Cross-Country Skiing & Snowshoeing

Winter Recreation

Fitness made fun

The Whiteface Region offers plentiful backcountry skiing opportunities. For cross-country skiers, the Whiteface Region is the ideal place to blaze the trails. Cross-country skiing is a total body workout that gets your heart and lungs pumping. If you're a runner, cyclist, triathlete or just want to increase your fitness, cross-country skiing in the Whiteface Region is a great way to cross-train and stay active this winter. Not to mention it's fun, inexpensive, and fairly easy to learn. If you're not into skiing, snowshoeing is another great way to get out on the trail and enjoy our gorgeous winter scenery.

Take in the Adirondack wildlife as you ski or snowshoe past frozen-over streams and snow-topped trees. Birders will especially enjoy navigating through the pristine woodlands in the area, where hawks, eagles, owls, and smaller birds make their winter home. You may even see crossbills high in the trees along the trails.

Whether you want a short run or an all-day loop, there are several trails in the Whiteface Region to enjoy. Many of these trails are located just off of Route 86 between Whiteface Mountain and Wilmington. To find out more about cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, be sure to get a trail map or guidebook when you arrive. 

Leave No Trace

The magic of the Adirondacks is the result of previous generations taking a long view and protecting the mountains, lakes, and rivers within the Blue Line. That tradition continues today as we support and encourage everyone to practice Leave No Trace ethics, which help protect the lands and waters of the Adirondacks.

Learn more about Leave No Trace principles

Silver Lake Bog and Bluffs
Hiking This attractive little trail is off the main route to anywhere, but well worth the added effort to locate it. The trail is found on Nature Conservancy land for all to enjoy. You will appreciate a nice hike through a bog using...
Location:
Wilmington, New York
details
Whiteface Mountain
The views from Whiteface encompass all sides and include the Green Mountains of Vermont, the skyscrapers in Montreal on a very clear day, and the White Mountains of New Hampshire on an even clearer day. Whiteface is the fifth highest...
Location:
Wilmington, New York
details
Flume Trails
Hiking The Flume Trail System is comprised of approximately 10.5 miles of trails open to mountain biking, hiking, cross country skiing, and snowshoeing in the town of Wilmington, N.Y. Enjoy vistas across wetlands, and interesting...
Location:
Wilmington, New York
details
Catamount Mountain
Hiking Catamount Mountain in one of the more popular gems of the Whiteface Region and should not go unvisited by anyone. With its two open summits it affords spectacular views of the entire region. In season, the blueberries are...
Location:
Wilmington, New York
details
Beaver Brook Trails
Hiking The trails at Beaver Brook are of a wide array of difficulties and terrain. One trail in particular is excellent for hiking and that is the Good Luck Trail. This trail ascends to a ridge where excellent views can be enjoyed....
Location:
Wilmington, New York
details
Clements Pond
Hiking Trailhead From the four-way intersection in Wilmington, follow Route 86 toward Jay. In Jay, take a right onto Route 9N and head toward Keene. Continue for a bit over 6.5 miles and turn left on Styles Brook Road. Follow that...
Location:
Jay, New York
details
Cooper Kiln Pond
Hiking Cooper Kiln Pond lies in the valley between Morgan Mountain and Wilmington Peak. The pond sits nestled in the mountains with a somewhat heavily treed shoreline. There are a few rocky outcroppings opening up views out over the...
Location:
Wilmington, New York
details
Flume Knob
Snowshoeing While a secondary trail does come in from the Whiteface ski area, this route is best for snowshoeing Flume Knob. From the Flume Trails trailhead start by shoeing past the kiosk. Head uphill along an old road. The top of...
Location:
Wilmington, New York
details
Whiteface Toll Road
From the gate you will start climbing immediately. The climb is never too steep but continuous. It was built for cars to travel easily, leaving the total grade rather moderate. In the early season there can be bare spots and windblown...
Location:
Wilmington, New York
details
Bear Den Mountain
Hiking Bear Den Mountain is one of those hidden peaks that gets very little attention, but should be high on everyone’s list to check out. It’s located above the Ausable River and has really unique views of the Whiteface...
Location:
Wilmington, New York
details
Whiteface Landing
Hiking It's a 2.5 mile hike one way to Whiteface Landing. (In winter, that distance is 3.7 miles due to seasonal road closures.) The trail starts at the left side of the register area and soon climbs moderately away from the...
Location:
Lake Placid, New York
details
Jackrabbit Trail
The 50-kilometer Jackrabbit Trail runs from Keene, through Lake Placid and Saranac Lake, to Paul Smiths. It is a trail that connects with four ski centers and several backcountry routes along the way. Trailheads: 15km of trail near...
Location:
Lake Placid, New York
details
Taylor Pond
This remote spot is a favorite for anglers and naturalists. It is surrounded by over 8,000 acres of Wild Forest state land. Watch for loon and osprey, both known to nest near the pond. Cross-Country Skiing & Snowshoeing On the...
Location:
Au Sable Forks, New York
details
Whiteface Mountain Memorial Highway - Winter Trek
On a fair day with good snow conditions, a trip up and down Whiteface via the highway can seem like a deceptively easy way to bag a 4,000 foot winter ascent. Under less than ideal conditions, however, the skiing can be...
Location:
Wilmington, New York
details
Jay Mountain
In 2012, the DEC opened up a new trail to the west end of the ridge, eliminating the previous herd path that was often eroded and very steep. The new trail is a bit longer but it's more gradual with much less erosion. As the...
Location:
Jay, New York
details
Owen, Copperas, and Winch Ponds
Hiking These three ponds are located in the Sentinel Range Wilderness Area and offer excellent loop opportunities. There are two trails that lead into the area and either can be used to create a loop to the three ponds. This...
Location:
Wilmington, New York
details
Esther Mountain
Esther was named after Esther McComb who, at the age of 15, made the first recorded ascent of the peak. Esther is a High Peak located off the shoulder of Whiteface Mountain, a much bigger sister peak, and makes for an excellent and...
Location:
Wilmington, New York
details
High Peaks Wilderness/Backcountry Trails
The Adirondack Loj and Heart Lake Recreation Center offer a good year-round access point for many trails in the High Peaks Wilderness Area.  From the large parking area (be sure to pay the parking fee) you can reach...
Location:
Lake Placid, New York
details
Silver Lake Mountain
Hiking Silver Lake Mountain is a great “bang for your buck” destination. This short trail is perfect for the entire family and offers some outstanding views out over Taylor Pond, Union Falls Pond, Silver Lake, Catamount...
Location:
Westville, New York
details
New York Ski Educational Foundation
Providing opportunities for athletes of all ages to reach their potential in snow sports - alpine skiing, freestyle skiing, snowboarding, ski jumping, cross country, nordic combined and biathlon - through professional guidance and...
Location:
Wilmington, New York
Phone:
(518) 946-7001
details

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