More than 2,000 miles of hiking trails wind through the Adirondack Park, offering a glimpse into a world pristine and untouched – just as it was hundreds of years ago. Whether you are out to conquer the 46 High Peaks, backpack through the woods, or just stroll along Plattsburgh’s Heritage Trail, the Adirondack Coast offers a wide variety of hiking opportunities.
Access an interactive hiking map featuring descriptions of many less-traveled Adirondack hikes.
Get startedAll visitors should be able to access, enjoy, and feel welcome on state lands. While enjoying these shared spaces, be respectful of other visitors. Share trails, treat people with kindness, and leave things as you found them for others to enjoy. All of us have a responsibility to protect State lands for future generations. Follow the Hiker Responsibility Code, practice Leave No Trace TM principles, and consider visiting trails less traveled.
Explore the region via a wide variety of trails and walking paths. Whether you are an experienced hiker or this is your first time out, there are many great walks and day hikes in the Adirondacks suited to your ability. Choose from hikes with:
Silver Lake Mountain - 1.8 miles roundtrip, easy.
The summit ridge of this mountain is a series of open rock ledges with outstanding views of Silver Lake, Union Falls Pond, Taylor Pond, Catamount and Whiteface Mountain. The trail to the top has several open views and rocky sections along the way.
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Lyon Mountain - 5 miles roundtrip, difficult.
The international view from the top of this mountain includes the skyline of Montreal, the Adirondack High Peaks, Lake Champlain and the Green Mountains of Vermont. It is a steep climb to the open summit and its abandoned fire tower.
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Valcour Island - 1 mile water crossing from the Peru boat launch, difficult, and 7.5 miles of trails, easy.
This historic island, now owned by New York state, was the site of the first naval battle during the Revolutionary War. The historic lighthouse, built in 1874, is open to public on Sundays during the summer. There are many beautiful views from the shoreline trail that circles the island, skirting cliffs, a heron rookery, beaches and sheltered bays. This is a very popular camping destination for boaters on Lake Champlain in the summer. The water crossing can become dangerous when windy conditions cause the narrow channel to become very rough. Be sure to check the weather forecast before setting out and choose your day wisely. Show me on a map
Point Au Roche State Park - 8 mile trail network, easy.
The network of trails begins near the nature center where you’ll find a sign with a map of the area. Most of the trails lead to spectacular views of Lake Champlain and, in many cases, the routes parallel the shoreline. Some routes are paved and accessible to people with disabilities. The adjacent day-use area has an entrance fee and in
Ausable Chasm- Admission fee.
Lookouts with benches and interpretive signs line both routes— the pine bark Rim Promenade and the Inner Sanctum Excursion. Look straight down
the 150- foot vertical ridge from the top of the rim. Complete your visit with an easy two-mile “float through nature” on a 12-person river raft, an inner tube or a two-person kayak.
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Clintonville Pine Barrens - This 900-acre pitch pine-heath barrens, part of the Nature Conservancy Preserve, is one of the best examples of this type of natural community in New York. It is home to two rare plants and two rare moths. A short trail traverses the area and a trail guide is available at the trailhead.
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Wickham Marsh - 2 miles roundtrip, easy.
This wildlife management area is located just south of the Ausable Marsh. It includes essentially the same habitat and viewing opportunities but
you can also see a rare cedar plantation and an old homestead site.
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Silver Lake Bog - 2.5 miles roundtrip, easy, Nature Conservancy Preserve.
A variety of habitats can be observed here — a black spruce-tamarack bog, a northern white cedar swamp, a hemlock northern hardwood forest and a pine ridge. The half-mile Bog Walk traverses the bog and swamp on a boardwalk; 15 marked stops interpret the ecology and plant life. At the end of the boardwalk, the “Pine Bluff Trail” begins. The route ascends to a ridge 400 feet above Silver Lake and has eight marked stops. The trail guide for both trails is available at the trailhead.
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Ausable Marsh - 3 miles roundtrip, easy.
Explore this extraordinary marsh habitat by foot or canoe. Its location along the Lake Champlain flyway offers some of the finest bird watching
in New York State, including small warblers, hawks, herons and migrating waterfowl. A handicap accessible viewing platform can be found along
the access road to Ausable Point Campground. It juts about 50 feet into the marsh and provides an open view to hundreds of acres of unspoiled
habitat.
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Lake Alice - 3 miles roundtrip, easy.
View wildlife and waterfowl, such as osprey and herons, as you walk beside the lake and through the woods of this wildlife management area.
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Flat Rock Gulf - 5 miles roundtrip, easy.
Walk to views of “the gulf” — a spectacular geological formation with a deep, 100-foot vertical drop and a 2.5 acre glacial pond.
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New Land Trust
Located in the small town of Saranac, this 287-acre preserve offers an extensive trail system with more than 20 routes.
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Little Ausable River Trail - 2.5 miles roundtrip, easy.
The Town of Peru NY developed a paved trail to offer visitors an opportunity to enjoy a variety of healthy outdoor activities within a beautiful and varied natural environment. The trail also protects and interprets the important historic sites of Heyworth/Mason Park and a section of the D&H rail line, both instrumental to the Town’s development.
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Lewis Preserve - 5.6 miles roundtrip, easy.
This walk traverses abandoned farm fields and second growth forest. A short side trail leads to a group of civil war-era charcoal kilns. You can still see the foundation of the original homestead and there are numerous old apple trees and some old stone fences among the trees. Bluebird nest boxes have been erected and three major streams flow through the area providing top quality fishing.
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Keeseville - Local history and over 33 points of interest are described in A Walking Guide to the Keeseville Historic District. This 19th century industrial community is a national register district with 147 historic buildings and bridges. To obtain the 36-page guide call 518.834.9606.
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Plattsburgh Heritage Trail
Take a historic walking tour and visit the scenic waterfront area on the Heritage Trail. First settled in 1767, Plattsburgh is the site of several famous battles and home to many historic buildings and sites and several museums.
