October 08, 2019

Take it from us, there’s nothing more stunning than fall in the High Peaks. And while it’s nice enough just to be here when the leaves are at the their peak, it’s a little nicer to take a hike. The crisp air, the smell of autumn, the leaves floating gently to the ground — it’s all part of the package. 

1. Heaven Hill Old Orchard Loop

Heaven Hill is a small trail network located minutes from downtown Lake Placid, and the hiking here is some of the easiest you’ll find in the High Peaks. Take your time exploring the trails as they wind through a pretty hardwood forest, just don’t miss the Orchard Loop, where there is a breathtaking mountain view for very little effort.

Stats

  • Old Orchard Loop: 1.4 miles
  • Big Field Loop: 0.9 miles 
  • Bear Cub Loop: The main outer loop is 1.5 miles

Parking

From the intersection of state Route 73 and 86 in Lake Placid, take Route 73 toward Keene. Turn right on Station Street in 0.2 miles — it's the first right after you cross the Chubb River. Follow this road for 0.75 miles and turn left on Old Military Road. Follow it for 0.9 miles, then turn right on Bear Cub Road. The trailhead is on the right after about 3 miles.

2. Mount Van Hoevenberg East Trail

The relatively new trail up the east side of Mount Van Hoevenberg makes long, sweeping switchbacks as it gently ascends the mountain, making it an easier climb than the West Trail. Before your hike, start your visit at the brand-new Mountain Pass Lodge. There you will find hiking information, a shop, cafe, and information about other cool Olympic activities! When you're ready to hike, the trail works its way away from the cross-country ski trails and bobsled run as it climbs toward the summit ledges. Set aside plenty of time to enjoy the view of Mount Marcy, Algonquin, and some of the Great Range as you overlook South Meadow.

Two women and a baby at the summit of Mt. Van Hoevenberg in early fall overlooking the mountain range.

Stats

  • Elevation: 2,860 feet
  • Elevation gain: 948 feet
  • Distance: 3.6 miles

Parking

From downtown Lake Placid, turn onto Route 73 east and follow it for 6.3 miles, then turn right on Bobsled Run Lane. Follow that to its end and follow the signs to the trailhead.

3. Mount Jo

Mount Jo is a steep little mountain that offers close-up views of giants like Wright, Algonquin, Colden, and Marcy from its summit. The trail starts across from the Adirondack Loj toll booth and remains level until it swings away from Heart Lake. After a brief climb there is a fork — right is the Short Trail and straight is the Long Trail. We recommend taking the Long Trail up as it’s not quite as steep, and if you’re up for an adventure you can return via the ruggedly scenic Short Trail.

A view of a mountain range covered in snow at the top and fall foliage at the bottom.

Stats

  • Elevation: 2,876 feet
  • Elevation gain: 700 feet
  • Distance: Short Trail, 1.1 miles; Long Trail, 1.3 miles

Parking

From downtown Lake Placid, turn onto Route 73 and turn right on Adirondack Loj Road, the first right after the ski jumps. The parking lots are about 5 miles from Route 73. Be sure to pay the parking fee at the booth, even if no one is there.

4. Hurricane Mountain

Hurricane has an open rock summit, but there’s a fire tower on top if you want to get a little higher. There are three ways to approach this mountain, one from Route 9N, another from Crow Clearing (the North Trail), and a third from the east. Whichever route you choose, the view from the top is one of the best in the Adirondacks. You’ll see Lake Champlain to the east and mountains in every direction, including Vermont’s Green Mountains and the High Peaks. The view of the Dix Range is particularly striking from this vantage point. 

Stats

  • Elevation: 3,694 feet
  • Elevation gain: from Route 9N, 2,000 feet; from Crow Clearing, 1,600 feet; from the east, 1,700 feet
  • Distance: from Route 9N, 2.6 miles; from Crow Clearing, 3 miles; from the east, 2.7 miles

Parking

See the Hurricane Mountain listing for detailed parking directions.

Two women and a baby at the summit of Mt. Van Hoevenberg in early fall overlooking the mountain range.
A view of a mountain range covered in snow at the top and fall foliage at the bottom.

Packages and Promotions

Valid Dec. 19

- Jan. 22

Valid Dec. 19

- Jan. 22

Winter Wonderland Special!

Adirondack "By Owner" Vacation Rentals

Stay longer and Save!

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 Jan. 8

- Dec. 31

Valid Jan. 8

- Dec. 25

100th Anniversary Package

100 years at the Inn gets you $100 Resort Credit PER DAY!

Valid May. 1

- Oct. 31

Valid Dec. 6

- Nov. 1

Zip and Whip Expedition

Farmhouse UTVs

Experience Outdoors and Farmhouse UTVs have teamed up to bring your family and friends the Adirondack adventure you've been waiting for. Double up on a UTV and zipline experience. Ziplines are located in Lake Placid and the UTVs are located in Gabriels.

Valid Dec. 1

- Dec. 25

Valid Aug. 8

- Dec. 19

Christmas Buy One Get One FREE

Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort

Buy One Get One FREE on stays December 1 - December 25! Call 855-421-3002 to book today! Terms: Buy One Get One Free valid for stays December 1-25, 2024, Sunday - Wednesday nights. Not valid on existing reservations; new reservations only. Cannot be...

Valid Oct. 23

- Oct. 23

Valid Oct. 24

- Oct. 23

SAVE 10% off any weekly rentals!

New York Rental By Owner

SAVE 10% off any weekly rentals!

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. 9

- Dec. 31

Valid Jan. 9

- Dec. 31

Babymoon

Celebrate your growing family with $75 nightly resort credit!

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 Dec. 22

- Dec. 27

Valid Dec. 7

- Dec. 30

Discounted Holiday Dates

New York Rental By Owner

Sunburst Cottage on Mirror Lake in Lake Placid! Sunburst is an Adirondack lakefront house that features a 7-person hot tub and free wifi. This is the premier vacation rentals on Mirror Lake with 6 bedrooms , each with their own private bath. In...

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 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

- 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. 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 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 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 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

Romance Package

Town House Lodge by the Lake

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

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Adirondack Guides

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

Valid Dec. 6

- Dec. 8

Valid Jan. 8

- Dec. 5

Girls Getaway Weekend

$75 Resort Credit per room per NIGHT to pamper the Girls!

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

The Adirondack Elopement

The ultimate, intimate "I do" experience.

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 May. 1

- Apr. 30

Valid Jan. 1

- Apr. 30

Stay & Save

The Devlin

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

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. 12

- Jan. 12

Valid Jan. 12

- Jan. 12

Outdoor Adventure Package

The Devlin

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

Valid Nov. 27

- Mar. 30

Valid Nov. 27

- Mar. 30

10% off Gift The Gorge Package

High Falls Gorge

Treat someone you love with the gift of nature! This is an e-gift card program with packages for admission to the park, money to spend in the Gift Shop, and even more to spend in the River View Café.

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 Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Spa Experience

Town House Lodge by the Lake

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. 5

- Jan. 5

Valid Jan. 5

- Jan. 5

Stay More, Play More

High Peaks Resort

Stay for FREE!

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 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!

Load More