Hiking in the Adirondacks
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Hiking at its best

Throughout the Whiteface Region, visitors will find hiking trails for all levels of ability from rugged mountain adventurers to trekking families looking for the next adventure along bubbling mountain streams, amazing vistas, lively forests, and ancient rock formations. 

The High Peaks are beautiful, which means they're also extremely popular. Consider getting away from the crowds by tackling some of these lesser visited mountains and woods in the Whiteface Region. The views are just as nice! Or if you want to spread the hiking love around, check out the ADK 6 Pack hiking challenge, which pairs six mountains around the Adirondacks with nearby craft breweries!

Hikes outside of the High Peaks

Hikes outside of the High Peaks, en Francais

Choose a challenge that's right for you! 

Easy

Left over from the melted glaciers that once carved out the valleys of the Adirondack Mountains, picturesque, refreshing ponds are present on many area hikes – the trails leading to Owen, Copperas, and Winch Ponds are local favorites. This is an easy grade hike and rewarding views of these striking bodies of water amidst a scenic, wilderness mountain backdrop. 

Moderate

Head over to the Beaver Brook Trails, with over 3 miles of trails at a moderate difficulty level. If you reach the highest point the system has to offer, you'll find yourself overlooking the Whiteface Region valley.

Strenuous

If you seek a more challenging but rewarding hike, don't miss Whiteface Mountain, the 5th highest mountain in New York. With several established routes to the top, there isn't a bad option here. On a clear day visitors can enjoy a view of Vermont's Green Mountains, Lake Champlain, and other New York mountains.

Get close and stay close

Peruse the numerous Whiteface Region lodging options and dream about your basecamp for future hiking excursions. 

Hiking information

Whiteface Region Outdoor Recreation Map & Guide

View our updated downloadable Outdoor Recreation Guide for trail information on hiking the High Peaks region, including scenic walks and mountain biking for further adventures. Printed copies are available at the Whiteface Mountain Regional Visitors Center and view a list of trails below. 

Whiteface Region Hiking Map 

Leave No Trace and Love Your ADK

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.

Be sure to come prepared with hiking essentials! 

 

Whiteface Mountain Olympic Site
Yes, the Olympic Mountain is a premier ski resort offering the largest vertical drop in the east. But there's plenty more to Whiteface! Veterans’ Memorial Highway A historic eight-mile highway to the top of the only...
Location:
Wilmington, New York
  
details
Adirondack Christian School
Adirondack Christian School, providing a Christ-centered, quality education since 1967.
Location:
Wilmington, 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 loons and osprey, both known to nest near the pond. Getting there Located on Silver Lake Road, 9...
Location:
Au Sable Forks, New York
  
details
Clements Pond
This is a wonderful hike back to a seldom-visited pond. You will hike through a forest of deep green, pass babbling brooks, and walk between some very interesting rock features. Getting there From the four-way intersection in...
Location:
Jay, New York
  
details
Bear Den Mountain
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 Mountain...
Location:
Wilmington, New York
  
details
Silver Lake Mountain
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, and...
Location:
Au Sable Forks, New York
  
details
Cooper Kiln Pond
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 placid...
Location:
Wilmington, New York
  
details
Flume Trails
The Wilmington Flume Trail System has around 10.0 miles of trails in total. These trails are a multi-purpose open to mountain biking, hiking, trail running, skiing, and snowshoeing. Information and maps on each specific trail is...
Location:
Wilmington, New York
  
details
Owen, Copperas, and Winch Ponds
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
Marble Mountain
Judging from the quiet forests around Marble Mountain, it might be hard to imagine a ski center here. Yes, before Whiteface Mountain, there was Marble Mountain. Today, the ski center here no longer exists, but a trail leading to where...
Location:
Wilmington, New York
  
details
Connery Pond
A portage trail leads to the shore of the pond, where there is an amazing vista across the water that includes Whiteface Mountain. Getting there From the four-way intersection in Wilmington, travel east on Route 86 toward Lake...
Location:
Wilmington, New York
  
details
Jay Mountain
Jay Mountain is a moderate hike through stunning forests to an open ridegline trail that provides many great scenic vistas on the way to a rocky summit. Getting there From the four-way intersection in Wilmington, follow Route 86...
Location:
Jay, New York
  
details
Monument Falls
Monument Falls is a breathtaking waterfalls that you can see right from the road! There is also a path to and along the Ausable River that is suitable for small children and families. Getting there Monument Falls is located between...
Location:
Wilmington, New York
  
details
Silver Lake Bog and Bluffs
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 a long...
Location:
Au Sable Forks, 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
Lake Stevens Trail
This delightful hiking path circles Lake Stevens, named for Olympic bobsledder Hubert Stevens. The lake is stocked with trout, the trees represent all 34 species native to the Adirondacks, and there's a picnic table and two little...
Location:
Wilmington, New York
  
details
Beaver Brook Trails
These trails are a multi-purpose landmark for the New York State DEC. They are open to mountain biking, hiking, trail running, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and pretty much whatever else you can do without the use of a motor...
Location:
Wilmington, New York
  
details
Flume Knob
The Flume Knob is another hidden gem in the Wilmington Region that should not be missed. Using the region's mountain biking trails as an approach makes for an outstanding day trip for the entire family. The Flume Knob Trail...
Location:
Wilmington, New York
  
details
Stag Brook Falls
Stag Brook Falls is an excellent couple hours of hiking along an attractive brook with numerous waterfalls and cascades. Picnic benches, nature signs, and swimming are available along the way. Getting there Access to this trail is...
Location:
Wilmington, New York
  
details
Eagle Eyrie
Eagle Eyrie is a low peak at the north end of Lake Placid that offers a unique view of the lake and the High Peaks. It can be approached on foot or by boat. The hike starts along an old road and parallels attractive Connery Pond. The...
Location:
Lake Placid, New York
  
details
Whiteface Landing
Whiteface Landing is a perfect outing for those looking for a peaceful walk, ski, or snowshoe to Lake Placid's shore!  How to get there From the four-way intersection in Wilmington, travel east on Route 86 toward Lake...
Location:
Lake Placid, New York
  
details
Catamount Mountain
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 nearly as...
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

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