Take A Hike: the Trails and Peaks of Lake Placid, NY

Mar 4, 2011 14:20 - Talia Rapp | 1,240 views

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“For purrr-ple mountains, majesty…”

Had that song been written about the Adirondacks it would have been more like “deep green, sky blue, and purple mountains,” but that probably would have been harder for 4^th graders to sing during their Thanksgiving plays.

One of the most popular hiking destinations in the US, the Adirondacks in upstate New York comprises of over 6 million acres of forests featuring plenty of mountains, streams, lakes, plains, trails, and waterfalls. Name any wilderness wonder and it’s pretty much got it.

Now that March is here and we’re all beginning to thaw out, there is no better time to plan for some quality time with nature. Get a group of your friends together or whisk away your girlfriend/boyfriend for a day trip or an overnight jaunt (Guys: your girl won’t say “no” to a night in a cozy B&B and time together on a secluded mountain top).

No need for concern, first-time hikers: the Adirondacks aren’t elitist. They appreciate you just as you are. That’s why they offer hiking options for every skill level. Here are some of our favorites in the Lake Placid area:

Blue Ledge, 5 miles roundtrip, easy

Be sure to go to the horseshoe bend to get a stunning look at the Hudson River Gorge and cliffs towering over 300 feet. A painless way to see some amazing scenery.

Indian Pass: 8.8 miles roundtrip, moderate

Trek through woodlands before climbing up to Summit Rock, where you’ll get to see the 1000 ft cliff face of Wallface Mountain – one of the tallest in the Northeast.

Baxter Mountain: 2.2 miles roundtrip, moderate

You won’t mind getting a little sidetracked on this mountain: follow a few short trails to see some spectacular views from secluded ledges. The summit offers amazing views of the Keene Valley and the High Peaks.

Hurricane Mountain: 5.2 miles roundtrip, difficult

Don’t let the name scare you off: the challenging climb will be beyond worth it when you see these views of Lake Champlain and the High Peaks.

Round out your day of hiking by strolling through some of the local villages or reserve a night at a B&B to continue your hiking adventures for the weekend (Guys- that’s your cue). After all, New York is more than a city– enjoy!

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