Overview

Hiking at the Lake Placid Legacy Sites

From easy-breezy, quick hikes to longer and more difficult hikes, the Lake Placid Legacy Sites are making hiking accessible for all.  Check out our trails to see what type of hike you’re interested in doing at our venues!

Before You Arrive

Recommended Items to Bring

  • Hiking Gear
    • Daypack
    • Navigation
      • Map / GPS / Phone
    • Clothing / Footwear
      • Weather-appropriate clothing (think moisture-wicking and layers)
      • Always bring extra layers as summit temperatures are much colder than base temperatures
      • Hiking boots or closed-toe shoes suited to the terrain
      • Rainwear
    • Personal Items
      • Credit Card and/or cash
      • ID
      • Cellphone
      • Hand Sanitizer
    • Food & Water
      • Water bottles and/or reservoir
      • Water filter/purifier
      • Trail Snacks
      • Lunch
      • Extra day’s supply of food
      • Plenty of water
    • Emergency Items
      • First-aid kit or supplies
      • Emergency Shelter
      • Lighter/matches & firestarter
      • Whistle
      • Knife or multi-tool
    • Sun/Bug Protection
      • sunglasses
      • sun-protective clothes
      • sunscreen
      • Insect Repellant
    • Extras
      • Headlamp or flashlight (with extra batteries)
      • Camera
      • Interpretive Field Guide
      • Outdoor Journal/Sketchbook with pen or pencil
      • Binoculars

Whiteface Trails

West Branch Nature Trail

Difficulty Level: More Difficult
Total Average Time & Distance: 1.5 Hours  |  1.9 Mile Loop

This trail begins at the bottom of the Mixing Bowl lift and proceeds along the West Branch of the Ausable River, passing through hardwood forests, and open ski trails, returning to the base lodge via the beautiful Stag Brook Trail.

Stag Brook Falls Trail

Difficulty Level: More Difficult
Total Average Time & Distance: 30 minutes  |  .5 mile One Way

This trail begins behind the Base Lodge and proceeds up the Stag Brook, past a 25-foot waterfall.  It is a short trail (1/2 mile) that eventually leads to open ski trails. This is a good option for those who would like to hike up the mountain to gain a scenic vista.

Whiteface Peak Trail

Difficulty Level: Most Difficult (Black Diamond)
Total Average Time & Distance: 1.5 hours  |  1.25 miles one day

There is a sign at the bottom of Paron’s Run indicating the trail to the summit. At the Summit Quad Terminal, hikers will find a steep narrow trail leading to the summit. Please remember that the last Gondola cabin leaves the top at 4:30. Ask any of our attendants at the top of the gondola for direction.

Nature Trail at the Summit

Difficulty Level: More Difficult
Total Average Time & Distance: 15 Minutes  |  .2 mile one way

Trail begins at the top of Whiteface Veterans Memorial Highway and proceeds to the summit. This trail offers beautiful views of lake placid and the high peaks. 1/5 of mile in length climbing 257’ feet in elevation.

Champlain Trail

Difficulty level: More Difficult
Total Average Time & Distance: 30 Minutes  |  0.75 Miles One Way

There is no marked trail from the top. We recommend that guests hike Excelsior to the top of the Face Lift, and then follow that lift to the bottom. 2.5 to 3.0 miles long, loose gravel, not recommended for amateurs.

Bear Den Mountain Trail

Difficulty Level: More Difficult
Total Average Time & Distance: 2.5 Hours  |  3.2 Mile Loop

The hike begins in the Bear Den parking lot. The round trip hike is 3.2 miles, vertical 1,432 feet.  Summit is an open-faced rock with nice views. This is a moderate level hike, some experience recommended). Once you reach the top of Bear Den mountain you are rewarded with amazing views of Whiteface and Lake Champlain.

Flume Connector Trail

Difficulty Level: Easier
Total Average Time & Distance: 40 Minutes  |  One Mile One Way

The trail starts at the bear den parking lot and follows the Ausable River to the flume hiking and biking trail system.

Slide Out Trail

Difficulty Level: More Difficult
Total Average Time & Distance: 1.5 Hours Round Trip  |  One Mile One Way

This hike starts at the top of the gondola. This is a continuation of the Champlain Trail and brings you to the bottom of the slides.

Mt. Van Hoevenberg Trails

MVH East Trail

Difficulty Level: More Difficult
Total Average Time & Distance: 2.5 Hours  |  4.7 Miles Round Trip

Existing trail with a trailhead, register, trail markers, map and based at the Mountain Pass Lodge. This location has parking, retail and services. This round trip hike provides a stunning view of the High Peaks with a relatively easy hike. Out and Back hike.

Sleeping Giant

Difficulty Level: More Difficult
Total Average Time & Distance: 1.25 Hours  |   2.7 Mile Loop

Existing trail with a trailhead, register, needs trail markers, map and based at the Mountain Pass Lodge. This location has parking, retail and services. This social distancing compliant trail offers an intermediate hike that is a lovely journey in the Adirondack Forest on the Biathlon Side of our Olympic Venue. Loop Hike.

Nested Loop

Difficulty level: More Difficult
Total Average Time & Distance: 1.75 Hours  |  3.3 Mile Loop

Existing trail with a trailhead, register, needs trail markers, map and based at the Mountain Pass Lodge. This location has parking, retail and services. This social distancing compliant trail offers an intermediate hike that is a lovely journey in the Adirondack Forest on the Cross Country Side of our Olympic Venue. Loop Hike.

Lover’s Lane

Difficulty Level: Easier
Total Average Time & Distance: 45 Minutes  |  1.4 Mile Loop

Existing trail with a trailhead, register, needs trail markers, map and based at the Mountain Pass Lodge. This location has parking, retail and services.  This social distancing compliant trail offers an easy family hike that is a lovely journey in the Adirondack Forest on the Cross Country Side of our Olympic Venue. Loop Hike.

Hi-Notch

Difficulty Level: Most Difficult
Total Average Time & Distance: 2 Hours  |   3.3 Mile Loop

Existing trail with a trailhead, register, needs trail markers, map and based at the Moutain Pass Lodge. This location has parking, retail and services. This social distancing compliant trail offers a more difficult hike that is a lovely journey in the Adirondack Forest on the Cross Country Side of our Olympic Venue. Loop Hike.

MVH Mt. Bike & Summer Walking Trails

Difficulty Level: More Difficult
Total Average Time & Distance: Varies  |  12 Miles – Variety of Loops

Existing trail with a trailhead, register, trail markers, map and based at the Mountain Pass Lodge. This location has parking, retail and services. The single-track biking and hiking trails of MVH offer a unique journey in the Adirondack Forest. Loop Hike and Bike Trails.