Family-friendly outdoor adventures in Wilmington
This WOW challenge is designed intentionally for multi-generational families and groups to enjoy together! It’s a great way to get younger challengers started with the fun and rewards of exploring the great outdoors – and they’ll love earning their patch! These beginner trails are mostly under half a mile in distance, but the longest clocks in at 2 miles round trip. Each can be done at a leisurely pace and provides a rewarding, WOW Adirondack experience.
After you've completed the challenge, register and claim your patch! There are a couple other Wonders of Wilmington challenges too, don't forget to check them out!
1. Connery Pond
Connery Pond is an easy outing at a distance of 0.5-miles round trip. A portage trail leads to the shore of the pond, where there is an amazing vista across the water that includes Whiteface Mountain.
2. Monument Falls
Rated easy, Monument Falls is a can't miss stop. This roadside waterfall is a great short walk along the Ausable River. It’s also great for picnics!
3. Lake Stevens Trail
Lake Stevens is a small body of water with an easy, less than 0.5 mile path around it. This delightful hiking path circles Lake Stevens, and is perfect for families, especially ones interested in natural history. The trees found along the lakeshore represent all the native species in the Adirondacks and this is a great place to see and hear birds.
4. Silver Lake Bog and Bluffs
A bit outside Wilmington, Silver Lake Bog and Bluffs is a hike over mostly easy terrain. The entire trip is about 2-miles round trip. This attractive little trail is off the main route to anywhere, but well worth the added effort to reach it. You will appreciate a nice hike through a bog using a long boardwalk, then climb to some outstanding views over Silver Lake.
5. Nature walk at the Wilmington Beach
The Wilmington Beach nature walk is a very short (less than 0.5 mile) nature walk though the woods. Near the nature walk, you will find a sandy beach and picnic area, birds abound, wildflowers aplenty, and an all-access fishing platform.
6. Cobble Lookout
Cobble Lookout is an easy, 2.6 mile round trip hike. A relatively flat trail leads to a rocky ledge that boasts one of the best views in the Adirondacks, including nearby Whiteface and Esther mountains.
7. Whiteface Mountain summit (optional)
We want everyone to experience our greatest Wonder of Wilmington, Whiteface Mountain, in whatever way is most appropriate for you and your exploration partners. If you are an experienced hiker, this is one of the Adirondack 46ers. In both the summer and winter, you can ride the gondola to the summit of Little Whiteface for a fee. In the summer, you can drive your car or ride your bike to the summit via Veterans Memorial Highway (there is a fee). Experiencing Whiteface Mountain from the top is optional for completing this WOW Challenge, but worth it!
