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10 Best Hikes Near Lake Placid, NY (Epic Views, All Levels!)

Heading to Lake Placid and wondering where to hike?! Lake Placid is located within the six-million-acre Adirondack Park – the largest park in the contiguous United States. 🌲🌲

Needless to say, there’s a ton to choose from in this vast hiking heaven…

best hike in lake placid woman in blue shirt with brown dog sitting on rock overlooking lake with green mountains all around and blue sky
🐶 Read below to see how to find this secret AMAZING lookout atop Mt. Jo!
woman in pink shirt smiling with dog on top of mountain in summer in lake placid with green mountains and blue sky
Hike number 10 on our list!🌲 Endless mountain views…

With over 2,000 miles of marked hiking trails in the Adirondacks, you may be overwhelmed when trying to decide where to hike when visiting Lake Placid! 😱

From the well-known 46 High Peaks (46 summits above 4,000 feet) to numerous family-friendly and dog-friendly hikes, I’ve got you covered with this list.

Living in Connecticut, the Adirondacks is one of my favorite places to visit and hike. The expansive forests, lakes, and endless mountain views keep me coming back to Lake Placid several times a year!

And when you’re done hiking, check out my list of 21 Best Things to Do in Lake Placid for more to do.

In this post, you’ll find amazing views and super scenic dog-friendly hikes from beginner level to moderate to difficult!

woman and dog on top of a lake placid mountain during sunset with an orange sky and green mountains in distance
Sunset atop Mt Van Hoevenberg, a moderate hike with big views 🧡

📝 This list contains some of the best dog-friendly trails and mountains in the Lake Placid area.

1. Cobble Lookout, Wilmington Wild Forest

If you’re looking for a short hike with big views to stretch your legs after a long drive here, then Cobble Lookout is for you! After just 1.2 miles of walking at a slight uphill, a wide open summit with 180-degree views awaits you.

woman smiling with dog on top of mountain in summer in lake placid with green mountains and blue sky
top of mountain summit in lake placid with green mountains and trees in the distance and a blue sky with fluffy clouds in summer

🌟Pro tip: Walk past the main lookout (where most people will be) to the left, where there will be a whole other section of views looking further to the east.

The Cobble Lookout Trail was built in 2014 and brings hikers to a beautiful lookout to Esther, Whiteface, Giant Mountain, and other High Peaks.

  • Miles: 2.4 miles out & back
  • Elevation: 242 ft elevation gain
  • Level: Easy
  • Parking: Navigate here: 44.40398, -73.8788
  • Special Features: Wide open 180-degree views, numerous ledges for views and photos
  • Helpful AllTrails Review: “Great view for light work! A little bit muddy but mostly avoidable.
  • Dog-friendly: 🐶Yes, no steep scrambles or technical climbs here

2. Mount Jo, High Peaks Wilderness

Wow, what can I say that these photos don’t communicate?! Mount Jo is a treat, a special spot on this earth, and a must-do hike near Lake Placid! 🌎

dog on top of a mountain in summer in lake placid with green mountains and blue sky
woman smiling with dog on top of mountain in summer in lake placid with green mountains and blue sky
view from top of mountain summit in lake placid with green mountains and trees in the distance and a blue sky with fluffy clouds in summer

The 1.2-mile climb to the top of Mount Jo starts at the bustling Adirondack Loj and Heart Lake Program Center parking area next to Heart Lake. This is possibly the busiest parking lot in the Adirondacks since several popular trails stem from here.

Because of this I strongly suggest getting to the lot early for a parking space. Check out more details and tips for snagging a parking spot here!

🌟Pro tip: To find the wide open lookout over Heart Lake, when you reach the ladders, look to the right for a secret trail leading into the woods and follow it! I have not posted these directions or photos on social media and would love for you to keep them close to the vest as well! 🩷

  • Miles: 2.4 mile loop
  • Elevation: 708 ft elevation gain
  • Level: Moderate
  • Parking: Navigate here: 44.18318, -73.9645 Parking at the Adirondack Loj, click for tips on getting a spot
  • Special Features: View south of Heart Lake and the high peaks
  • Dog-friendly: 🐶Yes! There are a couple of ladders at the top, but there are ways for dogs to walk around them.

3. Ampersand Mountain Trail, High Peaks Wilderness

Ampersand Mountain, standing at 3,353 feet, is one of the most popular hikes in the Saranac Lake region, and you can see why in the photos.

woman in blue tank top in summer smiling with dog on top of mountain in summer in lake placid with green mountains and blue sky

Just 15 minutes outside of Lake Placid, this 5 mile round-trip trail begins with a flat walk for about a mile. Then the steepness begins with stone staircases and rocky terrain.

This felt like a challenging workout for sure, but you get a few breaks where the trail levels out after a couple of steep pushes.

From the bare granite summit, take in breathtaking 360-degree views of the Adirondack High Peaks to the east and the Saranac Lakes to the west. This hike is part of the Saranac Lake 6er Challenge.

woman's legs and hiking boots on top of mountain summit in lake placid with green mountains and trees in the distance and a blue sky with fluffy clouds in summer
top of mountain summit in lake placid with green mountains, blue lake, and trees in the distance and a blue sky with fluffy clouds in summer

While not very long, the part that makes this trail ‘Hard’ on AllTrails is the few scrambles where you will use your hands to grab branches, roots, and rock to hoist yourself up.

🐶 While it is a dog-friendly trail and we brought our young pup Bruin, I wouldn’t have wanted to bring my older dog Captain up this trail with his arthritis because of the scrambles that would require him to jump up, then jump down on the hard ground. Make the call depending on your dog’s age and agility! 🐶

  • Miles: 5 miles out & back
  • Elevation: 1,765 ft elevation gain
  • Level: Hard
  • Parking: Navigate here: 44.25151, -74.23955
  • Special Features: 360-degree views of the High Peaks and Saranac Lake
  • Helpful AllTrails Review: “The first few miles are very easy, eventually it gets steeper and will be fairly strenuous with few breaks. Near the top you will need to be fit enough to do some light scrambling up some rocks, but it is doable if you are careful.”
  • Dog-friendly: 🐶 Yes, but see my note above about this. A couple of scrambles where dogs will need to jump up high on the rocks and then jump down.

4. Moose Pond, McKenzie Mountain Wilderness

Let’s cool off with a lake hike! At just a half-hour and very scenic drive north of Lake Placid, you’ll find a flat walk leading to Moose Pond, the perfect place to swim on a hot summer day. 💦🐶

moose pond in the adirondacks in summertime
brown dirt trail running through green forest in summer

Head here to escape the crowds of Lake Placid and the popular trails with views nearby.

🌟Pro tip: Though AllTrails has this hike labeled as 3.1 miles round trip, you only have to walk 1.1 miles in to get to Moose Pond. At the 1.1-mile mark, you’ll come to a fork, take the trail off to the right, and head a short way down to the pond.

  • Miles: 3.1 miles out & back
  • Elevation: 219 ft elevation gain
  • Level: Easy
  • Parking: Navigate here to: 44.37548, -74.08709 Small lot but you can also park along Rt 3.
  • Special Features: Short trail leading to swimming & views of Moose Pond
  • Helpful AllTrails Review: “Trail ran this with my dog. Mostly flat overall but still some up and down – this is the ADKs, after all! Gorgeous trail and pond!
  • Dog-friendly: 🐶Yes! Flat walk leading to lake. Dogs will love swimming here.

5. Heaven Hills Trail, Lake Placid

There are big views on this list with wide open summits that will drop your jaw, but sometimes nothing compares to a peaceful meadow walk with views of all those big mountains

green meadows trail near lake placid in summer with high peaks in the distance
green meadows trail near lake placid in summer with high peaks in the distance
green meadows with wildflowers trail near lake placid in summer with high peaks in the distance

We did this Heaven Hill Trail loop after an early dinner in Lake Placid. Just 14 minutes away it’s the perfect place to walk when staying in Lake Placid and I think a must-do trail!

Dogs are even allowed off-leash in some areas here which we loved!

🌟Pro-tip: Come for golden hour before sunset and enjoy a gorgeous and serene walk where you likely won’t see many others.

  • Miles: 3.2 mile loop
  • Elevation: 173 ft elevation gain
  • Level: Easy
  • Parking: Navigate here: 44.24267, -73.99704
  • Special Features: Wildflowers, meadows, and flat farm trails with views of the High Peaks
  • Helpful AllTrails Review: “the hills are alive with the sound of musicccc”
  • Dog-friendly: 🐶Yes, wide open meadow and trails, and some areas they can be off-leash.

6. Baker Mountain, McKenzie Mountain Wilderness

A short but steep trail, you’ll begin the ascent almost immediately. The trail is steep but you’ll be rewarding with views along the way that motivate you to keep going.

The summit of Baker offers amazing views over the Village of Saranac Lake, the McKenzie Mountain Wilderness Area, and the High Peaks Region.

  • Miles: 1.6 miles out & back
  • Elevation: 885 ft elevation gain
  • Level: Moderate
  • Parking: Navigate here to: 44.33154, -74.11578 If you need it there is additional parking at Berkeley Green Park
  • Special Features: Views of Saranac Lake
  • Helpful AllTrails Review: “Not too crowded but definitely not secluded, but lots of bugs. Views were great, on the easier side of “moderate” so it’s great for kids and dogs.”

7. McKenzie Pond via McKenzie Pond Rd, McKenzie Mountain Wilderness

A great option if you’re looking for a long walk in the woods leading to a huge pond for swimming!

This is a great option if you’re looking for a less crowded trail near Lake Placid. We saw just a couple other friendly people with their dogs here doing the same thing we were – taking the pups for a dip!

mckenzie pond in lake placid in summer
mckenzie pond in lake placid in summer
brown dirt trail running through green forest in summer

The trail is easy to follow and at 1.9 miles in you will see the juncture for the Jackrabbit trail on the right. Bear left here and walk the last tenth of a mile to McKenzie Pond.

  • Miles: 4.1 miles out & back
  • Elevation: 285 ft elevation gain
  • Level: Easy
  • Parking: Navigate here: 44.31454, -74.10209 Lot along 108/Mountain Rd near Barnes Visitor’s Center and The Lodge at Spruce Peak
  • Special Features: Long flat trail leading to views and swimming at McKenzie Pond
  • Helpful AllTrails Review: “Peaceful, serene, and easy 4-mile out and back walk to the pond.”

8. Mount Van Hoevenberg, High Peaks Wilderness

A gorgeous spot for sunset! Here is a trail near Lake Placid that offers BIG views in exchange for just a moderate hike and workout.

We had the summit all to ourselves on this July night during the 4th of July holiday week. The trail starts long and flat – you’ll be walking for about a mile wondering when the elevation is going to begin. And for the next 1.2 miles you’ll climb almost 900 feet but there are no technical spots or rock scrambles here.

woman and dog on top of a lake placid mountain during sunset with an orange sky and green mountains in distance
sunset view from top of a lake placid mountain during sunset with green mountains in distance
view of the high peaks from top of mountain summit in lake placid with green mountains and trees in the distance and a golden sky at sunset in summer

Mounds and mounds of mountains await you at the top of Mount Van Hoevenberg with Marcy and Algonquin peaks in the distance. Bring snacks and be prepared to spend some time up here admiring the front-row show of the mountains spread out before you.

  • Miles: 4.2 miles out & back
  • Elevation: 885 ft elevation gain
  • Level: Moderate
  • Parking: Navigate here: 44.19388, -73.9508 Lot along 108/Mountain Rd near Barnes Visitor’s Center and The Lodge at Spruce Peak
  • Special Features: Views of High Peaks like Marcy, Algonquin
  • Helpful AllTrails Review: “Hike is easy enough for many level of hiker to climb it, not overly steep. Some mud near the lake, some walking on rocks and avoiding mud. Few trees in trail early on to duck climb and go around. Beautiful views at top 10/10 hike.”

9. Cobble Hill, Saranac Lakes Wild Forest

Here’s a short hike with views right in downtown Lake Placid starting from Mirror Lake. It was super foggy and a little drizzly on our visit so we didn’t get the best photos here but as the AllTrails reviews say, there are great views from up here.

view from cobble hill top of mountain in summer in lake placid with with foggy sky and green mountains in distance
dog on top of mountain in summer in lake placid with with foggy sky and green mountains in distance

While it’s only 1.5 miles it is a bit steep so prepare for a little workout as you ascend Cobble Hill. Your reward will be views over Lake Placid and the village below.

  • Miles: 1.5 miles out & back
  • Elevation: 465 ft elevation gain
  • Level: Moderate
  • Parking: Navigate here to: 44.29401, -73.97416
  • Special Features: Views of Lake Placid, ski jumps, and High Peaks
  • Helpful AllTrails Review: “A fun hike with some steep rocky areas near the top! All manageable and quite a pretty view!“Quick and easy trail with great views. A few steep areas, but nothing that can’t be handled in sneakers.”

10. Noonmark Mountain via Round Pond, Dix Mountain Wilderness

Note: Beginning May 1, and through Oct. 31, DEC and AMR will require reservations for the 70 available parking spots at the AMR parking lot for daily access to trails on AMR property, as well as the Round Mountain and Noonmark Mountain trailheads accessed through AMR lands. Walk-in users without a reservation will not be permitted. Register at hikeamr.org

woman in pink shirt smiling with dog on top of mountain in summer in lake placid with green mountains and blue sky
back of man in red flannel shirt on top of mountain in summer in lake placid with green mountains and blue sky

A wonderful loop hike up a steep mountain for great views towards the Great Range of the High Peaks. While this isn’t a High Peak, Noonmark is popular and known for its spectacular views of the Great Range. The loop is a combination of the Stimson Trail, Felix Adler, and the Old Dix Trail.

This is the hardest hike on our list in terms of elevation gain and length. Bring enough snacks and water as it may take you longer than expected!

  • Miles: 6.2 miles out & back
  • Elevation: 2,060 ft elevation gain
  • Level: Hard
  • Parking: Click here to navigate to 44.13198, -73.73198
  • Special Features: almost 360-degree views of the Great Range/High Peaks
  • Helpful AllTrails Review: “Amazing 360 view at the top. The beginning was a bit rugged but it got easier. There were also some scrambles near the top.”

11. Bonus Trail: High Gorge Falls, Wilmington (NOT dog-friendly)

High Gorge Falls, known as “the Adirondacks most breathtaking 30-minute walk” is an adventurous walk for all ages and abilities. We haven’t done this one yet as it’s not dog-friendly and we’ve had the dogs with us for every visit.

With (sturdy!) bridges and steps wrapping around the gorge right above waterfalls and the West Branch Ausable River, this looks like a pretty awesome scene but I imagine it gets very crowded.

You must purchase a ticket to get in and prices are $18 per adult and $14 for children. Purchase tickets online and check for hours on the High Falls Gorge website.

  • Miles: 1 mile loop
  • Elevation: 167 ft elevation gain
  • Level: Easy
  • Parking: Navigate here to: 44.34732, -73.87793
  • Special Features: Bridges and accessible platforms above the West Branch Ausable River and gorge.
  • Helpful AllTrails Review: “It’s a commercialized trail, but worth it. Photographed the waterfalls. Lot of people with families.”

❄️Winter hiking in Lake Placid, what you need to know:

Roads leading to different trailheads are subject to seasonal closure. Click this link to check trail conditions and find out about road closures. And if you need a place to get started with winter hiking gear and knowing what to wear check out my winter essentials post here!

I hope you found this post helpful and have a few favorites picked out for your next Lake Placid hiking trip! I plan to keep adding to this list so come back for updates and comment below with your favorite Lake Placid hike!

Happy hiking…🐾🥾❤️

And what does every hiker need?! A great coffee & snack, of course 😍 Check out my list and reviews of the top 5 coffee shops in Lake Placid!

women in blue shirt sitting at the coffee bar in lake placid new york with an iced coffee in hand and view of the lake and mountains

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4 Comments

  1. When we move back East, I plan on spending a whole lot more time in the Adirondacks, so I definitely need to save this! We went to Lake Placid last year, but we didn’t really do any hikes in Lake Placid itself.

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