Hikes in the Adirondack Mountains

In 1892, the residents of New York State had the foresight to preserve the Adirondacks as a forever wild region of the state. Today, Adirondack Park protects over six million acres of forests, lakes, mountains, and streams on private and public land. Adirondack Park is the largest state-protected park in the United States. The Adirondacks attract visitors year round, like skiers, showshoers, and snowmobilers in the winter, and hikers, boaters, and backpackers in the spring, summer, and fall (autumn also attracts leaf-peepers).

Adirondack Mountains Hike
Adirondack Peaks from Cascade Mountain

Mount Marcy is the highest summit in the Adirondacks (and the State of New York) at 5,344 feet.

To gain a sense of the area’s history, consider a visit to the Adirondack Museum on Blue Mountain Lake. The museum’s numerous indoor an outdoor exhibits provide a broad depiction of the Adirondacks (as well as a scenic overview of Blue Mountain Lake). As they did in the past century, the Adirondack Mountains boast numerous hiking, camping, and lodging prospects and remains a great area to explore.

Trails in the Adirondack Mountains

Buttermilk FallsButtermilk Falls
This 0.5-mile round trip hike visits a pleasant waterfall on the Raquette River near Long Lake.
Cascade Mountain HikeCascade Mountain & Porter Mountain
This 6.2-mile hike bags a pair of High Peaks near Lake Placid with excellent views over the Adirondack Mountains.
Grassy PondGrassy Pond
This 1-mile round trip hike crosses level terrain to a peaceful pond, and the hike can be extended to 6 miles by hiking to the end of the trail and Wilson Pond.
Rock LakeRock Lake
This easy 1.6-mile round trip hike visits a backcountry lake in the Adirondack Mountains near Blue Mountain.
Sawyer MountainSawyer Mountain
This 2.5-mile round trip hike ascends 650 feet to a summit with panoramic viewpoints overlooking the surrounding Adirondack peaks and valleys.
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Cascade Mountain Trail Porter Mountain Trail Adirondack Mountains New York hike
Southeast of Lake Placid, you'll find a popular hike to a pair of scenic summits. Cascade Mountain (4,098 feet) and Porter Mountain (4,059 feet) are the thirty-sixth and thirty-eighth tallest peaks in the Adirondack Mountains and are members of the 46 Adirondack High Peaks. Cascade and Porter are two of the easiest High Peaks to reach, thanks to maintained trails and a relatively manageable... Read more.
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Tagged with · Adirondack High Peaks · Adirondack Mountains · Adirondack Park · Free Trails · Lake Placid · Summits
Distance: 6.2 miles · Elevation change: 1925 feet
By: Published: Last updated: September 9, 2019
Binghamton University Nature Preserve hike Ravine Trail Vernal Pool Trail Oak Trail Vestal New York hiking trail
The smart people who shaped Binghamton University knew that deep-rooted oaks can teach us more than ivory towers. With the good foresight, the SUNY Binghamton campus set aside 182 acres of wetlands and woodlands for the benefit of students, faculty, and the community. On a first visit to Binghamton University Nature Preserve, Pond Trail and Marsh Trail are recommended routes for... Read more.
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Tagged with · Binghamton University Nature Preserve · Free Trails · Vestal
Distance: 1.15 miles · Elevation change: 200 feet
By: Published: Last updated: January 11, 2018
Binghamton University Nature Preserve hike Pond Trail Marsh Trail Redwing Trail Loop Vestal New York hiking trail
Some centers of higher learning probably overlook nature's value in education, but not Binghamton University. This SUNY Institution in Vestal, New York set aside 182 acres for the benefit of students, faculty, and the community. Several intersecting trails explore Binghamton University Nature Preserve, creating numerous hiking options, like this one — a figure-eight loop on the easiest... Read more.
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Tagged with · Binghamton University Nature Preserve · Free Trails · Vestal
Distance: 2.6 miles · Elevation change: 90 feet
By: Published: Last updated: August 31, 2019
Binghamton University Nature Preserve hike Forest Loop Trail Vestal New York hiking trail
We can learn a lot from nature, which is probably why Binghamton University, a SUNY Institution in Vestal, New York had the foresight to preserve a 182-acre natural space right on its campus. Binghamton University Nature Preserve has hillsides and valleys full of forests and marshes with lots of interconnected trails open to the students and the public. For a quick mile-long escape, get to... Read more.
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Tagged with · Binghamton University Nature Preserve · Free Trails · Vestal
Distance: 1.15 miles · Elevation change: 255 feet
By: Published: Last updated: April 23, 2017
High Line Trail in New York City Manhattan Aerial Greenway The High Line Walk
On the lower west side of Manhattan, an old raised rail line that was headed for demolition has been transformed into an attractive asset, a surprising park that hovers above city streets. The High Line has become a New York City landmark, offering a one-of-a-kind walk with a refreshing perspective of NYC. Like the rest of New York City, the High Line Trail has something for everyone,... Read more.
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Tagged with · Aerial Greenway · Free Trails · High Line · Manhattan · Wheelchair-Friendly
Distance: 3 miles · Elevation change: 40 feet
By: Published: Last updated: January 7, 2019