Hiker's guide to trailheads & parking
The first step to having a perfect hike in Lake Placid is parking at the trailhead! Just as in busy cities, parking is not a task that should be taken for granted. In fact, it's such an important part of the planning process, you should do it twice – once for your primary hiking plan and again for your Plan B!
To help make your parking lot and trailhead experience a positive part of your day on the trail, we've outlined some of the region's most pertinent parking info and tips.
Parking Lot and trailhead etiquette
Trailhead parking lots can get congested, especially when they lead to popular hikes. While crowded parking lots can get frustrating, please practice patience. By keeping calm and working together, everyone can enjoy a pleasant trailhead experience. Other tips for being a good trailhead steward are:
- Park considerately. If there are designated spots, park between the lines. If not, park at a respectful but efficient distance from other vehicles.
- Trash your trash or take it home. If there are trash receptacles, throw garbage away in the bins. Most trailheads do not have receptacles, so be prepared to take trash home and dispose of it there. Please never put trash in porta potties.
- Keep pets close. For their safety and the comfort of everyone present, please keep dogs leashed in parking lots and around trailheads. And before you leave the car, don't forget to check that you have poop bags for waste pick-up!
- Make space for others. When you are done with your hike, try to minimize the time you spend lingering in the lot so that others can have a chance to park.
- Watch out for others and walk carefully. If you look out for them and they look out for you, cars and pedestrians can share these spaces safely.
- Use trail registers responsibly. Always remember to sign in and out at the trail register, but otherwise please leave registers and trailheads as you found them.
What to do if the parking areas are full
Whenever you plan a hike, come prepared with a Plan B. This ensures you can pivot to an alternate destination should you arrive at the trailhead and find the parking lot full or the trail closed. (Trail closures are rare, but can happen when conditions or trail work warrant it). If you encounter a full lot at your primary destination, head to your secondary location. There are no bad hikes here, so stay flexible and welcome the change of plans as part of the adventure! Find inspiration for alternate hikes here.
Parking along Route 73
To avoid congestion and potentially dangerous situations, parking on the shoulder of Route 73 between Chapel Pond and the Rooster Comb trailhead is off limits. Parking near the Cascade Mountain trailhead is limited to designated parking areas and sections of the shoulder where vehicles can park out of the lane of travel. Do not park where signs prohibit parking.
Roadside parking is also prohibited on the following roads in the town of Keene: Au Sable Road, St. Huberts Road, Market Street, Adirondack Street, and Mason Young Lane in Keene Valley.
The Garden Hiker Shuttle
Town of Keene Hiker Shuttle
Also known as The Garden Shuttle, the Town of Keen Hiker Shuttle will transport hikers from Marcy Field to The Garden Parking Lot on Saturdays and Sundays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Indigenous Peoples' Day weekend. Pickup will be in the southwest corner of Marcy Field on Airport Road. Tickets are cash only ($10.00 American or $13.00 Canadien) .
The fee collected goes to paying for road and parking lot maintenance, porta-potties, and staffing.
Some of the hikes accessible from The Garden are:
- Big Slide
- Haystack (the High Peak)
- Johns Brook Lodge
- Gothics
- Saddleback
- Basin
- Upper Wolfjaw
- Lower Wolfjaw
Why take the shuttle?
There are several reasons to take the shuttle and they're all fantastic:
- It's better for the environment! Fewer cars on the road means less pollution and better, cleaner air. That means better hiking and a healthier, happier experience for all.
- Skip the worry about parking. The Adirondacks are much adored and parking lots at trailheads can get crowded. This way, there's no worry!
- Save your money! By saving on gas, you can enjoy a less expensive day out.
- You can relax. When someone else does the driving, you can enjoy the stunning scenery.
Parking at The Garden
The Garden is open for vehicle parking as well, but spaces are limited and they fill up quickly and early, especially on holiday weekends and during fall foliage. Parking is $10/day and there is a self-service payment system. If you choose to park at The Garden, please be patient and considerate of other visitors and parking lot attendants. When the Garden is full, please park in the Rooster Comb parking lot on Route 73. Please do not park on narrow streets in Keene Valley or block access to homes.
Adirondack Mountain Reserve (AMR) reservation system
Several popular hikes, including Indian Head and multiple High Peaks, can be accessed through the Adirondack Mountain Reserve (AMR). The Adirondack Mountain Reserve is a 7,000-acre strip of private property nestled between two sections of the State-owned High Peaks Wilderness. It is owned by the Ausable Club, and a Conservation Easement allows for public recreation on these otherwise private lands. Parking reservations are required to access AMR property from May 1 through October 31. The parking reservations are free and guarantee you a spot in the Ausable Club parking lot, located on Route 73 across from the Roaring Brook Falls trailhead in St. Huberts. Parking reservations must be made in advance and are required for anyone accessing trails on AMR property, even if you are getting dropped or are riding your bike in. 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.
Leave No Trace
Exploring the Adirondack backcountry will be more fun — and safer — if you hit the trail prepared! Before you head out, research your hike, pack the essentials, and learn more about the 7 Leave No Trace Principles. Be part of the stewardship in the Adirondacks by taking the Love Your ADK pledge!
