Esther Trail.
6 kilometers, the Esther Trail presents a distinct challenge to those who seek its route through the high peaks wilderness. The way is unmarked—no blazes, no symbols—and demands that hikers navigate by map, compass, and familiarity with the terrain. What begins as a discernible footpath is reported to fade in places, testing both route-finding skill and commitment.
- Family-friendlyShort, easy, and gentle enough for young legs
- Good for snowshoeingNon-technical grade that carries a snowshoe track
Seasonal pattern for this trail · tops out ~4,199 ft · live closures appear above
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What the trailhead is doing today.
Where the hike begins.
Guides, outfitters & shuttles.
If you’re already out here.
Lake Placid.
The corner of the Park this trail calls home — its hamlets, waters, lodging, and the rest of its field record.
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Make a weekend of it.
Closest editorial picks for a meal, a scoop, a pint, a bed, and a sight worth your time.
Eat.
4- The Hungry Trout2.2 mi
Situated on the West Branch of the Ausable River, the Hungry Trout offers two distinct dining experiences, from an upscale restaurant to a lively tavern.
- Monday Tuesday Grill6.7 mi
Monday Tuesday Grill in Upper Jay offers fresh, friendly, and affordable comfort meals for indoor, outdoor, and takeout dining, including grilled cheese sandwiches, soups, and Swedish meatballs.
- Artisans at the Lake Placid Lodge7.6 mi
The restaurant at the Lake Placid Lodge, a Relais and Chateaux property, serving a seasonal farm-to-fork menu in a fire-lit dining room with a three-season terrace over the lake. Breakfast and dinner daily.
- The Cottage at Mirror Lake Inn7.6 mi
The Cottage Restaurant and Cafe is located directly on the shore of Mirror Lake, offering spectacular views of the Adirondack High Peaks. It features food and drink options sourced from the Lake Placid region and operates on a first-come,…
Sip.
4- Adirondack Mountain Coffee Cafe6.1 mi
Adirondack Mountain Coffee Cafe is a coffee shop in Upper Jay, NY, serving fresh, slow-roasted coffee, breakfast, and lunch daily. Located near Whiteface Mountain and the Adirondack State Park, it also offers local beer and cocktails, with…
- Simply Gourmet8.0 mi
Simply Gourmet in Lake Placid offers daily breakfast and lunch with a focus on clean food, using fresh, local, and sustainable ingredients free of additives or preservatives. They also provide comprehensive catering services for various ev…
- The Coffee Bar8.0 mi
A small coffee bar on Main Street in Lake Placid with Mirror Lake and Whiteface Mountain views, pulling shots from Tug Hill Artisan Roasters beans.
- Origin Coffee8.2 mi
Origin Coffee Co. is a specialty coffee shop with locations in Lake Placid and Saranac Lake, offering a chef-driven breakfast and lunch menu served all day. It serves as a community gathering spot for locals and Adirondack travelers.
Sweet.
4- Whitebrook Dairy Bar3.0 mi
A classic roadside drive-in on Route 86 in Wilmington, five minutes from Whiteface — creamy soft serve (try the peanut-butter dip) plus footlongs and the Wilmington burger. Opening day is a local rite of spring.
- Sugar House Creamery5.9 mi
Sugar House Creamery is a farmstead creamery located in the Adirondacks, producing artisanal cheeses from the milk of their own cows. They offer a variety of cheeses, showcasing the quality of their local dairy.
- Ben & Jerry's8.4 mi
The Ben & Jerry's scoop shop on Lake Placid's Main Street above Mirror Lake — the Vermont brand's pints and cones in the heart of the village.
- Emma's Lake Placid Creamery8.4 mi
A 1950s-themed creamery in the heart of walkable Lake Placid, famous for its Maple Creme soft serve alongside 16 hard flavors, gelato, sorbet, and old-fashioned malts. The reliable apres-hike treat.
Drink.
4- R.F. McDougall's Pub2.2 mi
The casual sibling of the Hungry Trout Restaurant, sharing the same Adirondack riverside property next to Whiteface. Pub food, regional beers, and the same view of the West Branch Ausable at a more relaxed price point.
- Top of the Park7.8 mi
A Lake Placid bar on Main Street offering a curated selection of wine, scotch, bourbon, craft beer, and top-shelf liquors, complemented by small plates and signature cocktails. Enjoy 'Spirits with a View' from its large deck overlooking Mi…
- Lake Placid Pub & Brewery8.1 mi
A brewpub on Mirror Lake Drive in Lake Placid since 1996, with 12 house beers on tap including the original Ubu Ale, a downstairs Irish pub, and a deck over Mirror Lake.
- Hex and Hop Brewing10.2 mi
Hex and Hop Brewing is a craft brewery and meadery in Bloomingdale, New York, making full-flavored, locally sourced beer and mead. They prioritize community and craft, using fresh, local ingredients.
Stay.
4- Wilmington Notch Campground2.2 mi
Wilmington Notch is located beside the Ausable River and accommodates fishermen looking to challenge the rapids in search of a great catch.
- The Hungry Trout Resort2.2 mi
A year-round resort in Wilmington with 1,500 feet of frontage on the West Branch of the Ausable, two on-site restaurants, an in-house fly shop, and Whiteface Mountain a mile up the road.
- Ledge Rock at Whiteface2.3 mi
Cottages and lodging in Wilmington near Whiteface Mountain and the Ausable River — a base for skiing, hiking, and fly-fishing in the High Peaks.
- Whiteface Farm Bed and Breakfast2.4 mi
Wilmington bed-and-breakfast with three deluxe rooms (king/queen feather beds, in-room fireplaces, jacuzzis), plus a suite and a one-bedroom apartment. Sauna, outdoor hot tub, full local-ingredient breakfast. Bike- and ski-friendly.
See.
4- Summit Weather Observatory1.3 mi
The Summit Weather Observatory, part of the University at Albany's Atmospheric Sciences Research Center (ASRC), provides real-time weather conditions and data from its observatory at the summit of Whiteface Mountain and a field station at…
- High Falls Gorge2.1 mi
A 22-acre privately owned nature park on Route 86 in Wilmington with rim trails, glass-floor walkways over Ausable River waterfalls, a cafe, and gift shop. Open year-round, weather permitting.
- Upper Jay Art Center and Recovery Lounge6.1 mi
The Upper Jay Art Center and Recovery Lounge is a vibrant venue dedicated to presenting music, theater, and visual arts in Upper Jay, NY. It serves as a community hub for various cultural events.
- Captain Marney's Boat Rental7.3 mi
Captain Marney's Boat Rental offers boat and water sports rentals in the Lake Placid, NY area. They provide reasonably priced options for various water enthusiasts, including discounts for multi-day, multi-boat, and group rentals.
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Frequently asked.
- How long is the Esther Trail?The Esther Trail is approximately 1.02 miles (1.6 kilometers) — a short out-and-back suitable for most fitness levels.
- How long does it take to hike the Esther Trail?Most hikers complete the Esther Trail in about 40 minutes at a steady pace with roughly 304 feet of elevation gain. Allow extra time for rest stops, photos, weather, and trail conditions.
- How difficult is the Esther Trail?Based on its length and elevation gain, the Esther Trail is an easy hike (304 ft of climbing over the route) — gentle grades suitable for most fitness levels and families. This is an estimate from route data, not an official trail rating — check current DEC advisories before heading out.