Adirondack Hiking & Backpacking

Boots on the ground, hearts in the mountains

There are endless hiking options available for finding adventure and solitude in the Adirondacks this winter, where a lot of the land is publicly owned and available for exploring on snowshoes. It's a place where hiking trails crisscross the landscape and outdoor opportunities for any age and skill level abound. That means there's also variety — trips ranging in length from under an hour to several days can all be found here. We have short walks in the woods (many to waterfalls) as well as more challenging terrain (like some of the fire tower hikes) for those who are ready to tackle the bigger mountains and trips. Unsure where to go? Let a licensed New York state guide show you the way! Looking for a little more adventure? Try checking out either the Fulton Chain Trifecta or ADK 6 Pack hiking challenges. Earn a unique souvenir or add to your hiking patch collection!

For trip ideas, see which hikes the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation recommends: Hikes outside of the High Peaks (ou en Francais).

The Northville-Placid Trail is 100!

The NPT turned 100 in 2024! That’s 100 years of trailblazing, sight-seeing, species-finding, and a thru-hike that has connected our communities in the heart of the Adirondack region year after year. The NPT is 138 miles of historic Adirondack trail, amid some of the most peaceful wilderness you'll find anywhere. Go for a winter day hike on the NPT this season!

Leave No Trace and Love Your ADK

The magic of the Adirondacks is the result of previous generations taking a long view and protecting the mountains, lakes, and rivers within the Blue Line. That tradition continues today as we support and encourage everyone to practice Leave No Trace ethics, which help protect the lands and waters of the Adirondacks. Before heading out, be sure to review the Leave No Trace principles and make sure you are prepared with hiking essentials!

Preparation is important in any season, but especially so in colder months. In winter, it is important to come prepared and practice ways to Love Your ADK; the best way to avoid emergencies is to properly plan and prepare for your trip.

If you're interested in keeping our trails in great condition, consider donating to the Hamilton County Trail Improvement Fund! This partnership with the DEC is an opportunity to improve access to some of our favorite local trails. 

Scenic Paths & Hikes
Summit Hikes
Fire Tower Hikes
Birding Hikes
Waterfall Hikes
Northville-Lake Placid Trail - 100th Anniversary
[field_header_image]

[title]

[field_subtitle]

[body]
[views_conditional]

Experience More

Get Cold Weather Ready
A New "Bang for your Buck" Hike
5 Reasons Why Winter is the Best Season
Winter Adventures on the Northville-Placid Trail





Frequently Asked Questions

How can I hike safely during hunting season?

During this time, hunters may also be out and about in our shared outdoors. It's important to stay alert and know who you’re on the trails with. Always prioritize safety during hunting season to enjoy your hike without incidents. We know how essential it is to prepare for your next hiking trip during hunting season, and we've come prepared with all the info you need! For more guidance on hunting zones, dates, and times, visit the NYS DEC website to learn more.
How can I hike safely during mud season?

"Mud season" is the time between winter and early spring when the snow starts to melt and temperatures finally heat up. This snow melt can make for some pretty messy and muddy conditions on the trails. It's important to be prepared if you're going to hike during this time. 

  • To prevent trail erosion and damage to plants during mud season, avoid hiking trails above 3,000 feet until they have dried.
  • Before you go, check trail conditions. Pack rain gear, hats, gloves, and extra warm layers for higher elevations.
  • Wear or carry snowshoes, crampons or other traction devices, use of snowshoes is necessary as the snowpack melts and softens. 
  • Do not try to cross through cold, high, fast flowing waters. Stay where you are and call for assistance. 

For more information, visit the NYS DEC website. 

Packages and Promotions

Clear All Filters

Browse by:

Category

Date

Valid Jan. 1

- Mar. 31

Valid Oct. 4

- Mar. 31

3rd Night Free + $3 Off Any Entree Lunch or Dinner

Adirondack Hotel on Long Lake

3rd Night Free + $3 off any entree lunch or dinner (per guest per day) This Historic Adirondack Hotel built in the 1800s is centrally...

Valid Nov. 1

- Apr. 30

Valid Oct. 4

- Apr. 28

Play All Day, Stay All Night

The Woods Inn

Play All Day, Stay All Night The Woods Inn is a beautiful restored historical waterfront inn, on Fourth Lake in Inlet, NY....

Valid Dec. 1

- Mar. 31

Valid Oct. 4

- Mar. 29

Third Weeknight Free

Camp Driftwood

Third Weeknight Free Get three nights for the price of two! Sunday - Thursday. Cozy one, to four-bedroom cabins sleeping 2 - 8 people....

Valid Jan. 2

- Mar. 23

Valid Oct. 4

- Mar. 23

15% Off with Code

Paddler's Rest

15% Off with Code "Snowmobile" Paddlers Rest Lake Front Cabins and Motel Located perfectly on the shores of Long Lake. Sled...

Valid Dec. 6

- Mar. 31

Valid Oct. 4

- Mar. 31

15% Off Regular Rates

Blue Mountain Rest

15% Off Regular Rates Stay at one of the remote cabins in the country, located in Blue Mountain Lake, NY in the heart of snowmobile...

Valid Dec. 1

- Mar. 30

Valid Oct. 22

- Mar. 28

The Lorca Adirondack Chill Deal: 3rd Night Free

The Lorca Adirondack Chill Deal   Embrace the cozy charm of the Lorca Adirondacks this winter with our special “Buy 2, Get 3rd...

Valid Dec. 1

- Mar. 30

Valid Oct. 22

- Mar. 28

The Lorca Adirondack Chill Deal: 3rd Night Free

The Lorca Adirondack Chill Deal   Embrace the cozy charm of the Lorca Adirondacks this winter with our special “Buy 2, Get 3rd...

Load More

Package Blank

Colonel Peck's Grave
Northville-Lake Placid Trail
Waterfront Park
Northville, NY 12134
When it was created by the Adirondack Mountain Club in 1922, the Northville-Lake Placid Trail was originally designed to be an alternate way to connect the train stations in two communities, Northville and Lake Placid.
Read More
Carry your room with you on this through hike trail.
Frederica Mountain
Lake Lisa Access Road
Long Lake, NY 12847
Hike across lands where the Nehasane Lodge Great Camp once stood proud in the Adirondack wilderness. Frederica is a lovely mountain, with exceptional views for those who venture here.
Read More
The view of a large lake from a rocky ledge
Goodnow Mountain
Route 28N
Newcomb, NY 12852
Goodnow is a very prominent peak when seen from Route 28N. This ragged-looking mountain is home to one of the remaining fire towers in the Adirondacks.
Read More
The view of mountains and a large lake from above
Owls Head Mountain
Endion Road
Long Lake, NY 12847
Owls Head Mountain is part of the Sargent Ponds Wild Forest, which covers an impressive approximate 45,000 acres. This rather prominent peak in the Long Lake area is made up of four separate summits, two of which are referred to as the horns.
Read More
The fire tower adds more scenic possibilities.
Coney Mountain
Route 30
Long Lake, NY 12847
As far as views go, this is one of the best in the area and should not be missed. The waters of Tupper Lake can be seen to the north as well and the wooded hills of the Horseshoe Lake Wild Forest to the west.
Read More
Great views and a sense of accomplishment when the summit is reached.
Moody Falls
Route 56
Cranberry Lake, NY 12927
These falls are unique and not often visited. Here, you’ll only find the peaceful sound of water rushing the falls. The views downstream of the falls are just as lovely as the falls themselves.
Read More
Moody Falls in Spring
West Lake
Cedar River Road
Indian Lake, NY 12842
This lake is also known as "Big West Lake", a name given to it by Louis Seymour. Also known as "French Louie" or "Adirondack French Louie," he was an Adirondack guide, trapper, woodsman and hermit.
Read More
Falls Pond
Otter Brook Road
Inlet, NY 13360
This short hike is perfect, especially during the splendor of fall. The Falls Pond and West Canada Wilderness Area trailhead has a large parking area leading to some 4,000 acres of pristine forest.
Read More
A sign pointing to Falls Pond
Lost Ponds
Moose River Plains Wild Forest
Inlet, NY 13360
Lost Ponds in the Moose River Plains Wild Forest are some of the most scenic bodies of water in the region.
Read More
Narrows and cliffs add to the paddling interest of Lost Ponds.
Jockeybush Lake
Route 10
Arietta, NY ‎12139
The scenic trail to secluded Jockeybush Lake in Ferris Lake Wild Forest follows a stream and passes by several small cascades and a moderately-sized waterfall.
Read More
An especially scenic trail leading to a secluded lake.
Moss Lake
327 Big Moose Rd
Inlet, NY 13360
Moss Lake is a beautiful place for a picnic, a hike, a cross-country ski, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing. It was the site of the Moss Lake Camp for Girls from 1923 until 1972. A historical sign tells the story at the trailhead. 
Read More
The wildlife viewing platform is a great way to experience Moss Lake.
Bald Mountain
Rondaxe Road
Inlet, NY 13360
While not part of the Hamilton County Fire Tower Challenge, Bald Mountain is part of the Adirondack Fire Tower Challenge and is a great “bang for your b
Read More
This is a fire tower hikes with an extra rocky ridge to walk on.
Lows Overlook
Route 421
Piercefield, NY 12973
Lows Overlook is such a beautiful destination; it's hard to put a description into words! Overlooking the breathtaking Bog River, the views here will surely leave you inspired to explore this area further!
Read More
The hike to Lows Overlook ends with a gorgeous vista.
Goodman Mountain
Route 30
Long Lake, NY 12847
This mountain, named after civil rights activist Andrew Goodman, has it all: history, a beautiful walk through the forest, and great views from the summit. During the summer of 2014 DEC created a trail to the summit of Goodman Mountain.
Read More
There's a bald summit with great views.
Good Luck Mountain
Route 10
Lake Pleasant, NY 12108
Good Luck Mountain is a challenging but fun hike in the southern Adirondacks that leads to great views. 
Read More
The top of the cliffs has the best view.
Beaver Lake
Otter Brook Road
Inlet, NY 13360
This trail is an old road that ends at Beaver Lake in the Moose River Plains Wild Forest. This is the site of the old Wilcox Hotel and sawmill.
Read More
The whole family can enjoy this lake hike.
Beaver Brook Bog
Uncas Road
Raquette Lake, NY 13436
Beaver Brook Bog is a birding area located off Uncas Road, near the village of Raquette Lake. The trail is on the right when leaving the village. 
Read More
A gentle, wide trail through the forest
Tomany Mountain
Route 10
Lake Pleasant, NY 12108
This route is NOT officially maintained. It is strongly recommended you bring a map and compass to navigate off-trail.
Read More
This is a non-maintained trail, but so well-marked it will not challenge those bushwhacking skills.

Leave No Trace 7 Principles

The Adirondack Park provides a haven of pristine wilderness in New York state’s northernmost reaches. It also offers an abundance of outdoor recreation opportunities for explorers of all ages and experience levels! While you enjoy your visit, please keep the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace in mind. Set forth by the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, and championed by many partners within the Adirondack Park, these principles will not only improve your own nature experience, but they help preserve this unparalleled natural wonder for generations to come.

1
Know before you go
 
 
Be prepared! Remember food, water, and clothes to protect you from cold, heat, and rain.     
Use maps to plan where you’re going. Check them along the way so you’ll stay on course and avoid getting lost. Learn about the areas you plan to visit.
2
Stick to trails and camp overnight right
 
 
Walk and ride on designated trails to protect trailside plants. Camp only on existing or designated campsites to avoid damaging vegetation.
3
Trash your trash and pick up poop
 
 
Pack it in, pack it out. Put litter—even crumbs, peels and cores—in garbage bags and carry it home. Use bathrooms or outhouses when available. If they're not available, bury human waste in a small hole 6-8 inches deep and 200 feet or 70 big steps from water and the trail.
4
Leave it as you find it
 
 
Leave plants, rocks, and historical items as you find them so others can enjoy them. Treat living plants with respect. Carving, hacking, or peeling plants may kill them.
5
Be careful with fire
 
 
Use a camp stove for cooking. Stoves are easier to cook on and create less impact than a fire. If you want to have a campfire, be sure it’s permitted and safe to build a fire in the area you’re visiting. Use only existing fire rings to protect the ground from heat. Keep your fire small.
6
Keep wildlife wild
 
 
Observe wildlife from a distance and never approach, feed or follow them. Human food is unhealthy for all wildlife and feeding them starts bad habits. Protect wildlife and your food by securely storing your meals and trash.
7
Share our trails and manage your pet
 
 
Be considerate when passing others on the trail. Keep your pet under control to protect it, other visitors, and wildlife. Be sure the fun you have outdoors does not bother anyone else. Remember, other visitors are there to enjoy the outdoors too.