Gulf Brook Trail.
A short woodland walk through state forest land, this trail follows blue disk blazes for just over a kilometer and a half. Maintained by the Department of Environmental Conservation, the route is reported to offer a quiet introduction to the backcountry, though its modest length suggests it may serve as a connector or access path within the larger trail system.
- Leg-stretcherShort and nearly flat — an hour or less
- 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 ~2,398 ft · live closures appear above
- NYSDECOperator
- lwnNetwork
Read the line before you walk it.
What the trailhead is doing today.
Where the hike begins.
Curated trailheads & parking near this route.
Editorial trailhead listings within roughly 3 miles — permit info, parking capacity, and access-road conditions.
Guides, outfitters & shuttles.
If you’re already out here.
Keene.
The corner of the Park this trail calls home — its hamlets, waters, lodging, and the rest of its field record.
Read the Region→
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- Forty Six2.5 mi
A small fine-dining room on Route 9N in Keene at the Dartbrook Lodge campus, with a seasonal menu that rotates regularly and elegant plating. Reservations recommended.
- Monday Tuesday Grill4.3 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.
- Ausable Inn5.5 mi
Comfortable Keene Valley restaurant, bar, liquor store, and small inn. American comfort menu — wings, fish and chips, Montreal brisket, steak au poivre, plus the locally famous Hungarian mushroom soup.
- Noon Mark Diner5.7 mi
A traditional diner experience, offering hearty meals for travelers and locals in the Adirondack Park.
Sip.
4- Adirondack Mountain Coffee Cafe5.5 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…
- Old Mountain Coffee Company5.7 mi
Great Coffee, Great Food, Great Baked Goods & Great People. Stop in to enjoy our house roasted coffee, browse our menu for a bite to eat or grab a delicious treat from our bakery. Order Online for pickup or stop in.
- Counter Space7.6 mi
A casual cafe in Elizabethtown serving coffee, espresso, and light bites — a local gathering spot in the Essex County seat.
- Life Church Cafe7.6 mi
Life Church Elizabethtown is a local church dedicated to connecting lives and building community.
Sweet.
4- Black Rooster Maple2.7 mi
Pure Adirondack Maple Syrup, Maple Cream, Bourbon Barrel Maple Syrup
- Cedar Run Bakery & Market3.1 mi
Cedar Run Bakery & Market offers scratch-made baked goods, deli items, fresh menu options, and take & bake meals, alongside a selection of wine and spirits. They are open Friday through Monday from 8 AM to 6 PM.
- Sugar House Creamery5.8 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.
- Whitebrook Dairy Bar10.2 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.
Drink.
4- R.F. McDougall's Pub9.0 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.
- Lake Placid Pub & Brewery12.4 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.
- Top of the Park12.6 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…
- The Knock ADK14.9 mi
The Knock ADK is a restaurant and bar in Westport, NY, offering a plant-based dinner menu alongside classic and craft cocktails. They provide dinner reservations on non-show nights and welcome walk-ins on show nights.
Stay.
4- The Mountain House0.9 mi
Your private escape in the lush Adirondack mountains. Situated above the town of Keene Valley, the large Mountain House property boasts three beautifully appointed, rustic guest houses with updated amenities. Book for family vacations, c…
- Dartbrook Lodge2.5 mi
A small lodge on Route 9N in Keene offering individually furnished cottages and suites in the Great Camp tradition, many with kitchens and private porches. The High Peaks trailheads start a few miles up the road.
- Adirondack Trail Inn4.3 mi
A twelve-room inn and lodge on five acres in Upper Jay, offering complimentary breakfast, evening bonfires, and close access to High Peaks trails and Whiteface Mountain.
- Warner's Camp4.7 mi
Warner's Camp offers boutique vacation rentals, including historic riverside cabins in the Adirondack High Peaks near Lake Placid and a waterfront property on Lake Champlain in Vermont, featuring amenities like saunas and hot tubs.
See.
4- Hurricane Mountain Fire Tower2.1 mi
Perched atop Hurricane Mountain, this historic fire tower provides hikers with unparalleled 360-degree views of the Adirondacks, Lake Champlain, and Vermont's Green Mountains.
- Keene Arts2.8 mi
Keene Arts is a venue in Keene, NY, hosting diverse events including art exhibits, concerts, film screenings, and a winter farmers market.
- Upper Jay Art Center and Recovery Lounge5.6 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.
- Adirondack History Museum7.7 mi
The Adirondack History Museum in Elizabethtown tells the story of Essex County and the Adirondacks — pioneer life, mining, tourism, and mountain heritage.
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Frequently asked.
- How long is the Gulf Brook Trail?The Gulf Brook Trail is approximately 1.03 miles (1.7 kilometers) — a short out-and-back suitable for most fitness levels.
- How long does it take to hike the Gulf Brook Trail?Most hikers complete the Gulf Brook Trail in about 35 minutes at a steady pace with roughly 147 feet of elevation gain. Allow extra time for rest stops, photos, weather, and trail conditions.
- How difficult is the Gulf Brook Trail?Based on its length and elevation gain, the Gulf Brook Trail is an easy hike (147 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.
- Who maintains the Gulf Brook Trail?The Gulf Brook Trail is operated or maintained by NYSDEC (part of the lwn network).