Armstrong Mountain

  • Route 73, Keene Valley

Hike Features

Summit
Trail builders have built in some help for this challenging traverse.
Views of the upper Great Range from the summit of Armstrong.
The view of Armstrong from the peak of Noonmark.

Hiking New York state's 22nd tallest mountain

Named after Thomas Armstrong, a 19th Century lumberman. There are great views of the upper Great Range and Johns Brook Valley. This peak is often tackled as part of the Gothics, Armstrong, Upper Wolf Jaw Mountain & Lower Wolf Jaw Mountain loop. A successful hike of Armstrong involves research, physical fitness, the right gear, and knowledge of Leave No Trace principles. 

SPECIAL INFORMATION

This hike is accessed through a conservation easement with the Adirondack Mountain Reserve (AMR). A parking reservation is needed from May 1 - October 31. Although it is called a “parking reservation,” everyone will need a reservation to access hikes leaving from AMR, whether you drove yourself, rode a bike, got dropped-off, or walked. These reservations can be made online via the AMR website. For more information, please read these FAQs or contact the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

Key statistics

  • Distance: 11.2 miles round trip
  • Elevation: 4,440
  • Elevation gain: 3,500 feet
  • Hike includes trail junctions, bridges, ladders, and a road walk
  • Based on a hike out and back via the Beaver Meadow Falls Trail

Hiking Armstrong via the Beaver Meadow Falls trail

From the parking lot you will initially have to follow a dirt road to a paved road next to a golf course. At 0.5 miles from the parking area, turn left and down between two tennis courts on Lake Road Way to get to the gate into the AMR. The AMR is a private property area with recreational easements, special rules apply to use and those are posted at the gate. At the gate you will need to hike the dirt access road for around 2.0 miles to the Gothics access trail on the right. This trail leads through the forest to a bridge over the Ausable River and then to the base of Beaver Meadow Falls.

The trail climbs steeply to the left of the falls over a ladder and slippery conditions to near the top of the falls. From this point the trail becomes a steady climb with a few steep sections and a couple smaller ladders to descend. This trail leads up to the Great Range Trail where Armstrong is to your right and Gothics to the left. From this intersection, it is less than 0.5 miles to Armstrong, but the trail descends steeply into a col before climbing to Armstrong's summit, which is a large rock platform.

Armstrong in the winter

Armstrong is a challenging mountain that should only be attempted by experienced hikers, especially in winter, so make sure you are prepared. Snowshoes are necessary, and snow spikes or crampons are needed. Plan on temperatures in the higher elevations being at least 20 degrees colder than at the trailhead, not including the windchill. Bring several extra non-cotton layers, a headlamp with spare batteries, extra food, a windbreaker, goggles, a face mask, and supplies for spending the night in case of an emergency.

How to get there

Leave Lake Placid on Route 73, follow Route 73 through Keene and Keene Valley and into Saint Huberts. Parking is across the road from the Roaring Brook Falls Trailhead for Giant Mountain. The approach is on the private property of the Adirondack Mountain Reserve (AMR) and dogs are absolutely prohibited on AMR lands.

Packages and Promotions

Clear All Filters

Browse by:

Category

Date

Valid Oct. 23

- May. 31

Valid Oct. 23

- May. 31

Stay and Save!

Cambria Lake Placid - Lakeside Resort

Stay 3 nights and get 20% off.

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Spa Experience

Placid Bay Hotel

Enjoy an in-room spa experience for two with your stay. What better way to connect and relax with your partner after a long day on the mountain!

Valid May. 1

- Apr. 30

Valid Jan. 1

- Apr. 30

Stay & Save

Book a 3-night stay with The Devlin and get 10% off your visit.

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Romance Package

Placid Bay Hotel

Surprise your significant other with a romantic Getaway!  Includes roses, wine glasses, and chocolates upon arrival.

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

The Adirondack Elopement

The ultimate, intimate "I do" experience.

Valid Jan. 9

- Dec. 31

Valid Jan. 9

- Dec. 31

Babymoon

Celebrate your growing family with $75 nightly resort credit!

Valid Aug. 28

- Oct. 31

Valid Aug. 1

- Oct. 26

Fall Golf Package

Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort

Golf + breakfast this fall at the Golden Arrow

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Woof and Wander

Bluebird Lake Placid

Your pooch will be as comfortable as their owners with our pet friendly package!

Valid Jan. 8

- Jan. 8

Valid Jan. 8

- Jan. 8

Adirondack a la Carte

High Peaks Resort

Complete your Adirondack Vacation with a $150 dining credit to Dancing Bears!

Valid Feb. 8

- Feb. 7

Valid Feb. 8

- Feb. 7

Spa Escape

Whiteface Lodge Resort & Spa

Our Spa Escape package is ideal for couples or friends traveling together.

Valid Sep. 23

- Sep. 27

Valid Sep. 23

- Sep. 27

High Falls Gorge Construction Discount

We're offering reduced admission prices for a limited time as we finish renovating our steel walkway.

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Romance Package

Package Details Surprise your significant other with a romantic evening waiting for you on the day of your arrival!

Valid Feb. 8

- Feb. 7

Valid Feb. 8

- Feb. 7

Stay More, Play More

Whiteface Lodge Resort & Spa

Linger longer in the Adirondacks and be rewarded!

Valid Jan. 11

- Apr. 30

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Ski with Olympic Medalist Andrew Weibrecht

Ever dreamed of spending time on the slopes with an Olympic athlete? Well, now you can!

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Play and Stay Package

Crowne Plaza Lake Placid

Includes stay at Crowne Plaza Hotel with Golf at our Lake Placid Club Courses

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

MILITARY AND FIRST RESPONDER OFFER

Bluebird Lake Placid

10% off our Best Available Rate for all active as well as retired military personnel, and first responders on leisure stays.

Valid Feb. 8

- Feb. 7

Valid Feb. 8

- Feb. 7

Rustic Romance Getaway Package

Whiteface Lodge Resort & Spa

Experience the unspoiled Adirondacks while spoiling yourself and a loved one

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Adirondack Guides

Get the most out of your stay - Guide Services Available!

Valid Sep. 2

- Sep. 18

Valid Sep. 13

- Sep. 17

BOGO FREE!

Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort

Buy One Get One FREE on stays September 2- September 18, 2024 Call 888-372-5686 to book today!

Valid Jan. 5

- Jan. 5

Valid Jan. 5

- Jan. 5

Stay More, Play More

High Peaks Resort

Stay for FREE!

Valid Jan. 9

- Dec. 31

Valid Jan. 9

- Dec. 31

Couples Getaway

Escape with your loved one to a truly romantic experience - sparkling wine and chocolate-covered strawberries overlooking spectacular views of Mirror Lake and the Adirondack High Peaks is just the beginning...

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Golf & Stay Package

Crowne Plaza Lake Placid

Starting at: $119.00 * Weekend & Summer packages available at higher rates

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

4th Night Free!

Lake Placid Lodge

Enjoy a night on us! 4th night free when you stay 3.

Valid Oct. 11

- Oct. 24

Valid Oct. 10

- Oct. 24

Half Off your third night at Camp Riverwalker

Adirondack "By Owner" Vacation Rentals

Book 2 nights in our cozy suite and save 50 % on the third night

Valid Oct. 28

- Nov. 9

Valid Oct. 28

- Nov. 9

the Stay Soon Special!

Adirondack "By Owner" Vacation Rentals

Visit soon and Save!

Valid Jun. 17

- Oct. 31

Valid May. 15

- Oct. 31

In-Season Golf Package

Cambria Lake Placid - Lakeside Resort

Stay and golf at the Van Kleek-designed Award-winning championship course at Whiteface Club & Resort. Package Includes: - 2 nights' stay at Cambria Hotel Lake Placid. - 2 rounds of unlimited golf with a cart for 18 holes.

Valid Jan. 11

- May. 1

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Nordic Ski With Olympic Medalist Andrea Henkel Burke

Stay and Nordic Ski with an Olympic Gold Medal Recipient!

Valid Jan. 12

- Jan. 12

Valid Jan. 12

- Jan. 12

Supper & Stay

Stagecoach Inn

Enhance your stay at The Lake Placid Stagecoach Inn with an exceptional 3-course meal.

Valid Nov. 12

- Dec. 2

Valid Nov. 12

- Dec. 2

Turkey Special in November

Adirondack "By Owner" Vacation Rentals

Turkey Special In November - 3nts/4day weekend ($500/night: $1500) or 2 nts/3 day weekend ($600/night: $1200)

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Spa Experience

What better way to connect and relax with your partner after a long day on the mountain than to enjoy an in-room spa experience for two?

Valid Jan. 12

- Jan. 12

Valid Jan. 12

- Jan. 12

Outdoor Adventure Package

Maximize your time in the outdoors: book your room and a boat rental through HK Boat Rentals.

Valid Oct. 21

- Nov. 9

Valid Sep. 26

- Oct. 26

Family Friendly Condo at Whiteface Club & Resort

Adirondack "By Owner" Vacation Rentals

You can save $100 per night!

Load More