For outdoor enthusiasts, hiking in the Adirondacks represents one of the most rewarding ways to immerse oneself in nature, enhance hiking skills, and explore some of the most picturesque locales in New York. Spanning an impressive six million acres, the Adirondack Mountains comprise a significant portion of New York’s northeastern region. This area is a popular destination for hikers, campers, and adventurers alike. The vast park offers an abundance of hiking opportunities through pristine forests, alongside a variety of lakes and rivers, and to some of the region’s tallest peaks, delivering stunning vistas. Notably, for those who may not be seasoned hikers, there are numerous easy and moderate trails that afford some of the most spectacular views in the Adirondacks.

Safety Tips for Hiking in the Adirondacks

As you prepare for your hiking excursion, whether you are a novice or an experienced hiker, consider these vital safety tips to enhance your outdoor experience:

• It is advisable to hike with a companion to better prepare for unexpected situations. If venturing alone, ensure someone is aware of your itinerary and expected return time. Additionally, remember to record your details in the trailhead register.
• Dress appropriately for varying weather conditions. Given the unpredictability of weather, especially at higher altitudes, be prepared for both warm and cool temperatures, as well as potential rain or snow in winter.
• Stay hydrated by bringing ample amounts of water. Hiking can be strenuous, particularly on hot summer days. Consider also packing healthy snacks to maintain your energy levels throughout the hike.
• Familiarize yourself with wildlife safety. The Adirondacks’ wilderness is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, black bears, and coyotes. Always show respect and be prepared on how to react during wildlife encounters.
• Adhere to the Leave No Trace principles. Properly dispose of your trash, minimize disturbances to the environment, and help maintain the trails for future generations of hikers.

Hiking in the Adirondacks: Top Easy Hikes

Rocky Mountain

Rocky Mountain offers one of the more accessible trail options for hiking enthusiasts in the Adirondacks. Situated just outside the village of Inlet, this peak provides breathtaking views of Fourth Lake and the surrounding area.

The trail spans just one mile round trip. Although it includes a steep ascent, hikers of all skill levels can successfully reach the summit. The hike entails an elevation gain of 448 feet and typically takes around one hour to complete. Additionally, it provides one of the finest views in the Adirondacks for a relatively short hike.

Stewart’s Ledge

The Stewart’s Ledge Trail, located near the village of Lake George, presents a straightforward 1.4-mile round trip hike with a modest elevation gain of 272 feet. Most sections of the trail involve a gradual incline, with just one steeper portion. Upon completion, hikers are rewarded with stunning vistas overlooking Lake George and its surrounding mountains. This trail generally takes about 45 minutes to an hour to navigate.

Cobble Lookout

The Cobble Lookout Trail, measuring 2.6 miles round trip, offers an easy hiking option in Lake Placid for those not quite ready for the High Peaks. This trail, constructed in 2014, features a total elevation gain of 250 feet, rewarding hikers with spectacular views of some High Peaks, including Giant Mountain, Whiteface, and Esther Mountain. The hike takes approximately one hour to complete and provides breathtaking sights along the way.

Bald Mountain

Bald Mountain is another accessible hiking choice in the Adirondacks. This 2-mile out-and-back trail leads to a rocky summit that showcases views of the Fulton Chain Lakes and Fourth Lake, set against a mountainous backdrop. Bald Mountain is conveniently situated just four miles from the picturesque village of Old Forge and near numerous other easy hiking trails.

While this relatively short trail can be steep in certain areas, much of the path consists of flat rock surfaces that may be slippery when wet. The total elevation gain is approximately 416 feet, and reaching Bald Mountain’s summit also provides access to the Rondaxe Fire Tower, granting an alternate perspective of the already breathtaking views. The hike typically lasts about 45 minutes to an hour.

Hiking in the Adirondacks: Top Moderate Hikes

Mount Jo

Mount Jo features a 2.6-mile round trip trail with a 700-foot elevation gain. Just about 15 minutes away from Lake Placid, it is located in the Adirondack Loj area and is considered one of the top attractions in Lake Placid. The hike consists of two paths; one is steeper, while the other is a more gradual ascent extending 0.2 miles longer. The journey begins alongside Heart Lake before progressing uphill. At the summit, a viewing platform offers 360-degree views of Heart Lake and several high peaks of the Adirondacks. This hike generally takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to complete, and there is a small parking fee since it is situated on the Adirondack Mountain Club’s property.

Goodman Mountain

Goodman Mountain presents a moderate hiking trail near Tupper Lake, encompassing a 3.5-mile round trip with a 525-foot elevation gain. The trail begins with a relatively flat walk along an old road before transitioning into a rocky ascent. The route alternates between steep inclines and flatter sections, scattered with substantial boulders and rocky pathways. Most hikes up Goodman Mountain take about 2.5 hours, and the summit offers panoramic views of Tupper Lake and Coney Mountain, complete with rocky areas ideal for resting.

Castle Rock

Situated on the northern shore of Blue Mountain Lake, the Castle Rock trail is a moderate 2.5-mile round trip hike. Sections of the trail can be steep and feature rocky outcrops near the summit that require some degree of rock scrambling. Reaching the summit rewards hikers with expansive vistas of Blue Mountain Lake, Blue Ridge, Snowy Mountain, and Wakely Mountain. Anticipate spending around 2 hours on this hike.

Castle Rock features a wide-open summit revealing stunning views of Blue Mountain Lake, Blue Ridge, Snowy Mountain, and Wakely Mountain. This hike generally takes about 2 hours to complete.

Silver Lake Mountain

Silver Lake Mountain provides a moderate 1.8-mile round trip hike with a total ascent of 900 feet. Located within the Taylor Pond Wild Forest just outside Wilmington, the trail starts relatively flat before becoming steeper towards the summit, which may require some rock scrambling. As you ascend, expect to encounter openings that showcase glimpses of the magnificent vistas awaiting you at the summit. Upon reaching the top, hikers are rewarded with one of the premier views in the Adirondacks, encompassing Silver Lake, McKenzie Mountain, Moose Mountain, and Whiteface Mountain. This hike generally takes around one hour to an hour and a half to complete.

Bio

Melissa is a writer and photographer dedicated to sharing insights on travel across New York State. She frequently journeys with her 8-year-old daughter, seeking to inspire and encourage exploration of the state’s unique and scenic destinations.