Fall in the Whiteface Region is a splendid time. The valleys fill with vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows, while the deep greens of our needle-bearing trees persist in the higher elevations, creating a magnificent contrast. Sure, you can take the gondola ride to the summit of Little Whiteface, but if you’d rather work for that view we have a few suggestions for you. The hikes are listed below, in order from least to most difficult — enjoy!
1. Cobble Lookout

COBBLE LOOKOUT STATS
- Distance: 1.3 miles
- Elevation: about 2,500 feet
- Elevation gain: 140 feet
2. Silver Lake Mountain

SILVER LAKE MOUNTAIN STATS
- Distance: 0.9 miles
- Elevation: 2,374 feet
- Elevation gain: 900 feet
3. Jay Mountain
The former path to Jay’s awesome, 1.5 mile ridge line was a relentlessly difficult climb that basically just charged straight up the side of the mountain. The current trail is a little bit longer than its predecessor, but it’s a testament to how far the thinking behind trail design has come. Instead of the precipitous, eroded stretches found on the original path, the new route swings back and forth as it gains elevation so it never approaches anything close to the former trail’s steepness.

JAY MOUNTAIN STATS
- Distance: 2.5 miles to the ridge trail, 4 miles to the summit
- Elevation: 3,600 feet
- Elevation gain: 2,200 feet
Getting there: From the town of Wilmington, take Route 86 east toward Jay. At the bottom of the hill in Jay, turn left on Route 9N then take the first right onto County Route 82. After about 4 miles there's a three-way intersection; turn left onto Jay Mountain Road. From the turn, the parking area is about 0.8 miles on the left, just before the fork in the road.
4. Catamount Mountain
If you’re looking for a taste of the High Peaks without the time it takes to ascend one of those lofty summits, give Catamount a try. The path begins deceptively level as it passes through an interesting boreal forest. It soon climbs out of the soft, mossy, lichen-encrusted woods to ascend moderately through a hardwood forest.

The trail gradually gets steeper, but you haven’t seen anything yet. After an uphill climb the path briefly levels and enters a bit of a clearing, where a massive stone face rises above. It’s a short walk along the base of the cliff to the real treat — a steep climb up a rock chimney. The chimney is basically a gigantic split in the cliff face with a jumbled stone staircase of sorts rising within it. It’s a pretty easy climb but it’s not for the faint of heart — at the top is a grand and somewhat vertigo-inducing view of the valley below, and from that point on there’s more of the same as the path ascends the steep, exposed rock dome of Catamount’s first summit. The view is gorgeous, but the real summit is within reach, towering high above the first perch. Fast hikers will find this view deceptive, as the true summit can be reached rather quickly.

CATAMOUNT MOUNTAIN STATS
- Distance: 1.8 miles
- Elevation: 3,168 feet
- Elevation gain: 1,542 feet
After your hike, head into Wilmington for some food and a place to sleep.