Best Hiking Locations in Lake Placid

With over 2,000 miles of hiking trails in the Adirondack region, Lake Placid, NY is one of the most beautiful areas for hiking on the East Coast and the ultimate haven for lovers of nature and the great outdoors. From leisurely rambles around the lake to exploring the ancient woodlands, natural caverns, cascading waterfalls, and the famous 46 High Peak summits, there’s a trail for every age, ability, and adventure level in Lake Placid, NY.

Jackrabbit Trail

Lake Placid, NY

The legendary 37-mile Jackrabbit Trail runs through the Champlain Valley from Keene to the shores of Lake Placid and Saranac Lake, and onto the Visitor Interpretive Center located in Paul Smiths. There are several access points to the Jackrabbit Trail near Main Street in Lake Placid Village. This iconic Adirondack trail connects four local ski centers and is a top location for hiking and mountain biking in the warmer months and epic winter snowshoeing and cross-country skiing with miles of backcountry to explore.

High Falls Gorge

4761 NY-86, Wilmington, NY

The easy 1-mile loop trail at High Falls Gorge is known as the “Adirondacks’ Most Breathtaking 30-minute walk” and is situated only a short drive from Lake Placid near Whiteface Mountain Ski Resort. A wheelchair-accessible interpretive trail leads to four magnificent waterfalls cascading down the gorge into the Ausable River or explore the easy waterfall trail with steel bridges and glass walkways surrounded by ancient Hemlock forests and awe-inspiring beauty. During winter, High Falls Gorge is one of the top snowshoe trails in the Adirondacks with the ultimate reward of frozen icy waterfalls. The Main Lodge has a cozy cafe and gift shop, or choose to picnic on the scenic banks of the Ausable River.

Mount Marcy Hoevenberg Trail

1002 Adirondack Loj Road, Lake Placid, NY

If hiking one of the 46 Peaks of the Adirondack Mountains is on your bucket list, most of the trailheads to the High Peaks are easily accessible from Lake Placid. At an elevation of 5,344 feet, Mount Marcy is the highest peak in the Adirondacks and New York State with four separate routes to reach the summit. The 14.8-mile out-and-back Van Hoevenberg Trail from Adirondack Loj is the shortest route to the summit of Mount Marcy with varied terrain suitable only for experienced hikers and a steep ascent to the massive rock dome at the summit boasting rewarding views of the High Peaks and Green Mountains of Vermont.