Lake Placid, positioned in New York’s Adirondack Mountains, is a treasure trove for hikers. From towering peaks to scenic trails and lake views, the number of Lake Placid mountaineering is astonishing, making it the most effective locations to hike on the East Coast.
Throughout my very own journey there, I spent a number of days exploring the paths across the cities of Lake Placid and nearby Lake George. Most of my time was targeted on essentially the most scenic areas like Whiteface Mountain, Mount Jo, and Cascade Mountain. I discovered that these trails provided peaceable and mesmerizing panoramic views, all inside a brief distance from the city itself.
The comfort of those hikes close to Lake Placid means you may get pleasure from extra time on the paths and fewer time touring to them. Lots of them are underneath 10 miles, well-marked, and ideal for a day’s tour.
In case you’re planning a go to to this unimaginable area, on this publish, I share my high 7 Lake Placid hikes that may introduce you to the splendor of the Adirondacks, every offering its personal distinctive glimpse into this various and provoking panorama.
Necessary Reminder: Because it goes in all the locations we share, please follow good trail etiquette and bear in mind to Leave No Trace. This implies packing out your whole rubbish (together with rest room paper), being respectful to others, and following the established guidelines.
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1. Excessive Falls Gorge
- Path Sort: Loop
- Distance: 1 mile (1.6 km)
- Elevation Achieve: 167 toes (51 m)
- Time: 15–half-hour
- Issue: Simple
- Trailhead Begin: 4761 NYS Route 86, Wilmington, NY 12997
- Canine Allowed?: No
Excessive Falls Gorge is a brief, scenic hike close to Lake Placid. The hike incorporates a gorge (as its identify suggests), 4 waterfalls, bridges, and glass flooring walkways.
There are stairs on the principle loop, however there’s additionally a quarter-mile, handicap-accessible path with none stairs.
I discovered the Excessive Falls Gorge path to be among the many best Lake Placid mountaineering trails, particularly for the reason that whole loop is only a mile lengthy. It’s on the best way to Whiteface Mountain and makes for warm-up for that more difficult hike.
All in all, Excessive Falls Gorge is good for individuals who desire a brief hike that’s comparatively straightforward. Nevertheless, there’s a comparatively steep entrance price — $16 for adults (13+) and $13 for youths (as of August 2023).
2. Mirror Lake Loop
- Path Sort: Loop
- Distance: 2.6 miles (4.2 km)
- Elevation Achieve: 56 toes (17 m)
- Time: 45–60 minutes
- Issue: Simple
- Trailhead Begin: Mirror Lake Dr, Lake Placid, NY 12946
- Canine Allowed?: Sure
Mirror Lake Loop is a pleasant and straightforward path, excellent for these in search of a relaxed mountaineering expertise with out sacrificing breathtaking views.
This path gracefully winds its approach round Mirror Lake, located within the coronary heart of Lake Placid Village.
We opted to embark on this hike first throughout our journey, as we have been staying on the close by Crowne Plaza Resort in Lake Placid. This location afforded us the chance to discover the realm on foot, immersing ourselves within the serene magnificence that surrounds the lake.
The trail is a paved sidewalk with a gradual elevation change of 56 toes all through the two.6-mile-long loop. Wheelchair customers, individuals who use mobility aids, and oldsters with strollers can totally get pleasure from this path. There are additionally benches alongside the loop to sit down and calm down or relaxation.
You may even take a dip at Mirror Lake Public Seaside, which has lifeguards on responsibility. My household took a break right here and loved the child’s playground with a picturesque lake view.
The Mirror Lake Loop is scenic, with views of the clear lake and the picturesque buildings of Lake Placid. It’s fairly a well-liked strolling path, although, so anticipate to see a lot of individuals out and about. There are additionally tennis courts and boat leases if you wish to spend a leisurely day within the space.
3. Cobble Hill
- Path Sort: Loop
- Distance: 2.3 miles (3.7 km)
- Elevation Achieve: 495 toes (151 m)
- Time: 45–60 minutes
- Issue: Reasonable
- Trailhead Begin: Mirror Lake Dr, Lake Placid, NY 12946
- Canine Allowed?: Sure
Cobble Hill is a reasonably difficult hike since it’s steep in locations and there’s a part the place you need to climb up a rocky inline utilizing a rope.
Nonetheless, it’s fairly brief at simply 2.3 miles. I believe it was simply the appropriate problem for newbie hikers and children.
There isn’t any designated trailhead begin or trailhead parking for Cobble Hill. As an alternative, you’re inspired to park in a delegated parking house on Mirror Lake Drive or in a municipal parking zone and begin your hike there. In case your lodging is close by, you may also begin from there.
Useful Tip: If it has rained the day earlier than and even a few days earlier than, I like to recommend holding off in your Cobble Hill hike. It’s recognized to get very muddy and waterlogged. With the appropriate circumstances, although, you’ll have a brief however rewarding hike that results in superior views of Mirror Lake.
4. Mount Jo Loop Path
- Path Sort: Loop
- Distance: 2 miles (3.2 km)
- Elevation Achieve: 699 toes (213 m)
- Time: 1h15m – 1h30m
- Issue: Reasonable
- Trailhead Begin: 1002 Adirondack Loj Rd, Lake Placid, NY 12946, United States
- Canine Allowed?: Sure
The Adirondacks Excessive Peaks aren’t all intimidating, as you may need heard. Mount Jo is without doubt one of the simpler summits to get to whereas nonetheless providing all of the gorgeous views.
The path begins on the Adirondack Loj & Coronary heart Lake Program Middle. It’s important to pay a day by day parking price ($15 earlier than 1 pm and $7 after 1 pm, as of August 2023).
There may be an data heart the place you’ll discover out that there are literally two loops: a steeper, barely shorter one and a average, barely longer one.
There isn’t an enormous distinction in distance between the 2 choices and each of them take you to the summit.
In case you’re a newbie hiker or mountaineering with youngsters, I like to recommend going with the marginally longer loop.
5. Haystack Mountain through Jackrabbit Path
- Path Sort: Out and again
- Distance: 5.3 miles (8.5 km)
- Elevation Achieve: 997 toes (304 m)
- Time: 3 hours
- Issue: Reasonable
- Trailhead Begin: Route 31, Lake Placid, NY 12946
- Canine Allowed?: Sure
When it comes to problem, Haystack Mountain through Jackrabbit Path is a fairly middle-of-the-road hike — difficult sufficient to get your coronary heart fee up however not so troublesome {that a} newbie hiker wouldn’t be capable of deal with it.
The one draw back of this path is that it’s not properly marked, notably the place you need to flip left to get to the summit.
The one indication is a rock cairn (unfamiliar with rock cairns? Learn all about ’em here). You gained’t wish to miss the flip, because the summit gives superb views of the Excessive Peaks.
6. Whiteface Mountain Summit Path
- Path Sort: Out and again
- Distance: 9.5 miles (15.3 km)
- Elevation Achieve: 3,652 toes (1,113 m)
- Time: 5–6.5 hours
- Issue: Exhausting
- Trailhead Begin: 33 Reservoir Rd, Wilmington, NY 12997, United States
- Canine Allowed?: Sure
If you would like superb panoramic views, Whiteface Mountain is my high spot. It’s important to earn it, although, as this path is sort of difficult (however value it!)
The path begins on the designated parking space exterior of Wilmington, NY, after which takes you over Marble Mountain and Esther Mountain earlier than ascending to the summit of Whiteface Mountain.
The Whiteface Mountain Summit Path is average for the primary mile or so. After that, it’s a tough uphill trek the remainder of the best way. There are many slim paths and rocky outcrops.
That is NOT a path for freshmen, however skilled hikers will love the difficult, various terrain and the views on the high.
Tip: Not feeling up for a strenuous hike? There are many different trails on Whiteface Mountain and you’ll really drive as much as the height.
7. Mount Marcy through Van Hoevenberg
- Path Sort: Out and again
- Distance: 16.2 miles (26.1 km)
- Elevation Achieve: 3,586 toes (1,093 m)
- Time: 7–8 hours
- Issue: Exhausting
- Trailhead Begin: 1002 Adirondack Loj Rd, Lake Placid, NY 12946, United States
- Canine Allowed?: Sure
The very best accomplishment a hiker can obtain within the Lake Placid space is reaching the summit of Mount Marcy. It’s the best peak within the Adirondacks and the entire state of New York, rising 5,344 toes (1,629 m) above sea degree.
The Mount Marcy through Van Hoevenberg path begins on the Coronary heart Lake Trailhead on the Adirondack Loj. It’s important to pay a small parking price ($7–15).
The hike begins off deceptively straightforward till you get to Marcy Dam. From there, the terrain turns into way more rocky and full of boulders, staying that approach just about all the best way as much as the summit. The final mile or so is particularly steep — it’s a strenuous hike.
When you get to the summit, although, you get an unmatched view. On day, you may even see the Inexperienced Mountains in Vermont and Mont-Royal in Montreal.
Finest Time of 12 months for Mountain climbing in Lake Placid
Summer season and fall are the very best instances of yr for mountaineering in Lake Placid. These seasons are prime for having fun with out of doors actions basically for the reason that climate is at its finest by way of each temperature and precipitation.
To keep away from crowds (the hikes in Lake Placid are all fairly fashionable), your finest guess is to go to in early summer time or late fall. My latest journey was in early June and we had excellent climate and solely wanted a lightweight jacket at night time.
In case you’re an skilled hiker and a lover of snowshoeing, winter is a good time of yr to discover the Adirondacks, too.
I might discourage mountaineering in spring, although, as that is the rainiest season. The paths get very muddy, waterlogged, and even submerged at instances.
Suggestions for Mountain climbing in Lake Placid
Earlier than heading in your hikes, listed below are some important mountaineering suggestions to bear in mind:
Mountain climbing Clothes Necessities
Listed below are a few of my favourite layers to put on and pack for mountaineering
Learn Extra
Gear Up For Your Hike
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Have you ever completed any mountaineering in Lake Placid? What are your favourite trails? Which of them would you love to do? Depart a remark beneath!
To observe alongside on Erin’s travels, take a look at Erin’s Travel Tips.
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