When people head to Lake Placid and the Adirondack mountains, and particularly the High Peaks region, they are going for the peak bagging. To hike those coveted 46 highest peaks, 36 of which are solely in the High Peaks wilderness. As those high peaks have gotten busier and busier.
The entire Adirondack park area boasts nearly 2,000 miles of trail and is a great place to find some of the best hiking trails on the east coast of the United States. The area has a lot to explore from places of historical significance like MacNaughton cottage to incredible summits with views of the mountains all around.
Once upon a time, the Indian Pass Trail was where it was at. It was the beginning of the exploration of the wilderness of the Adirondacks. And was also a huge draw for artists, poets, and people looking to have a true wilderness experience.
The Basics
Length (Adirondack Loj to Henderson Lake) – 17.8 miles one way
Length (Adirondack Loj to Indian Pass) – 5.9 miles one way
Difficulty – moderate to challenging (mostly along the upper reaches of the pass)
Elevation – 2864 ft
Trailhead – next to the toll booth near Adirondack Loj road
Best time to visit
Peak season in the area is late spring through fall. If this is your first visit, I would recommend coming during that window, especially if you have not hiked in winter conditions.
Mountains, no matter if they are the east coast or west coast mountains, can have extreme circumstances happen with their weather, so being prepared and planning your trip during the best weather window is a smart and safe call.
You can always get trail information from the rangers and if the weather is looking questionable and you have the flexibility maybe wait until the next day before heading out.
The parking situation
There is a large parking area near the toll booth that is a new 60-car capacity lot, which is great, because this lot is the main lot for entrance into the high peaks and other trails.
It is a short distance from the start of the trailhead and the last time I was there was in the summer and it filled up pretty quickly, so try and get an early start if you can.
The trail
Always check the Adirondack trail conditions and the trip reports by the park staff. The start of the trail does have a trail register, so make sure to fill that out so the staff know that you are out there and what your plans are. This is bear country, so go prepared and stay on the main trail.
If you are looking to get away from the crowds and feel like you have disappeared into the wilderness, this trail is for you.
The majority of the trail is what I would consider a “warm up” trail if you are planning to hike one of the 46 high peaks, until you get to the pass.
The Indian Pass Trail starts near the Adirondack Loj (pronounced lodge, I made myself look stupid by pronouncing it wrong). The beginning hugs along Heart Lake before leaving behind the more visited sections the veer off towards Mount Jo.
It’s fairly flat for the first 5 miles before you enter Indian Pass. The trail is fairly narrow and wild. It doesn’t have that well-worn feel that other trails have. You cross multiple brooks, including Indian Pass brook (naturally) and once you get to the pass you climb hand over foot over some pretty large boulders.
Due to the length, and out and back style of the trail, if you want to make a day hike out of it you have a couple options. I went to just beyond Indian Pass in the hopes that there would be some nice views and a place to sit and have some lunch. There was not a great lunch spot but there were some views of the rocky cliffs peaking through the trees. You could stop just before the pass, which is around 5 ½ – 6 miles out and turnaround.
Or you can plan to make it a multiday, hiking the entire 10 miles to the end of the trail. Here you can link onto additional trails, staying in one of the many lean-tos in the area or come back the way you came.
It’s not the type of trail that is full of sweeping views and beautiful vistas. When you hike this trail, you feel like you are in the woods. Like you left the modern world behind, along with your cell signal. So, if you are just looking for a chance to get out into the woods and unplug for a bit, this is a great trail to take.
Camping
All throughout the High Peaks region are options for camping. You can either stay at one of the designated camping sites associated with the Loj for about $40 a night or you can backcountry camp.
Backcountry camping is free and first come first serve. There are a couple of lean-tos along the Indian Pass Trail. Not quite as abundant as seen around Marcy Dam but because it is such an underutilized trail I doubt it would be difficult to find a place to set up camp.
Just make sure you have a bear canister. You can either bring your own or rent one from the Loj.
Difficulty
I didn’t find the majority of this trail that challenging. The pass is by far the hardest part of this hike with the boulder climbing. It was kind of surprising after such a chill hike up to that point.
I did this hike as a “warm up” to hiking Algonquin Peak (second highest mountain in New York) but the pass kind of kicked my ass. It was so unexpected. I felt so good and confident up to that point and then was put back in my place.
Concluding thoughts
If you are looking for great views from amazing elevations this is not the trail for you. However, if you are looking to get away from the crowds at Mount Marcy or Algonquin Peak, and don’t care about mountain views, this is the hike for you.
It’s a great way to experience one small peaceful piece of the 6 million acres of the Adirondacks and the perfect wilderness hike.
*This post contains affiliate links, if you click a link and make a purchase I receive a small commission
