How long is the Avalanche Pass Trail?

The Avalanche Pass Trail is approximately 3.57 miles (5.7 kilometers) — a typical day-hike length.

How long does it take to hike the Avalanche Pass Trail?

Most hikers complete the Avalanche Pass Trail in about 2 hours 15 minutes at a steady pace with roughly 1,077 feet of elevation gain. Allow extra time for rest stops, photos, weather, and trail conditions.

How difficult is the Avalanche Pass Trail?

Based on its length and elevation gain, the Avalanche Pass Trail is a moderate hike (1,077 ft of climbing over the route) — steady climbing that rewards a reasonable base of fitness. This is an estimate from route data, not an official trail rating — check current DEC advisories before heading out.

Who maintains the Avalanche Pass Trail?

The Avalanche Pass Trail is operated or maintained by NYSDEC (part of the lwn network).

Avalanche Pass Trail · 3.6 mi — Adirondack Hiking Trail

Avalanche Pass Trail

Carving a path through one of the High Peaks' most dramatic corridors, this yellow-blazed route extends nearly six kilometers between Adirondack Loj and Lake Colden, threading between the sheer walls of Mount Colden and Avalanche Mountain. The trail is known for its striking passage along Avalanche Lake, where wooden walkways cling to cliffsides above cold water, and for the massive talus fields that testify to centuries of rockfall. Maintained by the state, the route forms a critical link in the network of backcountry trails connecting the region's most remote waters and highest summits. Though relatively short, the terrain demands attention—the footing is often rough, and conditions can shift quickly in the narrow pass.

§ Overview

Avalanche Pass Trail runs 3.6 miles (5.7 km) with about 1,077 feet of elevation gain — a moderate hike, with a moderate, steady climb, about 2 h 15 min on the trail. NYSDEC maintains the route.

Length

3.6 mi

Elevation gain

1,077 ft

Difficulty · est.

Moderate

Book time

2 h 19 m

§ Before you go

NYSDECOperator
lwnNetwork

From OpenStreetMap. Surface + access tags vary by trail.

34 parking areas

Closest parking lots within range, ranked by walking distance. Accessibility flags come from Google verified-data; surface and capacity from OpenStreetMap. Confirm hours and seasonal closures before you go.

01Marcy Dam Parking Lot3.8 mi

Directions →

02Upper Works Trail Parking5.6 mi

Directions →

03East River Trail Parking5.9 mi

Directions →

04Cascade Mountain Parking6.7 mi

Directions →

05Cascade Mountain Parking6.8 mi

Directions →

06Cascade Mountain Parking6.9 mi

Directions →

07Cascade Mountain Parking7.0 mi

Directions →

08Mountain Lane Trail Parking7.3 mi

Directions →

+26 more on the map above

ClosureHigh Peaks Region of the Adirondacks

The Avalanche Pass Trail is closed and impassable due to mud/rock slides, effective immediately.

The Avalanche Pass Trail is closed and impassable due to mud/rock slides, effective immediately. Crews are working to assess the damage in the area and clear a functional path through the debris. Hikers must seek an alternative route until otherwise posted. Routes impacted include: Passage south to Lake Colden area from the Adirondak Loj; loop routes over Algonquin Peak, Mount Colden, and Mount Marcy back to the Adirondak Loj through Avalanche Pass; alternate route through Lake Arnold is possible but extremely wet and muddy.

Source: NYS DEC · last updated 20 hours ago

CautionHigh Peaks Region of the Adirondacks

Broken Bridge along an open section of the Avalanche Pass Trail right at the Algonquin Trail Jct,, north of Lake Colden.

Broken Bridge along an open section of the Avalanche Pass Trail right at the Algonquin Trail Jct,, north of Lake Colden. The bridge will be replaced in July 2026. Crossing on rocks is possible upstream and downstream of the bridge. Please use caution around the broken bridge or staged construction materials.

Source: NYS DEC · last updated 20 hours ago

NoticeHigh Peaks Region of the Adirondacks

Work has begun on the Avalanche Pass Trail for 2026.

Work has begun on the Avalanche Pass Trail for 2026. The Adirondack Mountain Club Trail Crew, DEC High Peaks Trail Crew and Student Conservation Association (SCA) Adirondack Corps have been working on the project since early June.

Source: NYS DEC · last updated 20 hours ago

Avalanche Pass Trail

34 parking areas

The Avalanche Pass Trail is closed and impassable due to mud/rock slides, effective immediately.

Broken Bridge along an open section of the Avalanche Pass Trail right at the Algonquin Trail Jct,, north of Lake Colden.

Work has begun on the Avalanche Pass Trail for 2026.

What you’ll find along the route

Curated trailheads & parking near this route

Nearest, each within 25 miles

Add to the record.

Hiked it?

Add a shot.

File a report.

Spot something off?

Van Hoevenberg Cabins

River Road Loj - Lake Placid log cabin rental

Keene Valley Lodge