The Lake Placid/High Peaks Region of the Adirondack Park offers an endless array of possibilities for hiking – from an afternoon saunter with the family to a week of wilderness backpacking.

The Adirondack Park is a patchwork of private and public lands, unlike any other park in the United States. So while the backcountry inventory is immense - the nation's largest trail system at more than 2,000 miles - so too, are the nearby comforts.

In the High Peaks

Mount Marcy
Mount Marcy is the highest peak in the Adirondacks and in the state, rising 5,344 feet above sea level. It is surrounded by the other high peaks of the MacIntyre Range, which extend in a southwesterly and northeasterly direction through the west central portion of Essex County. The divide between the Hudson and the St. Lawrence Rivers passes over its summit, and to the southwest, at the base of the cone lies Lake Tear-of-the-Clouds, the highest lake source of the Hudson River.
http://gorp.away.com/gorp/resource/statepark/ny/hik_marc.htm

http://americasroof.com/ny.html

The 46 High Peaks
A list of the 46 major peaks of the Adirondacks
http://www.adk46r.org/listf.html

Become a 46er
The membership of the Adirondack Forty-Sixers Inc. consists of hikers who have climbed to the summits of the 46 major peaks of the Adirondacks. The club is dedicated to environmental protection, to education for proper usage of wilderness areas and to participation in work projects in cooperation with the NY State Department of Environmental Conservation to meet these objectives.
http://www.adk46r.org/
http://www.adk46r.org/climbingf.html




Cobble Hill (Lake Placid)
Overlooking Mirror Lake and the village of Lake Placid, this short hike off the Cobble Hill Road offers a 360-degree view of the Olympic Village and the surrounding High Peaks

Copperas Pond (Lake Placid)
Short but steep the trail to this beautiful little pond is tucked away in Wilmington Notch off Route 86 before High Falls Gorge. From the far end of the pond a great view of Whiteface Mountain appears looming overhead to the west.

Whiteface Landing (Lake Placid)
The trailhead begins near Connery Pond off Route 86 between Wilmington and Lake Placid. The up-and down-hike of 5 miles one way ends on Lake Placid Lake with lovely hardwood stands and a bonus view of Whiteface Mountain across Connery pond for those wiling to venture a short distance off the direct route.

Around Mirror Lake
Stroll, walk or run around Mirror Lake for a different view of Main Street. Approximately 2.5 miles.

Peninsula Nature Trails
From Saranac Avenue (Route 86) turn onto the Peninsula Road which starts between Comfort Inn and the Howard Johnson Restaurant. Follow the road about ½ mile to a small parking area where a sign indicates the dirt road that leads to the trails themselves. Park at the gate and walk approximately 1/3 mile where you will find a large clearing from which the trails radiate.

  • Lakeshore Trail - .78 mile self-guiding nature trail (blue markers). Bear left at the far end of the clearing, following the sign and trail to the edge of the lake. Turn right and wind along the shoreline, noting the variety of trees, shrubs, flowers, mosses and ferns that are found in this low moist area. After approximately 1000; the trail leaves the shore and turns right returning to the clearing.
  • Ridge Trail – 1.31 miles (yellow markers). Moving to higher and drier ground, the trail winds through the lands selectively cut for saw logs in the 40s. The hardwoods, beech, birch and maple predominate the occasional hemlock, balsam fir and poplar.
  • Boundary Trail - .91 mile (red markers). Start as on the Lakeshore Trail, but bear left at the edge of the lake. Pass a large white pine to the boundary of state land. After a while, you will reach road. Cross it and continue on. The Boundary Trail intersects with the Ridge Trail. Bear left and follow the Ridge Trail back to the clearing.

John Brown Farm
Historic farm and grounds of famed abolitionist. Easy trails with spectacular views of the High Peaks. Interpretive displays.
http://nysparks.state.ny.us/cgi-bin/cgiwrap/nysparks/historic.cgi?p+11

http://www.nyhistory.com/gerritsmith/nelba.htm

Van Hoevenberg Ridge (Lake Placid)
From the South Meadow access road off the Heart Lake/Adirondack Loj Road. Stunning views of Klondike Notch and South Meadow Brook are available from this short jaunt.

From the Verizon Sports Complex at Mt. Van Hoevenberg
(from the north; 3.2 miles RT, moderate, admission fee at Sports Complex)
Follow the twists and turns of the new state-of-the-art combined bobsled-luge-skeleton track. Near the Start Building at the top of the track, a trail leads to the summit ledges and views of the High Peaks.

Mt. VanHoevenberg (from the south; 4.4 miles RT, moderate)
A pleasant and mostly level walk is followed by a relatively easy climb up a wooded


Jack Rabbit Trail
The 33 mile trail from Keene, through Lake Placid and Saranac Lake and to Paul Smiths Visitor’s Interpretive Center is a public cross country ski trail that connects these communities.
http://www.lakeplacid.com/shared/whattodo/JackRabbitMap.cfm

Free trail map available at area businesses and the Lake Placid/Essex County Visitors Bureau.

McKenzie Mountain (Raybrook)
With a mountain pond on one side and Lake Placid on the other, McKenzie as a lightly traveled peak with access from Route 86 trailhead near Ray Brook or off the Whiteface Inn Road on the Jackrabbit Trail

Adirondack Park Visitors Interpretive Center (VIC) at
Paul Smiths
The Adirondack Park Visitors Interpretive Centers at Paul Smiths and Newcomb serve as environmental education and traveler orientation centers, guided by a mission of interpreting the Park’s ecology, people and places, past and present. Both facilities offer miles of scenic, surfaced trails that feature interpretive signage explaining the Adirondack Park’s ecology.
http://www.northnet.org/adirondackvic/maps.html

New trail at the Paul Smith's VIC with pictures!
http://www.northnet.org/adirondackvic/trail.html




LAKE PLACID AREA

(1) Peninsula Trail: Located off Saranac Avenue (Route 86) behind the Comfort Inn (formerly Howard Johnson’s Motor Lodge). Easy walking along the outlet end of Lake Placid and through wooded area. Suitable for families. 2 miles round trip. *Also see Easier Hikes & Walks for more description.

(2) Owen, Copperas & Winch Ponds: This trip of ponds makes a relaxing hike with little climbing – views of Great Cliff and Whiteface. Nice spots for picnic or camping at lean-to on Copperas Pond. Two entrances off Route 86 in Wilmington Notch, approximately 1 mile apart. 3.0 miles round trip.

(3) Connery Pond to Whiteface Landing (easy) or Whiteface Mountain Summit (challenging): Entrance on Route 86, 3.1 miles from junction with Route 73. Walk through forest and rolling terrain to Whiteface Landing where you can sun, swim or camp at Whiteface Brook Lean-to. Those wanting a more challenging day can make the ascent to the summit of Whiteface Mountain. 5.0 miles round trip to the Landing. 12.0 miles round trip to Whiteface summit (4867’).

(4) Owls Head: (2120’) Rocky peak with views all along the way and blueberries in season. Good hike for a beginning climber. Located off Route 73, 3.6 miles East of Cascade Mountain trail. 1.3 miles round trip.

(5) Cascade Mountain: (4098’) Considered the easiest of the High Peaks to climb. The open summit boasts a fantastic circular view of the other peaks. Trailhead located off Route 73, 8 miles from Lake Placid. 4.8 miles round trip.

(6) Pitchoff Mountain: (3600’) a bare ridge North of Cascade Lake with exceptional views and lots of open hiking. Off Route 73, 8 miles from Lake Placid, left side of road. Distances – one way 1.6 miles to Balanced Boulder, 2 miles to summit, 4.9 miles to end of ridge at highway (requiring second car).

(7) Haystack: (2878’) Intermittent climbs to rewarding views of Whiteface, Marcy, and Seward Range. Off Route 86, 1.4 miles West from Junction with Old Military Road. 6.6 miles round trip. Hike could be extended by following McKenzie Mountain Trail to Whiteface Inn Trail and descending into the resort at 7.4 miles.

(8) Walk around Mirror Lake: Stroll, run or bike around the lake for a different view of Lake Placid’s Main Street. Approximately 2.5 miles.


ADIRONDAK LOJ – HEART LAKE REGION
The Heart Lake/Adirondack Loj area is a popular access point for hiking in the High Peaks Wilderness area. Backcountry trails lead to a variety of destinations including Mt. Marcy, Algonquin Peak, Mt. Colden, Marcy Dam and Phelps.

The Loj is maintained by the Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK) for members and the public. It offers a High Peaks Information Center, campground, lean-tos, full service lodge, and education programs. The Loj is a popular trailhead for several High Peak trails. There is a daily fee for parking.

(9) Marcy Dam: Popular backcountry camping area with lean-tos around the pond, NYS/DEC outpost, and views of Phelps, Colden, and Wright. 4.6 miles round trip.

(10)Indian Falls: A beautiful series of falls, with a spectacular view of the MacIntyre Range. Hike into Marcy Dam (2.3 miles) then take the Van Hoevenberg Trail 2.1 miles to the falls. Round trip distance is 8.8 miles.

(11)Algonquin: (5114’) Second highest peak with views of Lake Colden and Flowed Lands. From the Adirondak Loj take the Van Hoevenberg Trail to junction at 1.0 mile. Continue straight to Algonquin Summit. 8.0 miles round trip.

(12)Avalanche Lake: Impressive views of spectacular and rugged cliffs of Avalanche Lake. Trip may be extended to picturesque Lake Colden. 8.8 miles round trip to Avalanche Lake, 12.4 miles round trip to Lake Colden.

(13)Mt. Jo: (2876’) The rocky summit ledges provide open vistas in three directions. It is one of the best views of the High Peaks to be attained for such little effort. Superior views of the High Peaks and Heart Lake for a short, but steep climb. 2.3 miles round trip.

(14)Rocky Falls: Easy walk along trail to Indian Pass to a series of small waterfalls and swimming hole beside a lean-to. 4.8 miles round trip.

(15)Indian Pass: Stupendous gorge between Wallface Mt. and McIntyre Range. Sheer wall on NE rises 1000’. Ice and snow never melt at bottom of crevices. Rugged 12.0 miles round trip to look-out.

(16)Mt. Marcy: (5344’) Mt. Marcy is the highest peak in the Adirondacks (and New York State) rising 5444 feet above sea level. Climbing Marcy from the Adirondak Loj is the shortest route. Taking the Van Hoevenberg trail to the summit is 14.8 miles round trip.

KEENE VALLEY REGION

The Keene/Keene Valley area is a popular access point for hiking in the High peaks, Dix and Giant Mountain wilderness areas. Trailhead parking can often be difficult especially at "The Garden." These hikes start from “The Garden” parking lot 1.6 miles off Route 73 in the center of Keene Valley. There is a parking fee. Parking spaces are limited and there is a shuttle on weekends from the Keene Valley Airport, 2 miles north of Keene Valley.

(17)Johns Brook Lodge: Johns Brook Lodge is owned and operated by the Adirondack Mountain Club and offers overnight accommodations, meals, candy, drinks and information for hikers. 7.0 miles round trip.

(18)Gothics via ADK Range Trail: (4736’) Challenging climb over rugged terrain including two peaks – Upper Wolf Jaw and Armstrong before reaching Gothic’s spectacular summit, followed by even more spectacular descent to the West Face. 14.7 miles round trip.

(19)Porter Mountain via “The Garden”: (4059’) Relatively easy grades, many views on return leg via the Ridge Trail. 8.4 miles round trip.

(20)Big Slide via The Brothers: (4240’) Great views of Keene Valley, Great Range, Algonquin, Big Slide. Ascends three summits, culminates in the great look at Big Slide. Return down pretty Slide Mt., Brook and Southside Trail, swim at Tenderfoot Pool. 9.4 miles round trip. Hike could be shortened from first Brother to make an easy trip of 3.0 miles round trip.

The following two Keene Valley hikes start at trailheads other than “The Garden”.

(21)Baxter: (2440’) Looks out at Great Range and Marcy. From Route 9N, 2 miles from intersection of Route 73 between Keene and Keene Valley. Short side trails lead to views from open ledges and lots of blueberry bushes as you proceed up to the final summit. The views include Keene Valley and the High Peaks. 2.2 miles round trip.

(22)Rooster Comb: (2800’) New trail to rocky summit and ledge. Start 0.4 miles South of center of Keene Valley on Route 73. 5.0 miles round trip.


ST HUBERTS REGION 2.5 MILES SOUTH OF KEENE VALLEY ON ROUTE 73
First 3 hikes are on property of the Adirondack Mountain Reserve. Please obey all rules, especially NO DOGS ALLOWED.

(23)Cathedral Rocks and Bear Run Loop: A rugged sometimes steep loop which passes Pyramid Falls, pools at the base of a high cliff, views from ledges and a scramble through a narrow slot to a “don’t miss” view. Intersecting rock formations, two views and pretty waterfalls. Some climbs and steep descents. 4.0 miles round trip.

(24)West River Trail: Pleasant walking through virgin timber, pools and falls and peaks. Combine with East River Trail or Lake Road for 7 mile loop of little climbing.

(25)Rainbow Falls: 150’ falls just .4 miles from Lower Ausable Lake. A four mile walk along Lake Road. Easy trail to great view.

(26)Noonmark: (2175’) From Ausable Club hikers’ parking lot – moderate to steep climbing to gain a look-outing all directions. 2.1 miles ascent.

(27)Hopkins via Mossy Cascade: (3193’) 22 major peaks can bee seen, blueberries and waterfalls on this hike up Hopkins. Off Route 73, South of steel- sided bridge over East Branch of Ausable River 2.0 miles south of Keene Valley. 6.4 miles round trip.

SARANAC LAKE REGION

(28)Scarface: (3088’) Varied terrain, easy grades to a host of views including Seward and Sawtooth Ranges, and lake. Trail starts 1.0 miles down Ray Brook Road from Route 86 opposite DEC Headquarters in Ray Brook. 6 miles round trip.

(29)Baker: (2452’) Small mountain with big view of Great Range, Sawtooth, McIntyre and Seward Ranges, as well as the Saranacs. Trail starts at the north end of Moody Pond in Saranac Lake. 1.8 miles round trip.

(30)Ampersand: (3353’) Originally forested, the now bare summit offers a look of both mountains and lakes. Eroded due to deforestation, former fire observatory and home of Walter Channing Rice, “Hermit of Ampersand”. Off of Route 3, 8.1 miles west of Saranac Lake. 5.4 miles round trip.

(31)Hurricane: (3694’) Most commanding view of any of the lesser peaks, once a survey station and fire tower. Look South towards Lake Champlain, and the Green Mountains of Vermont. Off Route 9N to Elizabethtown, 3.6 miles East of junction with Route 73. 5.2 miles round trip.

(32)Poke-o-Moonshine: Offers tremendous views of Lake Champlain and the High Peaks. Off Route 9, 9.3 miles North of Lewis, at the state campground. 2.4 miles round trip.

(33)East Trail to Bald Peak, Rocky Peak Ridge: Challenging but rewarding trail, mostly in the open giving off many views. Route 9, 4.9 miles North of the junction with Route 73 and 1.3. miles South of New Russia. Bald Peak (3060’) is 3.9 miles. Good choice for observing fall colors. To Rocky Ridge (4060’) – 6.6 miles and to summit of Giant (4420’) is a rugged 8.0 miles, 16.0 miles round trip.

Additional Saranac Lake Hikes and Walks http://www.saranaclake.com/hiking.shtml


UNIQUE MOUNTAIN PASSES
Avalanche Pass-Indian Pass Traverse
The opportunity exists for a complete traverse of either pass using two cars or a two-day loop trip through both passes, using Adirondak Loj or the Loj camping area for an overnight stay.

Avalanche Pass and Lake (from the north 8.8 miles RT, moderate, parking fee)
The quick trip into the pond at Marcy Dam is followed by a long steady climb up to Avalanche Pass. At the high point of the narrow pass, the trail winds through a jumble of trees, and debris deposited by a landslide. From the pass, you’ll descend to the lakeshore where there are impressive views of the lake which is nestled within a narrow gorge flanked by sheer cliffs. To extend you hike to Lake Colden, follow the rugged trail along the western shore climbing over huge boulders and across unique cantilevered bridges.

Rocky Falls (4.8 miles RT, moderate, parking fee)
This is a pleasant woods walk to a series of scenic cascades and a swimming hole near a lean-to. The trail continues to Indian Pass.