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AdirondackRegion.com

Elevator Shaft Trail

A singularly direct ascent through the Adirondacks, this route is known for its challenging pitch and unrelenting grade. Managed by the NYSDEC and marked by yellow disks, the trail extends roughly 1.3 kilometers, gaining elevation at a rate that earns its evocative name. The path is reported to climb with little respite, offering hikers a test of endurance rather than a leisurely woodland ramble.

§ Overview

Elevator Shaft Trail runs 0.8 miles (1.3 km) — an easy hike, nearly level throughout, about 25 minutes on the trail. NYSDEC maintains the route.

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Length
0.8 mi
Elevation gain
0 ft
Difficulty · est.
Easy
Book time
24 min
§ Before you go
  • NYSDECOperator
  • lwnNetwork
From OpenStreetMap. Surface + access tags vary by trail.
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Elevation profile
Max 3,488 ftMin 1,995 ftNet gain 0 ft
3,488 ft1,995 ft0 mi0.2 mi0.4 mi0.6 mi0.8 mi
§ Nearby parking

46 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.

+38 more on the map above

§ Closest essentials

Nearest, each within 25 miles

Coffee
Old Mountain Coffee Company
7.4 mi away
Restaurant
Noon Mark Diner
7.4 mi away
General store
East Branch Organics
11.5 mi away
Shelter
Lillian Brook Lean-to
2.7 mi away
§ Nearby Points of Interest
Peaks (12)
Lakes & ponds (38)
Trails (24)
Shelters (1)
  • Johns Brook Lodge4.8 mi
Lean-tos (82)
  • Lillian Brook Lean-to2.7 mi
  • Lilian Brook Lean-To2.8 mi
  • Panther Gorge Lean-To3.5 mi
  • Panther Gorge Leanto3.5 mi
  • Casey Brook Leanto3.5 mi
  • Slide Brook Lean-to3.7 mi
  • Slant Rock Lean-To3.7 mi
  • Boquet River Lean-to3.7 mi
Primitive campsites (179)
  • Unnamed campsite1.0 mi
  • Unnamed campsite1.1 mi
  • Primitive campsite 181891.1 mi
  • Primitive campsite 181901.1 mi
  • Unnamed campsite2.0 mi
  • Primitive campsite 181922.2 mi
  • Primitive campsite 181882.2 mi
  • Unnamed campsite2.2 mi
§ The Field Notes

Add to the record.

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Field notes and corrections are reviewed before they appear publicly. Photos and Logbook entries post immediately.§ Maintain or steward this trail? Get in touch →
§ Stay near this trail
Keene Valley Lodge — hero image
7.9 miKeene

Keene Valley Lodge

Van Hoevenberg Cabins — hero image
10 miLake Placid

Van Hoevenberg Cabins

River Road Loj - Lake Placid log cabin rental — hero image
14 miLake Placid

River Road Loj - Lake Placid log cabin rental

§ From the field guides
All field guides →
§ Frequently asked