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Round Trip
3 miles
4.8 kilometers

Elevation
The height of the summit or destination, from sea level.
3000 feet
914.4 meters

Elevation Gain
The total amount of vertical ascent (uphill climbing) on a hike. This is cumulative gain, totalling the elevation change of the uphill segments from a round-trip hike.
1010 feet
307.8 meters

Route Type
A hiking trail may be classified as a Loop, Out and Back, Point to Point, Bushwhack, or Multi-day Thru Hike, with some destinations having more than one of these ways as a hiking option.
  • Out and Back
Round Trip
3 miles
4.8 kilometers

Route Type
A hiking trail may be classified as a Loop, Out and Back, Point to Point, Bushwhack, or Multi-day Thru Hike, with some destinations having more than one of these ways as a hiking option
  • Out and Back
Elevation
The height of the summit or destination, from sea level.
3000 feet
914.4 meters

Elevation Gain
The total amount of vertical ascent (uphill climbing) on a hike. This is cumulative gain, totalling the elevation change of the uphill segments from a round-trip hike.
1010 feet
307.8 meters

Round Trip
3 miles
4.8 kilometers

Route Type
A hiking trail may be classified as a Loop, Out and Back, Point to Point, Bushwhack, or Multi-day Thru Hike, with some destinations having more than one of these ways as a hiking option
  • Out and Back
Elevation
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3000 feet
914.4 meters

Elevation Gain
The total amount of vertical ascent (uphill climbing) on a hike. This is cumulative gain, totalling the elevation change of the uphill segments from a round-trip hike.
3000 feet
307.8 meters

Balanced Rocks is a beautiful place for a sunset.
View all photos
trail highlights
trail features
trail category
Exposed Summit
Half Day

About

Balanced Rocks is a popular destination along the Pitchoff traverse. Pitchoff Mountain is home to one of the few trails in the entire Sentinel Range Wilderness Area, the impressive wild area to the right of Whiteface Mountain when viewed from Lake Placid. 

Key takeaways

  • Distance: 3 miles round trip
  • Elevation: 3,000 feet 
  • Elevation gain: 1,010 feet
  • Hike includes an exposed summit

Hiking to Balanced Rocks

Starting on the West Trail for Pitchoff, the route climbs steadily above Route 73 before leveling off along a lower ridgeline. Look to the right during this level stretch — there are two spots with views of Upper and Lower Cascade lakes, which stretch. A third overlook is located just above a steep scramble. It provides outstanding views of the #7 slide - created during Tropical Storm Irene in 2011 - and the namesake cascade waterfall on Cascade Mountain.

After a slight descent, there is a view through the canopy of the Balanced Rocks above. After passing through a low area that's usually muddy, (please stay on the trail by walking through the mud; this will avoid widening the trail and damaging the surrounding vegetation.) the trail swings up and left. It crosses the base of an old slide and continues steeply up, circumnavigating the ledges below Balanced Rocks. Be aware that there are a couple of well-worn herd paths in this area. For safety, do your best to stay on the marked trail by bearing left at these junctions. A steep climb over rocky and eroded terrain ends at the three-way junction with the 0.1 mile spur trail to Balanced Rocks. Turn right to reach the rocks.

Balanced Rocks in the winter

The many rocky sections will be slippery in winter, bringing snowshoes and microspikes is necessary for a safe and enjoyable hike. Be prepared for winter conditions, have the right gear, and do your research before you go.

Find your perfect trail near Lake Placid

Does Balanced Rocks sound amazing, but a little more than you want to tackle right now? No need to stress, with over 2000 miles of hiking trails in the Adirondacks we are sure we can find the perfect hike for you

How to get there

From the intersection of Route 73 and Route 86 in Lake Placid, follow Route 73 toward Keene. Continue on Route 73 for 7.5 miles to the Pitchoff West Trail. Parking fills up fast during the summer.

Emergency Information
If you get lost or injured, remain calm and stay put. If you have cell service, call 911 or the DEC Forest Ranger Dispatch, 833-NYS-RANGERS (833-697-7264).
 
Plan ahead and hike smart. Bring a map, extra food, water, and warm clothing, and check the weather before you go. Stay aware of your surroundings and landmarks. If you get turned around, don’t panic—stop, think, and stay where you are. Let someone know your route and expected return time.