Ultimate Guide to Hiking in Lake Placid | Trails, Tips & Scenic Spots
Okay, so you’ve decided to go hiking in Lake Placid, New York — good choice, my adventurous friend. Whether you’re looking to channel your inner mountain goat or just hoping for a peaceful walk with some epic nature vibes, Lake Placid has trails that’ll make your legs sore and your soul happy. Trust me — I’ve hiked here so many times I could probably navigate some of these trails blindfolded (don’t worry, I won’t try).
In this guide, I’ll walk you (pun intended) through the best hiking spots in Lake Placid, from gentle woodland strolls to heart-thumping High Peaks. And don’t worry — I’ll also tell you where to eat afterward, because let’s be honest… hiking is mostly an excuse to eat guilt-free burgers.
Why Lake Placid is the Beyoncé of Hiking Spots
Lake Placid isn’t just famous because it hosted the Winter Olympics twice. Nope — it’s world-class because it’s surrounded by jaw-dropping mountains, glassy lakes, whispering forests, and enough fresh air to blow the stress out of your city-stuffed lungs.
The area is nestled right in the Adirondack High Peaks region, which sounds intense — and it can be — but it’s also got plenty of options for folks who prefer a calm forest walk over sweating like a waterfall.
Top Hiking Trails in Lake Placid (from Chill to Thrill)
Beginner-Friendly Trails (Low Sweat, High Reward)
1. Henry’s Woods
- Distance: 2–4 miles (make your own adventure!)
- What It’s Like: Smooth trails, shady trees, and the kind of peacefulness that makes you say “Ahhhh” out loud. It’s great for families, dogs, or your friend who “forgot” their water bottle again.
- Bonus: It’s super close to town, so you can reward yourself with a coffee afterward. Or ice cream. I vote ice cream.
2. Peninsula Trails
- Distance: About 3 miles of loops
- Why Go: Lakeside views, gentle paths, and a solid chance you’ll spot someone’s golden retriever living its best life.
- My Tip: Great place to bring a picnic and pretend you’re in a nature documentary.
3. Heaven Hill Trails
- Distance: 1–3 miles
- Vibe: It’s like a nature hug. Wide-open fields, birds chirping, and no crazy inclines — just you, your thoughts, and the occasional chipmunk cameo.
Moderate Hikes (For People Who Don’t Mind a Little Leg Burn)
Cobble Hill
- Distance: 1.6 miles roundtrip
- The Scoop: Short, sweet, and surprisingly scenic. The view from the top looks like a postcard — and it’s just a stone’s throw from town.
- Choose Your Path: There’s a steep route (with a rock scramble for your inner mountain goat) and a longer, easier way if you prefer to take it slow and steady.
Mt. Jo
- Distance: 2.6 miles roundtrip
- Highlights: The trail may be short, but don’t underestimate it — it’ll make you breathe a little heavier. But once you’re at the top? BOOM. Panoramic views of the High Peaks and Heart Lake like you just unlocked level 10 nature.
Pro Tip: Bring snacks. Snacks taste better at 2,876 feet.
Whiteface Landing
- Distance: 7.4 miles roundtrip
- What You’ll Love: It’s a longer hike, but the trail is mostly gentle. And it ends at Lake Placid itself, where you can skip rocks, dip your toes, or just lie down dramatically like you’re in a movie.
Advanced Trails (aka: Quad Crushers)
These are the trails where you earn serious bragging rights. Prepare for sweat, snack breaks, and spiritual growth.
Cascade Mountain
- Distance: 4.8 miles roundtrip
- Why It Rocks: One of the most popular High Peaks (and one of the most doable). It’s steep, yes, but the view from the top is the kind that makes you forget how much your legs are screaming.
Fun Fact: It’s a great “first High Peak” if you’re collecting those 46ers.
Algonquin Peak
- Distance: 8.6 miles roundtrip
- Height: 5,114 feet
- Experience Level: Bring your game face. It’s steep, rocky, and glorious. You’ll pass waterfalls, climb like a champ, and feel like you’ve just done something epic (because you have).
My Mistake: Don’t wear new boots here unless you enjoy blisters. I learned the hard way.
Mount Marcy
- Distance: 14.8 miles roundtrip
- Claim to Fame: Tallest peak in New York!
- Reality Check: It’s a loooong hike. Start early, pack enough snacks to feed a small army, and bring a rain jacket. (The weather at the top has a personality disorder.)
- Reward: Views for days. You’ll feel like you’re standing on the roof of New York.
Secret Spots & Hidden Trail Gems
Not everything has to be a summit chase. Here are a few underrated spots that deliver big vibes without the crowds:
- Owen, Copperas & Winch Ponds – Peaceful, photogenic, and perfect for a hammock nap.
- Connery Pond – Flat, scenic, and ideal for a lazy afternoon walk.
- John Brown’s Farm Trails – History + nature = classy hike.
What to Pack (If You Don’t Want Regrets)
Let’s play “what’s in my hiking backpack?” Here’s the gear I never leave home without:
- Sturdy hiking boots (flip-flops are a bad life choice)
- Bug spray (the black flies are savages)
- Layers (weather changes faster than a toddler’s mood)
- Water & snacks (trust me, trail mix saves lives)
- Trail map or GPS (cell service out here is… politely absent)
- Headlamp (in case your “quick hike” becomes “accidentally sunset stroll”)
- Extra socks (because squishy socks are evil)
Best Time to Go Hiking in Lake Placid
- Fall : The trees are showing off. It’s colorful, crisp, and everything smells like adventure.
- Summer : Lush, green, warm… and yeah, a little buggy.
- Spring : Mud season. Bring boots and a good attitude.
- Winter : Some trails become snowshoe playgrounds! (Mt. Jo is a winter favorite.)
Where to Crash (or Camp)
- Lake Placid Lodge – Fancy and cozy with lakeside fire pits.
- High Peaks Resort – Great location and hiker-friendly.
- Local Campgrounds – Roll into your tent smelling like victory and granola.
Final Thoughts From a Trail-Loving Human
Hiking in Lake Placid isn’t just a workout — it’s a choose-your-own-adventure story. You’ll find trails that challenge your calves, calm your mind, and maybe even make you giggle (especially when you slip on that one sneaky rock — we’ve all been there).
Whether you’re chasing big views or quiet moments in the woods, this place delivers. Again and again. So grab a map, tie those laces tight, and get out there. And hey — don’t forget to pack snacks. That’s a life rule, not just a trail tip.
