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Round Trip
9 miles
14.5 kilometers

Elevation
The height of the summit or destination, from sea level.
2523 feet
769.0 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.
1575 feet
480.1 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.
  • Loop
Round Trip
9 miles
14.5 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
  • Loop
Elevation
The height of the summit or destination, from sea level.
2523 feet
769.0 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.
1575 feet
480.1 meters

Round Trip
9 miles
14.5 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
  • Loop
Elevation
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2523 feet
769.0 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.
2523 feet
480.1 meters

A sunrise view of snowy, evergreen-covered peaks
View all photos
trail highlights
trail features
trail category
Waterfall
Trail Junctions
Dogs Not Allowed
Bridge
Road Walk
Ladder
Full Day

About

Lost Lookout is an amazing loop hike that incorporates Beaver Meadow Falls on one end and Rainbow Falls on the other. But, along with that, there are outstanding views along the short ridge trail as well. This hike is entirely on the private property of the Adirondack Mountain Reserve (AMR) which has granted an easement for public foot travel. Note that dogs are absolutely prohibited in this game preserve.

SPECIAL INFORMATION

This hike is accessed through a conservation easement with the Adirondack Mountain Reserve (AMR). A parking reservation is needed from May 1 - October 31. Although it is called a “parking reservation,” everyone will need a reservation to access hikes leaving from AMR, whether you drove yourself, rode a bike, got dropped-off, or walked. These reservations can be made online via the AMR website. For more information, please read these FAQs or contact the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

Key takeaways

  • Distance: 9 miles round trip
  • Elevation gain: 1,575 feet
  • Hike includes trail junctions, bridges, a road walk, and ladders

Hiking Lost Lookout

From the parking lot you will initially have to follow a dirt road to a paved road along a golf course. At 0.5 miles from the parking area, go left and down between two tennis courts on Lake Road Way to get to the gate into the AMR. The AMR is a private property area with easements, special rules apply to use and those are posted at the gate. At the gate you will need to hike the dirt access road (Lake Road) for a bit over 2 miles. The road climbs steadily to the trail for Gothics and Beaver Meadow Falls on the right. This trail will lead you through an attractive forest to a bridge over the Ausable River. Just over the bridge is Beaver Meadow Falls, you will hear it before you see it.

Starting with a ladder, the trail continues steeply up the left side of the falls for a bit over 0.25 miles to the Lost Lookout Trail on the left. Follow here as you pass through the woods on a ridge trail with moderate terrain and only a couple short steep sections. There are several small viewing areas along the ridge out over the Ausable Lakes toward Colvin and Blake Mountains. The trail descends rapidly to the valley near Lower Ausable Lake where you can take a short trail to the base of Rainbow Falls. Cross the bridge and regain Lake Road to return to the trailhead.

Lost Lookout in the winter

The Lake Road can be a good crosscountry ski in optimal conditions, but expect Lost Lookout itself to not be broken out by other snowshoers (as opposed to the more popular trails surrounding it). Being prepared is necessary for any winter hike.

Find your perfect trail near Keene Valley

Does Lost Lookout 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

This is part of the St Huberts parking area/trailhead. Leave Lake Placid on Rte 73, follow Rte 73 toward Keene. Continue through Keene and Keene Valley and into Saint Huberts. Continue to the trailhead for the AMR on the right, directly across the road for the Roaring Brook Falls Trail to Giant Mountain. This is approximately 3.0 miles from the outskirts of Keene Valley.

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.
Additional Info
lostlookouthiking202pdf.pdf