Guest Post by Melissa at New York Discovered
For any outdoor enthusiast, hiking in the Adirondacks is one of the best ways to experience nature, gain hiking skills, and view some of New York’s most scenic areas.
The Adirondack Mountains compose a large portion of New York’s northeastern region, spanning a whopping six million acres. The Adirondack Region is a frequently visited destination for hikers, campers, and outdoor adventure seekers alike!
It goes without saying that this massive park contains a plethora of hiking opportunities through pristine forests, along various lakes and rivers, and to some of the highest peaks in the region, featuring unparalleled views. If you are not an advanced hiker, there is no need to worry! There are plenty of easy and moderate hikes that offer some of the best views in the Adirondacks!
Safety Tips for Hiking in the Adirondacks
When heading out for your next hike, whether you are a first timer or advanced hiker, there are some important things to be aware of. Use these tips to help you prepare for your time hiking in the Adirondacks.
1- It is recommended to have someone with you while hiking so that you are prepared for the unexpected. If you are hiking alone, make sure that someone knows where you were going and when you expect to return. You will also want to make sure you sign the register at the trailhead before hiking in the Adirondacks.
2-Dress for the weather. Because weather can be unpredictable and quickly changing at higher altitudes, it is always best to be prepared for warmer and colder weather, as well as rain and snow, if you chose to hike in the winter.
3-Bring plenty of water. Hiking can be a strenuous activity, especially on a hot summer day. Be sure to bring plenty of water to get you through your hike. It doesn’t hurt to bring some healthy, energy-giving snacks as well.
4-Brush up on your wildlife safety tips before heading out. Because the Adirondacks is a vast wilderness area, it is very possible that you will encounter some form of wildlife. Common wildlife sightings in the Adirondacks include deer, black bears, and coyotes. Be prepared about how to respond and ALWAYS be respectful of any wildlife you encounter.
5-Perhaps one of the most important tips-always practice the Leave No Trace policy. Carry out any garbage you have, limit disruptions to the natural environment, and protect the trails so people can continue to experience the adventure of hiking in the Adirondacks for years to come.
Hiking in the Adirondacks: Top Easy Hikes
Rocky Mountain
Rocky Mountain is one of the easiest trail options when hiking in the Adirondacks. Located just outside the Adirondack village of Inlet, the peak offers views of Fourth Lake and the village.
The trail is only one-mile round trip and although it is quite steep, reaching the top is possible for hikers of any skill level. The elevation gain for this hike is 448 feet and the hike takes about one hour to complete. This trail also offers some of the best views in the Adirondacks with a short hike.
Stewart’s Ledge
The Stewart’s Ledge Trail is located near the village of Lake George. The short 1.4-mile round trip hike has an elevation gain of only 272 ft. Most of the trail is a gradual incline with only one steep section. Hikers will be rewarded with views overlooking Lake George and the surrounding mountains. This trail takes about 45 minutes to an hour to complete.
Cobble Lookout
The 2.6-mile round trip Cobble Lookout trail is an easy trail in Lake Placid that is a good alternative for those not ready to take on the High Peaks. It is also one of the newest trails, being constructed in 2014. The total elevation gain for this hike is 250 feet. Views from the top feature some of the High Peaks, including Giant Mountain, Whiteface, and Esther Mountain. It takes approximately an hour to complete this hike. This short hike features some of the best views in the Adirondacks.
Bald Mountain
Bald Mountain is one of the easiest options for hiking in the Adirondacks. This 2-mile out and back trail takes you to the top of a rocky summit with views of the Fulton Chain Lakes and Fourth Lake against a mountain lined background. Bald Mountain is located just four miles outside of the quaint Adirondack village of Old Forge and within minutes of many other easy Adirondack Hikes.
While this trail is short, it can be steep in some places and much of the trail is flat rocks that can become slippery if wet. The total elevation gain in 416 feet. A climb to the top of Bald Mountain will also bring you to the Rondaxe Fire Tower, offering a different perspective of the already stunning views. This hike will take you about 45 minutes to an hour to complete.
Hiking in the Adirondacks: Top Moderate Hikes
Mount Jo
Mount Jo is a 2.6-mile round trip trail with a 700 ft. elevation gain. It is located about 15 minutes outside of Lake Placid in the Adirondack Loj area and is one of the top things to do in Lake Placid. The hike has two trails-one that is steeper and a more gradual hike that is 0.2 miles longer. The hike begins along Heart Lake before beginning the ascent. A viewing platform at the summit offers 360-degree views of Heart Lake and some of the Adirondack high peaks. The hike takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to complete. Unlike many of the other hikes in the Adirondacks, there is a small parking fee for Mount Jo because it is located on the Adirondack Mountain Club’s property.
Goodman Mountain
Goodman Mountain is a moderate hiking trail near Tupper Lake. It is 3.5 miles round trip with a 525 ft. elevation gain and begins as a mostly flat walk along an old road before the rocky ascent begins. The trail alternates steep inclines with flat or gradual inclines and is littered with large boulders and rocky paths at times and takes about 2.5 hours to complete. The summit offers views of Tupper Lake and Coney Mountain with rocky beds for rest and several small trails that lead to more secluded areas.
Castle Rock
The Castle Rock trail is a moderate hike located on the North shore of Blue Mountain Lake. Castle Rock Trail is around 2.5 miles round trip. The trail can be steep in some places with rocky outcrops near the summit that require some rock scrambling.
Castle Rock features a wide-open summit with views of Blue Mountain Lake, Blue Ridge, Snowy Mountain, and Wakely Mountain. This hike takes about 2 hours to hike.
Silver Lake Mountain
Silver Lake Mountain is a moderate 1.8-mile round trip hike. The total ascent is 900 ft. It is located in the Taylor Pond Wild Forest just outside of Wilmington. The trail starts out relatively flat before becoming steeper with a rocky edge near the summit that may require some rock scrambling. On the way up you will be treated to some clearings that will give you a preview of the views you will be rewarded with at the top.
Once you reach the top, you will be treated to one of the best views in the Adirondacks, including Silver Lake, McKenzie Mountain, Moose Mountain, and Whiteface Mountain. The hike takes about an hour to an hour and a half to complete.
Bio
Melissa is the writer and photographer behind New York Discovered, a New York focused travel blog that offers tips and insights not only for the Big Apple, but the many unique, scenic, and fun filled destinations across the state. Melissa travels frequently with her 8-year-old daughter and seeks to share the experiences with all of you, to encourage and inspire your own travels.
