The Adirondack Park in upstate New York stands as the largest protected natural area in the contiguous United States, spanning an impressive six million acres of pristine wilderness. With over 2,000 miles of marked hiking trails weaving through dense forests, alongside crystal-clear lakes, and up rugged mountain peaks, the region offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventure.
Here is a list of 15 exceptional hiking experiences that showcase the remarkable beauty and diversity of the Adirondack Mountains. From challenging high peaks to family-friendly trails, these hikes capture the essence of this remarkable wilderness.
Mount Marcy
Standing proudly at 5,343 feet, Mount Marcy claims the title of New York’s highest peak. The most popular route follows the Van Hoevenberg Trail from Adirondack Loj, covering 7.4 miles one way.
This challenging trek rewards hikers with breathtaking 360-degree views from its open summit. On clear days, you can see Vermont’s Green Mountains and even glimpse Lake Champlain.
The journey traverses diverse terrain, including peaceful forests, babbling brooks, and alpine vegetation zones near the top.
Cascade Mountain
Often recommended as a perfect first High Peak, Cascade Mountain offers tremendous rewards for modest effort. The 4.4-mile round-trip trail from Route 73 climbs steadily through mixed forests before emerging onto open rock faces.
The summit provides spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, including a stunning perspective of Lake Placid and Whiteface Mountain. Its accessibility and relatively short length make it especially popular, so consider a weekday or early morning hike to avoid crowds.
Big Slide Mountain
Named for the dramatic rock slide on its face, Big Slide offers one of the most enjoyable hiking experiences in the park. The preferred route creates a 9.6-mile loop starting from the Garden parking area in Keene Valley, passing over the Three Brothers—a series of three smaller peaks with incredible vistas.
The trail provides continuous views of the Great Range throughout the ascent, culminating at the 4,240-foot summit with its breathtaking panorama of the High Peaks region.
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Mountain
Ranking as the twelfth highest peak in the Adirondacks, Giant Mountain lives up to its name with massive, steep slopes and commanding views. The main trail from Route 73 climbs 3,000 feet over just 3 miles, making for a challenging but direct ascent.
Along the way, several open ledges offer spectacular preview vistas that only get better as you climb. The summit rewards your efforts with expansive views of Lake Champlain, Vermont’s Green Mountains, and numerous Adirondack High Peaks.
Algonquin Peak
The second-highest mountain in New York offers an alpine experience rivaling any in the Northeast. Starting from the Adirondak Loj, this 8-mile round-trip hike traverses diverse terrain including lush forests and steep, rocky sections. The final approach crosses a fragile alpine zone with rare plants found nowhere else in the state.
From the open summit at 5,114 feet, hikers enjoy magnificent views of surrounding peaks, including nearby Mount Marcy and the distinctive slide-marked face of Mount Colden.
Phelps Mountain
Named after Orson Schofield “Old Mountain” Phelps, who cut the first trail up Mount Marcy, this 4,161-foot peak offers a wonderful day hike option. The trail begins at Adirondack Loj, following the Van Hoevenberg Trail past Marcy Dam before branching off for a steep 1.2-mile climb to the summit.
Though the peak is mostly wooded, strategically placed viewpoints provide stunning vistas of Mount Marcy, the MacIntyre Range, and other prominent High Peaks with less crowds than you’ll find on more popular mountains.
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Wright Peak
This distinctive summit in the MacIntyre Range offers a powerful wilderness experience in a relatively short package. The 4-mile trail from Adirondack Loj climbs steadily through typical Adirondack forest before breaking above treeline to reveal a stark, windswept summit environment.
At 4,580 feet, the mountain’s exposed top features a memorial to a B-47 bomber crash from 1962 and provides spectacular views of the surrounding High Peaks. The open summit can experience extreme weather, so prepare accordingly.
Indian Head
Perhaps the most iconic vista in the Adirondacks isn’t from a High Peak at all. The modest trek to Indian Head provides an unforgettable payoff: a dramatic clifftop overlook above the austere beauty of Lower Ausable Lake.
The trail begins from the Adirondack Mountain Reserve, following Lake Road before branching off toward the scenic overlook. The distinctive view of the lake flanked by the steep walls of the Great Range has become a quintessential Adirondack image worth every step of the approximately 10-mile round-trip journey.
Porter Mountain
Often paired with Cascade Mountain for a two-peak day, Porter stands at 4,059 feet and offers a less crowded experience than its neighbor. From the col between the two mountains, Porter is just 0.7 miles away with minimal additional climbing.
The slightly lower summit still provides exceptional views, particularly looking toward Cascade, Marcy, and the Great Range. For hikers looking to begin their quest to become “46ers” (climbing all 46 High Peaks), Porter represents an achievable and rewarding early conquest.
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Mount Jo
Perfect for families, first-time hikers, or those seeking a short but sweet Adirondack experience, Mount Jo packs impressive views into a modest 2.3-mile round trip from Adirondack Loj. Two trail options—a steep direct route or a more gradual path—lead to the 2,876-foot open summit with panoramic views of Heart Lake, the MacIntyre Range, and Mount Marcy.
The mountain was named by famed Adirondack surveyor Henry Van Hoevenberg for his fiancée, adding a touch of romance to this charming peak.
Tabletop Mountain
For hikers seeking a true backcountry experience, Tabletop offers a perfect opportunity. The trail begins on the popular Van Hoevenberg path before branching onto an unmarked but well-trodden herd path toward the summit.
The 10-mile round trip from Adirondack Loj passes scenic Indian Falls before climbing to the wooded 4,427-foot summit. While the peak itself has limited views, strategic clearings provide spectacular perspectives of nearby Mount Marcy, creating a sense of wilderness immersion not found on more developed trails.
Ampersand Mountain
Located in the Saranac Lake region, Ampersand Mountain demonstrates that spectacular hikes exist beyond the High Peaks Wilderness. The 5.4-mile round-trip journey begins gently through beautiful northern forests before steepening dramatically in its final mile.
The effort pays off with an extraordinarily open and spacious summit featuring 360-degree views of countless lakes, the High Peaks, and the distinctive pattern of forests, waters, and mountains that defines the Adirondack landscape.
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Noonmark Mountain
Though not tall enough to qualify as a High Peak, Noonmark’s prominent position and open summit make it a favorite among seasoned Adirondack hikers. The 4.8-mile round trip from the trailhead on Route 73 south of Keene Valley climbs steadily through diverse forest environments before emerging onto spectacular open rock faces.
The panoramic view from the 3,556-foot summit encompasses the Great Range, Giant Mountain, and the distant High Peaks, offering some of the finest vistas in the park without the crowds of more famous summits.
Cobble Hill
Located just outside the village of Lake Placid, Cobble Hill provides an accessible adventure ideal for visitors staying in town. The 2.2-mile loop from Mirror Lake Drive climbs steadily to open ledges with stunning views of the Olympic village, Mirror Lake, and surrounding mountains.
This hike works perfectly as a sunrise excursion or a quick afternoon outing between other activities, proving that impressive Adirondack experiences don’t always require full-day commitments or remote trailheads.
Goodnow Mountain
Featuring a restored fire tower at its summit, Goodnow Mountain delivers expansive views with moderate effort. The well-maintained 3.8-mile round-trip trail from the Adirondack Interpretive Center gradually ascends through beautiful northern forests, passing interesting glacial erratics and a century-old great camp along the way.
Climbing the 60-foot tower at the 2,690-foot summit provides breathtaking panoramas of the High Peaks, Blue Mountain Lake, and countless smaller ponds dotting the landscape, making a perfect introduction to Adirondack hiking.
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Wilderness Awaits
From challenging High Peaks that test experienced hikers to gentle forest walks suitable for beginners, the Adirondacks offer outdoor experiences for every skill level and interest. These 15 exceptional trails represent just a small sample of the incredible hiking opportunities found throughout the park.
Each journey into these mountains provides not just exercise and stunning views, but a deeper connection to one of America’s most remarkable wilderness areas—a place where ancient forests, crystal-clear waters, and rugged mountains create landscapes that restore both body and spirit.
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