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Round Trip
10 miles
16.1 kilometers

Elevation
The height of the summit or destination, from sea level.
3185 feet
970.8 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.
2175 feet
662.9 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
10 miles
16.1 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.
3185 feet
970.8 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.
2175 feet
662.9 meters

Round Trip
10 miles
16.1 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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3185 feet
970.8 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.
3185 feet
662.9 meters

A trail junction with a few wooden signs for mileages
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trail highlights
trail features
trail category
Lean-to
Designated Primative Tent Site
Trail Junctions
Water Crossings
Half Day

About

This steep trail ascends the shoulder of Phelps Mountain before topping out at Klondike Notch. One can descend the other side of the notch and arrive at Johns Brook Lodge in the Johns Brook Valley. A successful hike of Klondike Notch into Johns Brook Valley involves research, physical fitness, the right gear, and knowledge of Leave No Trace principles

Key takeaways

  • Elevation: 3,185 feet
  • Elevation gain: 2,175 feet
  • Distance: 10 miles round trip, to Johns Brook Lodge and back
  • Add 1 mile each way when South Meadows Lane is closed in the winter
  • Hike includes trail junctions and water crossings

Hiking Klondike Notch

The trail to Klondike Notch is a very demanding, even though the start is gentle. BE AWARE, the bridge at the start is out, and you will have to either cross the water or take the cut-off trail that goes right at the parking lot, then cuts left to join the Klondike Notch Trail. At low water, there are rocks to hop across, but otherwise you will have to do some wading if you want to cross. The start of the trail heads through the low lands of South Meadow, but will eventually start climbing, and at times is a bit steep. You'll reach the Klondike lean-to roughly 2.7 miles from South Meadows. After that, you'll reach the height of land in Klondike Notch just under a mile from the lean-to, before descending and passing by a trail that cuts left to go up Yard and Big Slide (continue straight, do not take the left turn). After a little over 5 miles into your trip, you'll arrive at Johns Brook Lodge.

Klondike Notch in the winter

Many skiers stop at the lean-to around 0.75 miles shy of the top of the notch, though warm temperatures and water crossings may be hazardous to skiers. Only experienced skiers should attempt this trail, and expect it to be unbroken.

Find your perfect trail

Does Klondike Notch 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

Leave Lake Placid on Route 73, follow Route 73 toward Keene. Continue for about 3 miles to Adirondack Loj Road on the right. Follow Adirondack Loj Road to Meadows Lane on the left. Drive to the end of Meadows Lane to a parking lot.

In winter, park at the start of Meadows Lane near the boulders. From the Loj Road you will have to ski Meadows Lane for 1 mile to access the Klondike Notch Trail. The road starts out heading easily uphill before descending very gradually to the parking lot at the end of the road. The trail is to the back of the parking lot.

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.