New York's Top 5 Hiking Destinations In The Adirondack Mountains, According To Reviews

Located just a few hours outside of New York City, the renowned Adirondack Mountains in northern New York are home to thousands of miles of hiking trails, and it can be tough to know where to start. There's a huge variety, from easy lakeside strolls to rugged climbs in the High Peaks. Fortunately, the region offers a number of accessible hikes that deliver phenomenal views, without requiring an all-day trek or advanced mountaineering skills. In addition to hikes, the Adirondacks are home to countless charming towns, including the "all-season vacationland" of Speculator and Saranac Lake, a scenic winter getaway destination.

The trails below consistently rank among hikers' favorites, based on reviews and recommendations from experienced hikers. Most of the trails recommended below fall into the easy-to-moderate range, making them ideal for beginners, families, or anyone looking for a rewarding outing that doesn't require tackling the most demanding terrain in the region.

At the end of the list, you'll also find one slightly more challenging trail that experienced hikers often recommend. It offers a bigger climb, but an unforgettable summit view. The list below provides an introduction to the landscapes that make the region one of the premier outdoor destinations in the northeastern United States.

Mount Jo is often cited as one of the best introductory hikes in the Adirondacks. It offers a summit view that rivals far longer and more demanding climbs. Located near Lake Placid in the High Peaks region, this moderate hike climbs roughly 750 feet over about 2.5 miles round trip, and rewards hikers with sweeping vistas of some of the Adirondacks' most famous mountains.

The trail begins at the Adirondak Loj trailhead at the Heart Lake Program Center. A parking fee is typically required, and the lot fills quickly on summer and fall weekends, so arriving early is recommended. Hikers can choose between two routes to the summit: the Short Trail, which is steeper and more direct, and the Long Trail, which climbs more gradually and forms a loop with the shorter path. The summit offers one of the most impressive viewpoints in the region for such a short hike. From the open rock ledges at the top, visitors can see stunning views of the surrounding High Peaks wilderness.

Mount Jo's accessibility makes it a favorite among both first-time visitors and experienced hikers looking for a quick outing with a big reward. Because of its proximity to other sites, it's also easy to combine with other activities in the area, including swimming and paddling on Heart Lake, or exploring nearby trails.

Mount Van Hoevenberg is one of the most accessible summit hikes in the Adirondacks, thanks to its thoughtfully designed trail and relatively moderate climb. Located just outside Lake Placid, this hike covers about 3.6 miles round trip and gains roughly 1,000 feet in elevation along a slow and steady gradient, making it a solid option for hikers seeking a manageable challenge with rewarding views.

The hike begins at the Mount Van Hoevenberg East Trailhead, located within the Olympic Sports Complex area. This modern trailhead offers ample parking, restrooms, a cafe, and well-marked signage, making it one of the most user-friendly and accessible starting points in the Adirondacks. The trail itself also stands out for its sustainable construction, with stone staircases and carefully graded slopes. The route was redesigned in recent years to reduce erosion and improve safety, making it easier to follow than many older Adirondack trails.

As hikers approach the summit, the forest opens to reveal expansive views of the surrounding High Peaks region. Because the trail is well-maintained and relatively straightforward, Mount Van Hoevenberg is often recommended as a first summit for people new to Adirondack hiking.

Bald Mountain, also known as Rondaxe Mountain, is one of the most popular trails in the Adirondacks. Located near the town of Old Forge in the western Adirondacks, this hike climbs just under 500 feet over about 2 miles round trip, delivering some of the best lake views in the region. The trail begins at the Rondaxe Fire Tower Trailhead on Rondaxe Road. The parking area is well marked and sits about 10 minutes from downtown Old Forge, making it easily accessible for visitors staying in the area.

The trail climbs steadily through forest before reaching a series of exposed granite slabs near the summit. These rocky sections add a bit of adventure, but are manageable for most hikers with basic fitness and good footwear. The highlight of the hike is the historic fire tower at the summit. Visitors can climb the tower for an even higher vantage point over the Fulton Chain of Lakes, a scenic string of lakes that stretches across the southwestern Adirondacks. This is one of many preserved historic towers that were once part of a network of fire observation stations. Although no longer in use for fire detection, they offer visitors added height to catch the best views. Because this hike is relatively short and rewarding, Bald Mountain is extremely popular with families and casual hikers.

Mount Arab is a classic Adirondack fire tower hike that combines natural beauty with local history. Located near the town of Tupper Lake, this moderate trail climbs about 725 feet over roughly 2 miles round trip and offers sweeping views from one of the region's restored fire towers.

The trail begins at the Mount Arab Trailhead on Mount Arab Road, located about 10 miles west of Tupper Lake, New York. The parking area is small but well marked. The trail climbs gradually through dense forest before becoming steeper near the summit, but remains approachable even for families with small children. The final stretch emerges onto exposed rock and the historic fire tower complex.

At the top, hikers can climb the Mount Arab Fire Tower, which provides panoramic views across forests, lakes, and distant mountains. Nearby, the former observer's cabin has been preserved, and is sometimes open to visitors when a staff member is on site. It's also worth noting that Mount Arab is part of the Tupper Lake Hiking Triad, a network of three beginner-friendly mountains in the area: Mount Arab, Goodman Mountain, and Coney Mountain. 

Hurricane Mountain is one of the most beloved summit hikes in the Adirondacks, known for its wide-open summit and spectacular 360-degree views. While still accessible to determined hikers, it is more challenging than the previously listed trails. The Hurricane Mountain Trail covers about 6.8 miles round trip with roughly 2,050 feet of elevation gain. The trailhead is located along New York State Route 9N near Keene, New York, with a clearly marked Hurricane Mountain Trail parking area.

The hike begins with a steady climb through the forest before becoming steeper as it approaches the summit ridge. The trail eventually opens onto a series of bare rock faces, until finally you reach one of the most expansive viewpoints in the Adirondacks. At the top stands the historic Hurricane Mountain Fire Tower, which visitors can climb for an even higher vantage point. Because the summit is fully exposed, it gets windy and chilly at the top, especially in cooler months. Previous visitors have also reported that the trail gets extremely wet and muddy in the spring. Hikers would do well to bring layers and waterproof boots, if possible. Despite requiring a bit more effort and preparation, the views make Hurricane Mountain a perfect destination for a half-day outing.

The hikes included in this guide were selected using a combination of rankings, traveler reviews, and recommendations from experienced hikers, primarily on AllTrails, Tripadvisor, and Reddit. Outdoor travel guides such as Adventure Report and Much Better Adventures were also reviewed to confirm which trails are commonly suggested as good introductions to Adirondack hiking. The final selection prioritizes accessibility and overall experience, focusing primarily on easy and moderate trails, with a more challenging hike at the end for readers who may have more experience.