Cascade Pass Ice Climbing

  • Route 73, Lake Placid

The slopes above the scenic Cascade Lakes drip with ice that forms early and remains late. Many routes can be top-roped and the approaches from Route 73 are easy. To the right of Pitchoff Chimney Cliff are two very popular walls. This is probably one of the most heavily used climbing areas in the Adirondacks. From the picnic area between the lakes you can also access routes near the Cascade waterfall.

How to get there

This is a roadside climb. Look for the parking areas along Route 73, 6 miles east of Lake Placid in Cascade Pass, overlooking the Cascade lakes.

Ice climbing

One of the most popular areas in the Adirondack Ice Climbing scene, the obvious ice on Pitchoff Mountain is only a short hike away from the road and the cascades above the lakes are fairly accessible as well. The constriction of the valley funnels wind, so make sure to pack an extra layer.