

  
Bear Den Mountain
5021 Route 86, Wilmington
(518) 523-2445

Bear Den Mountain is one of those hidden peaks that gets very little attention, but should be high on everyone’s list to check out. It’s located above the Ausable River and has really unique views of the Whiteface Mountain Ski Area.

  
Scarface Mountain
Raybrook Road, Ray Brook
(518) 891-1990

Scarface is one of the local hikes in the Saranac Lake Region that is designated as one of the Saranac Lake 6ers. However, it gets much little use in comparison to the others on the list.

  
Rooster Comb Mountain
Route 73, Keene Valley
(518) 523-2445

Full panoramic views and a fun trail make Rooster Comb an excellent choice for a hike!

  
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