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 mountain climbing 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 close by Lake George. Most of my time was centered on essentially the most scenic areas like Whiteface Mountain, Mount Jo, and Cascade Mountain. I discovered that these trails supplied 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 possibly can take pleasure in extra time on the paths and fewer time touring to them. A lot of them are beneath 10 miles, well-marked, and ideal for a day’s tour.
If you happen to’re planning a go to to this unimaginable area, on this put up, I share my high 7 Lake Placid hikes that can introduce you to the splendor of the Adirondacks, every offering its personal distinctive glimpse into this diverse and provoking panorama.
Necessary Reminder: Because it goes in the entire locations we share, please observe good path etiquette and keep in mind to Go away No Hint. This implies packing out your whole rubbish (together with bathroom paper), being respectful to others, and following the established guidelines.
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1. Excessive Falls Gorge
- Path Kind: Loop
- Distance: 1 mile (1.6 km)
- Elevation Acquire: 167 ft (51 m)
- Time: 15–half-hour
- Problem: Simple
- Trailhead Begin: 4761 NYS Route 86, Wilmington, NY 12997
- Canines Allowed?: No
Excessive Falls Gorge is a brief, scenic hike close to Lake Placid. The hike includes a gorge (as its title suggests), 4 waterfalls, bridges, and glass flooring walkways.
There are stairs on the principle loop, however there may be 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 mountain climbing trails, particularly because the complete loop is only a mile lengthy. It’s on the best way to Whiteface Mountain and makes for a very good warm-up for that tougher hike.
All in all, Excessive Falls Gorge is right for individuals who desire a brief hike that’s comparatively simple. Nevertheless, there’s a comparatively steep entrance payment — $16 for adults (13+) and $13 for youths (as of August 2023).
2. Mirror Lake Loop
- Path Kind: Loop
- Distance: 2.6 miles (4.2 km)
- Elevation Acquire: 56 ft (17 m)
- Time: 45–60 minutes
- Problem: Simple
- Trailhead Begin: Mirror Lake Dr, Lake Placid, NY 12946
- Canines Allowed?: Sure
Mirror Lake Loop is a pleasant and straightforward path, good for these in search of a relaxed mountain climbing expertise with out sacrificing breathtaking views.
This path gracefully winds its manner 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 world 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 ft all through the two.6-mile-long loop. Wheelchair customers, individuals who use mobility aids, and oldsters with strollers can totally take pleasure in this path. There are additionally benches alongside the loop to take a seat and chill out or relaxation.
You possibly can even take a dip at Mirror Lake Public Seashore, which has lifeguards on obligation. 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 preferred strolling path, although, so anticipate to see plenty 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 Kind: Loop
- Distance: 2.3 miles (3.7 km)
- Elevation Acquire: 495 ft (151 m)
- Time: 45–60 minutes
- Problem: Average
- Trailhead Begin: Mirror Lake Dr, Lake Placid, NY 12946
- Canines Allowed?: Sure
Cobble Hill is a reasonably difficult hike since it’s steep in locations and there’s a part the place it’s a must to climb up a rocky inline utilizing a rope.
Nonetheless, it’s fairly brief at simply 2.3 miles. I feel it was simply the proper 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 chosen parking house on Mirror Lake Drive or in a municipal car parking zone and begin your hike there. In case your lodging is close by, you too can 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 proper circumstances, although, you’ll have a brief however rewarding hike that results in superior views of Mirror Lake.
4. Mount Jo Loop Path
- Path Kind: Loop
- Distance: 2 miles (3.2 km)
- Elevation Acquire: 699 ft (213 m)
- Time: 1h15m – 1h30m
- Problem: Average
- Trailhead Begin: 1002 Adirondack Loj Rd, Lake Placid, NY 12946, United States
- Canines Allowed?: Sure
The Adirondacks Excessive Peaks aren’t all intimidating, as you might need heard. Mount Jo is among 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 Heart. You must pay a each day parking payment ($15 earlier than 1 pm and $7 after 1 pm, as of August 2023).
There may be an info middle 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.
If you happen to’re a newbie hiker or mountain climbing with children, I like to recommend going with the marginally longer loop.
5. Haystack Mountain by way of Jackrabbit Path
- Path Kind: Out and again
- Distance: 5.3 miles (8.5 km)
- Elevation Acquire: 997 ft (304 m)
- Time: 3 hours
- Problem: Average
- Trailhead Begin: Route 31, Lake Placid, NY 12946
- Canines Allowed?: Sure
When it comes to problem, Haystack Mountain by way of Jackrabbit Path is a fairly middle-of-the-road hike — difficult sufficient to get your coronary heart price up however not so tough {that a} newbie hiker wouldn’t be capable of deal with it.
The one draw back of this path is that it’s not effectively marked, notably the place it’s a must to flip left to get to the summit.
The one indication is a rock cairn (unfamiliar with rock cairns? Study all about ’em right here). You received’t wish to miss the flip, because the summit affords wonderful views of the Excessive Peaks.
6. Whiteface Mountain Summit Path
- Path Kind: Out and again
- Distance: 9.5 miles (15.3 km)
- Elevation Acquire: 3,652 ft (1,113 m)
- Time: 5–6.5 hours
- Problem: Arduous
- Trailhead Begin: 33 Reservoir Rd, Wilmington, NY 12997, United States
- Canines Allowed?: Sure
In order for you wonderful panoramic views, Whiteface Mountain is my high spot. You must earn it, although, as this path is kind 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 slender paths and rocky outcrops.
That is NOT a path for freshmen, however skilled hikers will love the difficult, diverse 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 truly drive as much as the height.
7. Mount Marcy by way of Van Hoevenberg
- Path Kind: Out and again
- Distance: 16.2 miles (26.1 km)
- Elevation Acquire: 3,586 ft (1,093 m)
- Time: 7–8 hours
- Problem: Arduous
- Trailhead Begin: 1002 Adirondack Loj Rd, Lake Placid, NY 12946, United States
- Canines Allowed?: Sure
The 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 ft (1,629 m) above sea degree.
The Mount Marcy by way of Van Hoevenberg path begins on the Coronary heart Lake Trailhead on the Adirondack Loj. You must pay a small parking payment ($7–15).
The hike begins off deceptively simple till you get to Marcy Dam. From there, the terrain turns into rather more rocky and stuffed with boulders, staying that manner 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 a very good day, you possibly can even see the Inexperienced Mountains in Vermont and Mont-Royal in Montreal.
Greatest Time of 12 months for Mountain climbing in Lake Placid
Summer time and fall are the very best instances of yr for mountain climbing in Lake Placid. These seasons are prime for having fun with out of doors actions generally because the climate is at its finest when it comes to each temperature and precipitation.
To keep away from crowds (the hikes in Lake Placid are all fairly fashionable), your finest wager is to go to in early summer season or late fall. My current journey was in early June and we had good climate and solely wanted a lightweight jacket at evening.
If you happen to’re an skilled hiker and a lover of snowshoeing, winter is a good time of yr to discover the Adirondacks, too.
I might discourage mountain climbing in spring, although, as that is the rainiest season. The paths get very muddy, waterlogged, and even submerged at instances.
Ideas for Mountain climbing in Lake Placid
Earlier than heading in your hikes, listed below are some important mountain climbing ideas to bear in mind:
Mountain climbing Clothes Necessities
Listed below are a few of my favourite layers to put on and pack for mountain climbing
Learn Extra
Gear Up For Your Hike
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Have you ever carried out any mountain climbing in Lake Placid? What are your favourite trails? Which of them would you love to do? Go away a remark under!
To observe alongside on Erin’s travels, try Erin’s Journey Ideas.
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