Cobble Hill
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Round Trip
1.6 miles
2.6 kilometers

Elevation
The height of the summit or destination, from sea level.
2343 feet
714.1 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.
480 feet
146.3 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
1.6 miles
2.6 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.
2343 feet
714.1 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.
480 feet
146.3 meters

Round Trip
1.6 miles
2.6 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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2343 feet
714.1 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.
2343 feet
146.3 meters

A blue and white sign for the new Cobble Hill Hiking Trail.
A new wooden boardwalk weaves through trees
One route is steep and challenging.
It's only a hill, but it's wonderfully placed.
It's a wonderful picnic spot.
The views don't stop!
The large valley visible from the summit leads right to a mountain range.
The views from the summit are mostly wild areas.
Cobble Hill: right in town with a great view!
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trail highlights
trail features
trail category
Trail Junctions
Ladder
Road Walk
Bridge
Short

About

Cobble Hill is right on the shore of Mirror Lake and it's easy to spot thanks to the bald cobble on its face. This is a great hike for beginners. The summit offers excellent views of the village of Lake Placid and the High Peaks. Follow Leave No Trace principles on your hike up Cobble.

Key takeaways

  • Elevation: 2,343 feet
  • Elevation gain: 480 feet
  • Distance: 1.6 miles roundtrip
  • Hike includes trail junctions, ladders, bridges, and a road walk

Hiking Cobble Hill

It's a 0.8 mile hike (not including road walking) to the summit along a short, but steep route. From the new trailhead at the corner of Mirror Lake Drive and Northwood School's driveway, continue for 250 feet on a wooden boardwalk until the natural surface trail is reached. From here, the trail swings left, then right again in quick succession. At around 0.5 miles, you'll reach a trail junction. Continue straight, and start the steeper hike to the top. Be mindful of the steep rocky sections, and do your best to stick to hard surfaces to avoid further erosion. Trail maintenance of the upper section will be ongoing in 2024. 

Cobble in winter

Cobble is a great choice for anyone who is new to winter hiking. As with any winter trail, snowshoes are a must for traction and to avoid postholing. Packing microspikes will be of use for the upper steep, rocky sections. Always bring extra layers, and don't hesitate to turn around if the weather starts to turn.

Find your perfect trail near Lake Placid

Does Cobble Hill 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

There is no trailhead parking, see the map for parking and trailhead information. Hikers are encouraged to walk from their homes, hotels, or designated parking spots in the village. Parking at Northwood School is no longer available.

To reach the mountain on foot, from the intersection of Route 73 and Route 86 in Lake Placid, follow Route 86 toward the center of town. Take a right at the town hall onto Mirror Lake Drive. Continue through the four-way stop and follow Mirror Lake Drive to where it meets with Northwood School's driveway. A new trailhead, which starts with a brand new (Dec. 2023) 250-foot wooden boardwalk, leads you to the natural surface trail. 

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.
Details
Address: 
  • Mirror Lake Drive , Lake Placid, NY  12946
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    Additional Info
     cobblehilltrailmap2024.pdf