Hiking in Lake Placid
Home to the largest trail system in the nation, the Adirondacks offers some of the best hiking trails in the East with over 2,000 miles of marked hiking trails. Most notable among these are the region’s trails leading to the 46 High Peaks, most of which are over 4,000 feet above sea level. But it's not all high mountain climbing here: there are trails perfect for every interest, level, and ability. Hey, there are even hikes than can be done in an hour or so, giving you the opportunity to hike in the morning and then explore other options in the afternoon. Take a quiet walk to a pond. Climb a small mountain with your kids. Opt for something more challenging. With so many mountains and trails to choose from, it's no surprise that hiking and climbing are favorites among Lake Placid’s outdoor activities.
Hiker shuttles
Parking at trailheads can be very limited. Use a hiker shuttle to make your adventure stress free!
Town of Keene Hiker Shuttle: The Town of Keene shuttle from Marcy Field to The Garden will operate on Saturdays and Sundays through the fall. The shuttle provides access to The Garden trailhead when The Garden parking lot is full. This shuttle is free and runs continuously from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. Some of the hikes accessible from this shuttle are:
- Big Slide
- Haystack (the High Peak) via The Garden
- John Brooks Lodge
- Gothics via The Garden
- Saddleback via The Garden
- Basin via The Garden
- Upper and Lower Wolfjaws via The Garden
Essex County Route 73 Shuttle: Essex County will run a shuttle along Route 73, starting at Marcy Field and ending at the Giant Mountain Ridge Trail, and then turning around. The shuttle runs from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays through October 11, 2021. Please be aware of scheduled stop times when planning your hike and reference the shuttle map ahead of time. Some of the hikes accessible from this shuttle are:
- Giant via the Ridge Trail
- Giant via Roaring Brook Falls
- Giant's Nubble
- Rooster Comb
- Roaring Brook Falls
- Chapel Pond
- Giant's Washbowl
Get away from the crowds
The High Peaks are beautiful, which means they're also extremely popular. Consider getting away from the crowds by tackling a lesser visited mountain. The views are just as nice and you'll find amazing peacefulness in the quiet woods!
The brand new hiking center and Mountain Pass Lodge at Mount Van Hoevenberg is the perfect place to spread out. There is plenty of parking, restrooms, a place to eat and relax, and, best of all, one of the most sustainably built trails in the Adirondacks!
But if you need some other suggestions, try other hikes outside of the High Peaks (or en Francais).
Leave No Trace and Love Your ADK
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.
Before heading out, be sure to review the Leave No Trace principles and make sure you are prepared with hiking essentials!
