Summit Hikes

Explore Adirondack summit hikes

Here in the Adirondacks, you will find plentiful opportunities for hiking no matter what your ability level is. In addition to miles of scenic hikes and paths leading to lakes and ponds along with our Adirondack waterfall hikes, there are a multitude of summit hikes. Hiking to the top of a mountain and soaking in the panoramic views is the perfect reward for a day of climbing, knowing you reached the top! On the horizon, spot the beauty that surrounds you, along with the fun in identifying other mountain summits.

Leave No Trace

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. 

The best way to cement your legacy is to pledge to always protect the wild lands and waters of the Adirondacks by practicing Leave No Trace ethics and good stewardship.

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Goodman Mountain
Route 30
Long Lake, NY 12847
This old road used to be Highway 10 between Long Lake and Tupper Lake; it has now been turned into a wonderful trail that leads to Goodman Mountain. During the summer of 2014 DEC created a trail to the summit of Goodman Mountain.
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There's a bald summit with great views.
Goodnow Mountain
Route 28N
Newcomb, NY 12852
Goodnow is a very prominent peak when seen from Route 28N. This ragged-looking mountain is home to one of the remaining fire towers in the Adirondacks.
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The view from the Goodnow Mountain firetower is one of the best in the Adirondacks.
Owls Head Mountain
Endion Road
Long Lake, NY 12847
Owls Head Mountain is part of the Sargent Ponds Wild Forest, which covers an impressive approximate 45,000 acres. This rather prominent peak in the Long Lake area is made up of four separate summits, two of which are referred to as the horns.
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The fire tower adds more scenic possibilities.
Coney Mountain
Route 30
Long Lake, NY 12847
As far as views go, this is one of the best in the area and should not be missed. The waters of Tupper Lake can be seen to the north as well and the wooded hills of the Horseshoe Lake Wild Forest to the west.
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Great views and a sense of accomplishment when the summit is reached.
Good Luck Mountain
Route 10
Lake Pleasant, NY 12108
A challenging but fun hike in the southern Adirondacks, Good Luck Mountain will surely satisfy any adventurer. 
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The top of the cliffs has the best view.
Wakely Mountain
Cedar River Road
Indian Lake, NY 12842
Wakely Mountain’s 70-foot tower is one of the highest in New York state, and the tower stairs afford an excellent view of the West Canada Lakes Wilderness to the south and great views of the High Peaks to the north on clear days. 
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The Wakely Mountain Firetower offers the best views from the wooded summit.
Sawyer Mountain
Route 30
Blue Mountain Lake, NY 12812
Sawyer is one of the more popular routes in the Indian Lake Region, mainly due to its excellent payoff for little effort. Fun for the entire family, Sawyer should not be missed.
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Gorgeous views from the summit of Sawyer Mountain.
Baldface Mountain
Indian Lake, NY 12842
Combine paddling and hiking for this fun adventure!
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Pillsbury Mountain Fire Tower
Lake Pleasant, NY 12108
Pillsbury Mountain is one of those peaks that has a spectacular, remote, backcountry feel. A maze of scenic backroads will get you there, but you need to take it slow as they can be very rough at times.
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Snowy Mountain
Route 30
Indian Lake, NY 12842
Snowy is one of the more demanding hikes in Hamilton County and is also one of the 100 highest highest peaks in the Adirondacks. Its steep trail and rugged terrain will make you earn every bit of this mountain's elevation.
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A wonderfully framed sunrise is the reward for a winter campout.
Chimney Mountain
Big Brook Road
Indian Lake, NY 12842
This is a great hike to a very interesting and unusual geological chimney formation surrounded with a maze of caves and crevices near the summit.
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Echo Cliff-Panther Mountain
Piseco, NY 12139
This is a very popular hike located near Piseco, NY, with easy terrain. The trail to this popular destination is well worn and occasionally steep.
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Kane Mountain
Green Lake Road
Arietta, NY ‎12139
In a quiet corner of the Adirondacks sits Kane Mountain. A 60-foot fire tower was constructed here in 1925, making it a very attractive destination.
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Watch Hill
Indian Lake, NY 12842
A small mountain with big views, Watch Hill follows an easy forest road to the base of the climb. Follow the foot trail up to some short, though extremely fun, sections of steep rock lips, and up to the ridge line.
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West Mountain
Brown's Tract Road
Raquette Lake, NY 13436
West Mountain is a former fire tower peak, but even without the steel structure it offers good views from its partially open summit. 
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A variety of terrain and scenic vistas on the West Mountain trail.
Castle Rock
Maple Lodge Road
Blue Mountain Lake, NY 12812
This is one of the most popular destinations in the Blue Mountain Lake Region, and rightfully so, it's got an amazing view. This is a great destination for the entire family to get out and enjoy the Adirondack backwoods.
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A project for the whole family where everyone can have a favorite part.
Vista Trail Loop
Route 28
Inlet, NY 13360
This moderately difficult trail follows a ridge overlooking the beautiful Fourth Lake. Please note that this route is not as well-used as others in the area, so it might be overgrown in places.
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Bear Pond
Hunt Club Road
Inlet, NY 13360
With many good parking spots around the Red River bridge, this trail along the Red River offers miles of access to all types of terrain.
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Keep our brook trout healthy. No baitfish.