Sure sitting on a comfy couch in a warm living room with a roaring fire in the fireplace sipping a merlot with a side of cheddar and a shrimp cocktail are fantastic, but why not move that to a mountain top? Dress warm; bring the shrimp, cheese, crackers, a thermos of Hot Cocoa for the kiddies, and maybe a second thermos of hot cocoa with a nip of peppermint schnapps for the adults. There’s nothing like the experience of turning a new page on the top of an Adirondack peak at midnight. While there are many peaks to choose from in the Lake Placid Region there are certain peaks that are even better. Considering round-trip distance with a bit of extra drink and fare, these selected peaks will keep you close to the road for an easy access and an easy exit in the dark – just don’t forget to pack your headlamp with some extra batteries.

Gear to think about for your New Year’s up high

1. Headlamp with extra batteries
2. Dry shirt – change into this when you get to the top so you can remove your top that’s wet from sweat - you'll stay warmer longer
3. Gloves
4. Warm Hat
5. Down jacket – this is great for just standing around on top
6. Warm boots
7. Trekking poles – I know many don’t like them, but when descending at night they are great for balance

Owl’s Head Mountain

Located off Route 73 between Lake Placid and Keene this bald summit will give you the perfect rocky top to hang out on until the New Year comes. Owl’s Head is a less than 2-mile round trip hike over varied terrain. Expect less than an hour to ascend, so get started by 10 pm and you'll have plenty of time to hang out and look at the stars. The upper portion is a bit steep so take care on the descent; also take care around the steep cliffs that rim part of the summit.

Mount Jo

Mount Jo is located on ADK property and is close enough for an easy exit from your night celebration. This under 2-mile round trip hike will bring you high above Heart Lake with the High Peaks right in front of you. On a clear night it’s hard to think of a better place to be. The Mount Jo Trail is a bit steep throughout with a couple tricky steps near the top. Be sure to get a 10 pm start in order to leave enough time to hang out before the end is near.

Baxter Mountain

This 2.2 mile round trip hike will bring you along a steady climb, up and over small rocky outcroppings and eventually to an open summit where you will be in the foothills of Giant Mountain Wilderness. I like to get an earlier start on this one, usually around 9 pm. This early start gets us up there with plenty of time to hang around while warming ourselves under a fleece blanket and looking up at the stars. While the summit is very open it is also sheltered in areas, perfect for keeping you out of the wind when needed.

Cobble Hill

Cobble is located smack dab in the middle of Lake Placid (the town) you will have the cool aura of overlooking the lights of the village as you wait for the celebration in town to begin. Your celebration will be on the top with a possible select few that decide to join you. You can also choose to hang out atop the steep rocky slopes on a boulder or two overlooking the town. You can find this trailhead off of Mount Whitney Road on the backside of Mirror Lake.

Baker Mountain

Baker Mountain is located near the Village of Saranac Lake behind Moody Pond. This hike will bring you on a less than two mile round trip New Year’s excursion into the McKenzie Mountain Wilderness. Start this hike on an easy trail before it starts to climb steadily higher and higher above Moody Pond and the neighborhood below. A steep upper section can be a bit tricky with snowshoes but a blast for the after midnight descent.

Noonmark Mountain

Noonmark is one of my favorites and with a bit of a longer hike in and out under headlamp, it might not be for everyone. This 4.8 mile round trip hike will bring you very high in the High Peaks Wilderness Area. Standing at well over 3500’ in elevation you will need to be prepared for a bit more of the extreme. This peak can get very windy so be prepared. The climb, while not the hardest in the area, is still very steep and demanding. Leave plenty early enough to have a bit of extra time to hang out. I'd plan to start out by 8 pm to be safe. Need to get out of the elements - retire to the trees until closer to midnight.

Maybe these don’t suit your fancy, see what else Lake Placid has for hiking and snowshoeing, maybe you can find the perfect spot for yourself. Weather isn’t what you want and maybe you want to stay in, Lake Placid has all kinds of eateries and nightlife to fill those requests as well.