Lake Placid is a cool town in the Adirondack Mountains of New York, known for its amazing hiking trails. Whether you’re new to hiking or looking for an exciting adventure, there’s a trail for everyone.
When I visited Lake Placid, I spent a few days hiking the trails around the town and nearby Lake George. I focused on the most beautiful spots like Pitchoff Mountain, Whiteface Mountain, Mount Jo, and Cascade Mountain. These trails had amazing views, and they were all close to the town.
One great thing about hiking near Lake Placid is that the trails are nearby, so you enjoy nature more. Many of the hikes are less than 10 miles long, easy to follow, and perfect for a day adventure.
If you’re thinking about visiting this awesome area, I’m sharing my 8 favorite hikes in Lake Placid to help you discover the stunning Adirondacks. Each hike gives a unique view of this beautiful landscape.
1. Cascade Mountain
- Distance: 4.8 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation Gain: 1,940 feet
Cascade Mountain is the 36th tallest of the Adirondack High Peaks. The hike is steep and rocky, and because it’s a popular spot, it can get crowded. It’s a good idea to arrive early to find a parking spot. The trail starts with a set of stairs that lead down from the highway, crosses a bridge, and then reaches the trail register. From there, the path begins to climb uphill at a moderate pace.
At 0.6 miles, the trail flattens out and crosses a stream, then another brook a bit later. The trail turns left and becomes steeper as it climbs over rocky terrain until you reach Cascade’s ridge at 1.4 miles. After turning right, the trail follows the ridge with some rocky sections and offers views of the High Peaks.
2. Mount Jo
- Distance: 2 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Elevation Gain: 700 feet
Mt. Jo is a great hike for families and beginners with some hiking experience. The summit has open ledges that offer one of the best views of the High Peaks. There are two trails to the top, so you can make it a loop hike. However, beginners might find the Short Trail a bit too steep.
The trail is mostly flat for the first 300 yards until you reach a wide path along Heart Lake. Turn right and walk about 60 yards to the real start of the Mt. Jo trail, where you’ll find the trail register. After hiking uphill for about a quarter mile, you’ll come to a split. The Short Trail goes right and is only 0.2 miles shorter, but it’s much steeper. The Long Trail, which goes straight, is easier and better for most families. The two trails meet again near the summit, and from there, it’s an easy walk to the summit rocks, which you can climb using wooden stairs.
3. Pitchoff Mountain
- Distance: 5.2 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation Gain: 1,440 feet
Pitchoff Mountain is in the Sentinel Range Wilderness, near Whiteface Mountain. There are two trails to hike the ridge: the West Trail and the East Trail. The West Trail is more popular since it reaches the high point faster and leads to Balanced Rocks.
To hike the entire ridge, you’ll need a second car at the East Trail parking because Route 73 is too busy and narrow to walk back. The West Trail starts with a steady climb and offers views of Cascade Lakes. After some steep climbs, you’ll reach Balanced Rocks and then Pitchoff’s summit at 3,500 feet. There aren’t views from the top, but the hike continues along the ridge, passing rocky outcrops before heading downhill to the East Trail parking area.
4. Whiteface Mountain
- Distance: 9.3 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Elevation Gain: 3,678 feet
Whiteface Mountain is one of the tallest peaks in the Adirondacks and is famous for its incredible skiing and snowboarding. It’s also a popular spot in the winter for outdoor activities. With an elevation of 4,867 feet, it offers some of the best views in the northeast, overlooking the Adirondack peaks and even Lake Placid. In the summer, people hike and bike up the mountain, and there’s even a road to drive most of the way to the top. Whether you’re hitting the slopes in winter or hiking in summer, Whiteface Mountain is an adventure-packed destination year-round!
5. Indian Head and Fish Hawk Cliffs
- Distance: 10 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation Gain: 1,000 feet
Indian Head and Fish Hawk Cliffs are two cliffs in the Adirondack Mountain Reserve that are open to hikers, but dogs aren’t allowed. To hike here, plan ahead, bring the right gear, and follow Leave No Trace principles.
A popular loop hike takes you past the cliffs and waterfalls along Gill Brook. The hike starts on a dirt road, turns into a paved path, and after 3 miles, you’ll reach the foot trail. The trail is steep and even has a ladder at one point. After 0.8 miles, you’ll reach Indian Head, and then Fish Hawk Cliffs, which offers a great view of Indian Head. From there, you’ll take the Gill Brook Trail back, passing waterfalls along the way.
6. Cobble Hill
- Distance: 2.4 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Easy
- Elevation Gain: 462 feet
Cobble Hill is an easy-to-recognize hike near Mirror Lake, perfect for beginners. It offers great views of Lake Placid Village and the High Peaks. The hike is 0.8 miles and steep, starting at the trailhead near Mirror Lake Drive and Northwood School’s driveway. After a short walk on a boardwalk, the trail begins. At 0.5 miles, go straight at the junction for the steeper part. Be careful on rocky sections to prevent erosion, and note that trail maintenance is planned for 2024. Follow Leave No Trace principles to protect the environment.
7. Hurricane Mountain
- Distance: 6.8 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation Gain: 2,000 feet
Hurricane Mountain is a fun hike with great views and a restored fire tower you can climb. Even without the tower, you’ll still get amazing views of the High Peaks. It’s also one of the mountains in the Lake Placid 9er challenge, making it a popular destination. There are three different trails to the summit, each with its own challenges and rewards.
8. Mount Marcy
- Distance: 14.8 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Elevation Gain: 3,166 feet
Mount Marcy is the tallest mountain in the Adirondacks and a tough hike that requires preparation. The most popular trail is the Van Hoevenberg Trail, a 7.4-mile hike one way from the High Peak Information Center. The total round trip is 14.8 miles, with steep and moderate sections.
Along the trail, you’ll cross Marcy Brook and pass by beautiful views, but remember that weather can change fast. Near the summit, you’ll climb over an open rock. The summit is home to a rare alpine zone, so follow yellow markers and stay on the rocks to protect the fragile plants.
