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. 

Birding Hikes
Fire Tower Hikes
Scenic Paths & Hikes
Waterfall Hikes
PARK WALKS
NORTHVILLE-PLACID TRAIL
Two people sit in a fire tower in winter above the treeline.
Winter in the Adirondacks
Experience endless fall adventures, from scenic hikes to cozy campfires. Plan your Adirondack getaway today!
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Try a challenge in Hamilton County.
Meet the Challenges!
Challenges abound in Hamilton County this spring!
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Experience More

Get Cold Weather Ready
6 Low Elevation Spring Hikes in Hamilton County
5 Reasons Why Winter is the Best Season





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. 

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Eagle Nest and Bug Lakes
Route 28
Inlet, NY 13360
Remote with lots of opportunity to explore, fish, bird, and hike?
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These delightful lakes are accessible along the same trail.
Raquette Lake
Route 28
Raquette Lake, NY 13436
This is the largest natural lake in the Adirondacks, with plenty of inlets and outlets to explore, such as South Inlet,
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Lower Sargent Pond from Tioga Point.
Buckhorn Lake
Route 8
Arietta, NY ‎12139
There is a small cascading waterfall formed from a small stream that begins at the outlet of Buckhorn Lake.
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Beautiful surroundings enhance the waterfall near the lake outlet.
Oswego Pond
Twitchell Road
Lake Pleasant, NY 12108
Oswego Pond is gorgeous in late fall. The hike is nearby Twitchell Lake, an area rich with Adirondack history.
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Oswego Pond is gorgeous in late fall.
Snake Pond
Inlet, NY 13360
This short hike along a seldom-used trail along Twitchell Creek brings you to Snake Pond, a very pretty backcountry pond in the Fulton Chain Wild Forest.
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Cedar Lakes
Cedar River Road
Arietta, NY ‎12139
This incredible hike into historic French Louie territory provides views of the forest, mountains, and the water.
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The Cedar Lakes of the Adirondacks are a wonderful paddling
Falls Pond
Otter Brook Road
Inlet, NY 13360
Falls Pond and the West Canada Wilderness Area trailhead has a large parking area leading to some 4,000 acres of pristine forest. This hike starts along the Brooktrout Lake Trail.
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A sign pointing to Falls Pond
Mitchell Ponds
Moose River Plains Wild Forest
Inlet, NY 13360
Take the easy, rolling old roadbed by foot, bike, or snowmobile out to the spacious waterfront of Mitchell Ponds for some scenic views. 
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Fishing from shore is a Mitchell Ponds preference.
Dead Vly
Route 8
Lake Pleasant, NY 12108
Take a mellow walk to this attractive wetland!
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A great introduction to the famous Northville-Placid Trail.
Old Uncas Road
Hunt Club Road
Inlet, NY 13360
Get out into some of the besting birding and hiking in the Adirondacks on the old Uncas Road, also called the Uncas Trail.
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This old road is a favorite day hike.
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.
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French Louie was a famous Adirondack hermit.
Upper Sargent Pond
North Point Road
Long Lake, NY 12847
Upper Sargent Pond is a great, short family hike to a wild pond setting. This pond is very shallow and tends to be calm even in foul weather.
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The shoreline of a narrow pond
Adirondack Interpretive Center at Newcomb
5922 State Rte 28N
Newcomb, NY 12852
The Adirondack Interpretive Center (AIC) at Newcomb offers 236 acres of environmental education, along with over 3.5 miles of scenic, surfaced trails complemented by indoor exhibits, lectures, films, and naturalist-led guided walks.
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A woman walks on the trail at the AIC.
Groff Creek Falls
768-812 River Rd
Hope, NY 12134
There are a series of 3 waterfalls along the Groff Creek, all of which take some extra effort to see.
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Groff Creek Falls
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 Moody Falls are just as lovely as the falls themselves.
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Moody Falls in Spring
Whiskey Brook Falls
Route 30
Speculator, NY 12164
This very small and easily accessible Adirondack hiking gem sits right along the eastern (right) side of the road if traveling from Speculator. Whiskey Brook Falls is 5 to 6 feet tall and is surrounded by large boulders.
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Whiskey Brook Falls is beautiful in any season.
Wolf Lake
Moose River Plains Wild Forest 44.3097817,-75.3235516
Inlet, NY 13360
Wolf Lake was named by French Louie himself, after he saw many wolves in the area. He and Charles Henderson have been photographed here.
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A man standing at the top of a sloped rock feature in the Moose River Plains.
Black Bear Trail to Bug Lake and Morgan's Miles
Eighth Lake Campground
Inlet, NY 13360
Explore this turn-of-the-century transportation route by foot or by mountain bike. This loop includes flat dirt roads that are appropriate for beginners, as well as more challenging off-road trails for the advanced rider.
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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.