Hiking in the Adirondacks

Mountain 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, cascading waterfalls, and ancient rocky formations. In winter, strap on a pair of snowshoes or microspikes and enjoy snowy trails and cool, crisp mountain air.

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 in the Whiteface Region and beyond. The views are just as nice!

Hikes outside of the High Peaks

Hikes outside of the High Peaks, en Francais

Choose a challenge that's right for you! 

Easy

Leftover 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 is a local favorite. It features 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 High Peak of New York state. 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 book a basecamp for your fall hiking excursions. 

Whiteface Region Outdoor Recreation Map & Guide

Hiking Information

View our downloadable Outdoor Recreation Guide for trail information on hiking the high peaks region, 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

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.

Leave No Trace Seven Principles

 

 

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
Cobble Lookout
Constructed in the fall of 2014, this new trail is sure to become very popular because it is only one mile with little climbing to a spectacular view of the Ausable Valley and the surrounding mountains. This hike is...
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
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
Monument Falls
Follow the path to, and along, the Ausable River for an easy trip suitable for small children. The Monuments commemorate the 50th and 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Adirondack Park.
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
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
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
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. Access to this trail is at the Whiteface...
Location:
Wilmington, 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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Connery Pond
Hiking Route Overview From the gate near the parking area, walk back down the road slightly to an area where a couple of cars could park on the left. There is a portage trail here that leads to the shore of the pond, where...
Location:
Wilmington, New York
details

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