Looking for the best Adirondack Hikes around? If “yes,” you’ve landed on the right post. If your answer is “no,” you don’t know what you’re missing! Hiking in The Adirondacks should be immediately added to your New York Outdoor Bucket List.
In this post, a local shares the most epic hikes in the Adirondacks for different hiking levels.
The Adirondack Park spans over more than six million acres in New York State and is the largest protected natural area in the lower 48 US states. Within the Adirondack Park, you will find over 2,000 miles of hiking trails with a great variety and trail difficulty, for both beginning hikers and experienced hikers alike. Every hiker can find the best fit for their interest and/or experience.
One of the greatest things about the Adirondack hikes is you don’t always have to go far to get the great views. There are plenty of one mile or less trails that will lead you to stunning 180 or 360 views that will keep you marveling for hours. Be warned, though, that once you start out with the shorter hikes you will be drawn to keep going!
There is just something about the fresh air, greenery, magnificent views, and the challenge that keeps you coming back! While perhaps one of the most notable reasons to visit the Adirondacks is for the hikes, visitors can find a plethora of different activities, from water sports to theme parks to beaches and even a ghost town.
If you are planning on visiting the Adirondacks, be sure to do some research and find the most appropriate hikes for you and your travel party. Hikes range from easy half mile long trails with gentle climbing that are great for families to extremely difficult hikes that can make for a full days’ trip. Below you will find some great hike recommendations for easy, moderate, and difficult hikes.
Outdoor & Hiking essentials we love!
#1 Essential when going hiking is having good hiking shoes. We loving this Columbia Women’s Waterproof Hiking Boot.
#2 Essential when going hiking is having a good backpack. This is a really great Lightweight Packable Waterproof Travel Hiking Backpack.
Another must-have for hiking are trekking poles. These 2-pc Pack of Hiking/Walking Sticks are adjustable and crucial if hiking on rocky terrain or supporting heavier weight.
Keep yourself hydrated with this double-wall insulated water bottle which is cup holder friendly, road-trip approved, and adventure-ready!
We personally love this outdoor performance shirt for hiking, it comes with long or short sleeves and it has 50+ sun protection. It is usually good to carry a waterproof rain jacket like this one too.
When hiking, it is a must to have a compact first aid kit in case of an emergency. We totally recommend this one, which has over 85 pieces.
This Swiss Army Camper Knife by Victorinox can save efforts in some of the trickiest hiking/camping scenarios. Don’t be fooled by its compact size; it has 13 features stacked within it!
These 100% Biodegradable Feminine Hygiene Outdoor Wipes are perfect for adventurous women! Give them a try!
Another great must-have for outdoor lovers is this easy to carry Outdoors Pocket Blanket by Momo Outdoors. It is packable, lightweight, compact, sand proof and waterproof. It is ideal for camping, hiking, picnics and even for the beach.
It is good to always have our devices charge, and we love this power bank which has 2 ports for fast charging.
Best Adirondack Hikes: Top Adirondack Hiking Trails
Beginning Level Hikes:
Rocky Mountain (Inlet)
Total Distance: 1 Mile Round Trip Elevation Gain: 448 Feet
Summit Height: 2,225 Feet Recommended Time: 1-2 hours
Location: Rocky Mountain is located about 1 mile outside of Inlet, NY. There is a parking area that is shared for both Rocky Mountain and Black Bear Mountain (a neighboring trail) that is clearly marked and easy to locate.
The Trail: The trail is a short one but is relatively steep from the beginning to end. Despite the steepness Rocky Mountain is still known as a very family friendly hike. When you reach the mountain’s rocky summit you will get some great views of Fourth Lake and Inlet.
Stewart’s Ledge (Lake George)
Total Distance: 1.4 Miles Round Trip Elevation Gain: 272 Feet
Summit Height: 562 feet Recommended Time: 1-1.5 Hours
Location: The trail to Stewart’s Ledge is located within the Buck Mountain trailhead in Fort Ann, NY along Lake George. The trail is not marked, but you will want to park near the trailhead for Buck Mountain and begin on that trail. Shortly in you will find a smaller path branching off to the right. There is a large stone in the middle of the path, so if you see this you are on the right track.
The Trail: Stewart’s Ledge Trail is a gentle incline for the majority of the hike with only one short, steep section. The trail will lead you to Stewart’s Ledge, as the name suggests, where you will be greeted with great views of Lake George and the surrounding mountains.
Mount Jo (Lake Placid)
Trail Distance: 3.6 Mile Round Trip Elevation Gain: 700 Feet
Summit Height: 2876 Feet Recommended Time: 2.5-3 hours
Location: Mount Jo is located on Adirondack Loj Road, which is reached via route 73 coming out of Lake Placid. There is a parking area, but note that there is a $5 fee for parking which goes to the Adirondack Mountain Club to help protect and restore the trails.
The Trail: There are two trails that lead to the summit of Mount Jo, both about the same length. The short trail (which is only 0.2 mile shorter) is much steeper than the longer trail and contains many steps and water bars along the trail. The longer trail is the more ideal trail for families with young children.
The beginning of the trail is mostly flat and smooth until you reach a junction. The trail leading to the right is the shorter trail while the trail leading straight is the longer trail. The trails will reconnect just before the summit and a wooden staircase will lead to the top.
Moderate Hikes
Bald Mountain
Trail Distance: 2 miles round trip Elevation Gain: 416 Feet
Summit Height: 2350 feet Recommended Time: 2 hr.
Location: The trailhead is about 6 miles outside of Inlet, NY on Rondaxe Road off of Route 28.
The trail: The hike up Bald Mountain is moderately difficult. The trail begins as an easy, flat walk followed by a steep incline to the mountain’s ridge. Once you reach the ridge the trail begins to flatten out again with some smaller inclines mixed with declines.
As you get closer to the summit, much of the trail becomes bedrock. The Rondaxe Fire Tower sits at the top and has recently been restored to allow hikers to climb to the top and get stunning views.
Panther Mountain (Tupper Lake)
Trail Distance: 0.9miles round trip Elevation Gain: 432 Feet
Summit Height: 2,213 Feet Recommended Time: 2 hours
Location: Panther Mountain is located about 13 miles outside of Saranac Lake, NY on route 3. The trailhead is located on the opposite side of the road from the trail head. The trail head is marked and fairly easy to locate.
The Trail: The hike up Panther Mountain is not a long one, but it can be quite steep in some locations. The trail begins with a steady incline with some steeper areas, and then as you near the end of the trail it becomes quite steep and rocky. This part of the trail is the most difficult part of the hike, but you will soon reach the summit.
When you reach the top you will come across the rocky summit with stunning views of Panther Pond below and the Adirondack High Peaks in the distance. After descending Panther Mountain be sure to take the trail near the trail parking down to Panther Pond.
Chimney Mountain
Trail Distance: 3 Miles Round Trip Elevation Gain: 760 Feet
Summit Height: 2,500 Feet Recommended Time: 2-4 hours
Location: The trailhead is located on Big Brook Road off of Route 30 in Indian Lake, NY. Note that there is a $2 parking fee.
The Trail: The trail to Chimney Mountain begins as an easy, gentle incline before becoming quite steep for the remainder of the hike. After reaching the summit you can enjoy 360 views of surrounding areas. What makes Chimney Mountain unique is the rocks appearing as a chimney and caves just before you reach the summit.
Difficult Hikes
Blue Mountain
Trail Distance: 4 Miles Round Trip Elevation Gain:1,559 Feet
Summit Height: 3,760 Feet Recommended Time: 2 to 4 hours round trip
Location: Blue Mountain is located about a mile and a half outside of Blue Mountain Lake, NY along Route 30. The trail head is fairly easy to find as it is located just past the Adirondack Museum, so once you pass the museum be on the lookout for the trailhead signs on the right side of the road.
The Trail: The trail begins as a mostly smooth trail, but will soon start to steadily gain some elevation. After approximately 1.25 miles the trail will start to become increasingly steep and will continue for the remainder of the hike. This part of the trail also contains rock slabs that can be slippery at times.
You will eventually reach a more steady ridge that will take you to the 360 views, rocky summit, and fire tower. The views at the top are well worth the effort! If you have some time after descending be sure to stop at the Adirondack Museum in Blue Lake to learn about the history of the area through live exhibits.
Mount Marcy
Total Distance: 14.8 Miles Round Trip Elevation Gain: 3166 Feet
Summit Height: 5344 Feet Recommended Time: 7 Hours
Location: While Mount Marcy has four separate trails that will lead you to the summit, the shortest trail (at 7.4 miles one way) is from the Adirondack Loj parking area off of Route 73 outside of Lake Placid.
The Trail: Mount Marcy is the ultimate goal of the most avid Adirondack hikers. As the highest point in New York State, it is also one of the most difficult. While the terrain is not the most difficult, with moderate inclines throughout the trail, the distance makes it a challenge. The effort it takes to reach Mount Marcy’s summit will be well rewarded with some of the best views you can get in the Adirondacks.
Whiteface Mountain
Total Distance: 9.3 Miles Elevation Gain: 3618
Summit Height: 4867 Feet Recommended Time: 6-7 Hours
Location: There are multiple trails leading to the summit. The primary trailhead, the Wilmington Trail, is located along Marble Mountain Road in the Atmosphere Science Research Center parking area outside of Lake Placid.
The Trail: Whiteface Mountain will give you magnificent 360 views of the surrounding areas, including the mountains of Vermont and New Hampshire. The trail is a combination of steep inclines and flat trail. One drawback to Whiteface Mountain is there is a road that can be taken to the summit, so it can get quite busy up there.
Adirondack Challenges for the Avid Hiker
When discussing hiking in the Adirondacks, the discussion would not be complete without mentioning two of the main Adirondack Park Challenges. The first is the Adirondack Fire Tower Challenge and the second the 46 Adirondack High Peaks Challenge.
The Adirondack Fire Tower Challenge
If you are in the area for an extended period of time or visit frequently, be sure to check out the Adirondack Fire Tower Challenge. The challenge was developed by the Glens Falls-Saratoga Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club in 2001.
The fire tower challenge includes 25 fire towers in the Adirondack region and five in the nearby Catskills region. To complete the challenge and receive a patch the hiker must climb at least 18 of the Adirondack fire towers and all five towers in the Catskill region. All ascents to fire towers must be dated with a photo included in order to receive the patch.
The Adirondack Mountain Club also released a winter fire tower challenge, which includes the same towers and guidelines as mentioned above, but all must be climbed between December 21st and March 21st.
The 46 Adirondack High Peaks
The 46 high peaks are 46 of the highest summits in the Adirondacks. It was originally thought that all the mountains included on the list were a minimum of 4,000 feet. That has since been proven incorrect, but all 46 still remain on the list.
The unofficial challenge started in 1918 when a pair of brothers vowed to climb all 46 high peaks and since then over 7,000 people have done so and that number continues to rise. Once a hiker has completed all 46 high peaks the dates completed can be mailed into the 46’er club and a patch and acknowledgment of completion will be rewarded.
Nearby Attractions
The Adirondack Park is first and foremost a hiking destination, but that does not mean it doesn’t have much more to offer. Located within the Adirondack Park are many great attractions, from outdoor nature areas, quaint villages, indoor fun, and theme parks galore. There is something for everyone in the Adirondacks!
Speculator
Speculator is a small village (with a population less than 400) located in Hamilton County. It is known as the “All-Season Vacationland” with great attractions for every season. Speculator has much in the way of water sports, including kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. In the winter you will find activities such as snowmobiling and snowshoeing.
Speculator has a small public beach and in the summer time the water is excellent and will feel like you are relaxing a warm bath. Across the street from the beach you will find a small park with a playground, picnic area, and small wooden village the kids can explore.
Also near the beach (about a two minute walk) you will find an excellent small town diner and ice cream shop, The King of the Frosties. They serve traditional American cuisine in an old-fashioned diner set up. No trip is complete without a visit.
Lake Placid
Lake Placid is a small town in Essex County most known for its winter Olympics Stadium. The 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics were held in Lake Placid and today the area continues to function as a training site for future Olympic athletes. Visitors to the area are also permitted to explore many of the Olympic venues, including the ski jumping complex, the bobsled run, and ice-skating rinks.
Also located in Lake Placid is the Goose Watch Winery if you are looking for a unique wine tasting along the lake. Located about twenty minutes outside of Lake Placid is the North Pole, a theme park centered around Santa Claus and the North Pole.
Here the kids can visit with Santa, visit Santa’s house, a reindeer barn, a candy shop, bake shop, Santa’s workshop, catch some shows with Santa and the Elves, and enjoy traditional theme park rides.
Tupper Lake
Tupper Lake is home to The Wild Center, a series of trails and bridges that wind through treetops and offers stunning views of the Adirondacks. A highlight of the Wild Walk is the giant spider web that visitors can climb across and the interactive exhibits of the museum.
Lake George
Lake George is home to Six Flags Amusement Park as well as an indoor water park. The amusement park is home to rides, thrills, games, food, and entertainment. Just across the road you will find the Great Escape Lodge which features an indoor water park complete with water slides and stand up surf lessons.
Visit Fort William Henry, an old British fort, for some history of the area and living exhibits, go parasailing on the lake, and visit Canada Street for some shopping and souvenirs. In the summer time you can rent your own Tiki Boat for the day, complete with a captain and tiki bar!
Old Forge
Old Forge is a small hamlet in the town of Webb located in Herkimer County. Old Forge is home to New York State’s largest water park, Water Safari. Water Safari is open from June to early September.
Water Safari offers a combination of water rides and dry rides, a circus show, story tale village, and petting zoo. Across the street from Water Safari you will find the Pied Piper, a fast food and ice cream shop.
Be sure to grab one of their delicious flurries and head down to the nearby lake to enjoy the views. You will most likely run into some ducks while there!
If you are looking for some indoor fun head to Calypso’s Cove. Calypso’s Cove is an indoor/outdoor family fun center featuring an arcade, mini-golf, go-karts, and bumper boats.
Other attractions include taking a ride on the Adirondack Scenic Railroad, shopping along main street (be sure to check out the old-fashioned candy shop!), and water sports including kayaking and canoeing.
Tahawus Ghost Town
A lesser-known area, but worth mentioning for those looking for something unique, is the Tahawus Ghost Town. Located in Newcomb, NY near Mount Marcy, Tahawus Ghost Town is the remnants of a mining town.
While most of the buildings are no longer standing, you will find the McNaughton Cottage, the McIntyre Blast Furnace, an old pump house, and the chimney remnants of the homes that once stood in the area.
5 Quick Tips for Safety While Hiking in the Adirondacks
1.) There is strength in numbers. It is always recommended to have someone with you while hiking so that you are prepared for the unexpected. If you have to go it alone, make sure that someone knows where you were going and when you expect to return. Always make sure you sign the register.
2.) Bring plenty of water. Hiking can be a strenuous activity. You will want to make sure that you have another water for the entire trip. Hydration is essential for successfully and safely completing your hike.
3.) Be prepared. Do some research before your hike and make sure you know what you are getting into. Note that not all hikes will have great views, so be sure that you know what you are climbing to. This is not to say that the hikes without great views aren’t worth doing, but it will save you some disappointment.
4.) Dress for the weather. Always be sure to check the weather before heading out and bring the appropriate gear. You don’t want to overdress if it is going to be hot or undress if it’s going to rain.
5.) Bring your camera. This is one thing you do not want to forget. It would be a real bummer to make it to the top of a high peak and not have your camera with you to capture the moment.
Ready for some hiking in the Adirondacks?
I hope that this list of the best hikes in the Adirondacks inspires your visit. The whole area is so beautiful and there are so many things to do.
Tell me in the comments, have you ever been to the Adirondacks? if yes, what was your experience like?
This is a post by guest contributor Melissa from the blog Navigation Junkie
Author’s Bio: I’m Melissa, creator of Navigation Junkie. I started out right out of high school going to nursing school and working as an RN for several years. Throughout this time my passion for travel never faded, and in fact only grew more and more. I recently started traveling much more and decided to share my experiences with you, so I created the Navigation Junkie travel blog. I travel near and far, hoping to explore all continents and as many countries as possible. My areas of focus include family travel, outdoor travel, and solo travel. Through my blog I share travel experiences, travel tips, and travel guides in hopes of inspiring others to lunge into the wonder that is travel.
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