Hopkins Direct Trail.
A direct ascent route maintained by the state, this trail offers just over a kilometer of steady climbing through the northern forest. The path is reported to provide an efficient connection to higher ground, favoring grade over switchbacks in its design. Though brief, the route delivers a focused woodland experience for those seeking a quick gain in elevation without extended mileage.
Seasonal pattern for this trail · tops out ~3,002 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.
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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- Noon Mark Diner1.6 mi
A traditional diner experience, offering hearty meals for travelers and locals in the Adirondack Park.
- Ausable Inn1.6 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.
- Forty Six4.1 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.
- The Deer's Head Inn Restaurant8.1 mi
The Deer's Head Inn is a historic Elizabethtown tavern and restaurant — among the oldest inns in the Adirondacks — serving pub fare and regional dishes.
Sip.
4- Old Mountain Coffee Company1.6 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 Space8.1 mi
A casual cafe in Elizabethtown serving coffee, espresso, and light bites — a local gathering spot in the Essex County seat.
- Pleasant Valley Cafe8.2 mi
A local cafe in Elizabethtown serving breakfast, lunch, coffee, and comfort food in the heart of the Boquet Valley.
- Life Church Cafe8.2 mi
Life Church Elizabethtown is a local church dedicated to connecting lives and building community.
Sweet.
4- Black Rooster Maple4.3 mi
Pure Adirondack Maple Syrup, Maple Cream, Bourbon Barrel Maple Syrup
- Cedar Run Bakery & Market4.8 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 Creamery10.2 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.
- Adirondack Corner Store11.6 mi
A longtime deli and general store at the corner of Route 73 in Lake Placid with an ice cream counter and subs — a locals' spot off the Main Street tourist row.
Drink.
4- R.F. McDougall's Pub12.6 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 & Brewery12.8 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 Park13.3 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 ADK15.1 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- Keene Valley Lodge1.6 mi
A seven-room lodge and three-bedroom cottage at the center of Keene Valley, with breakfast and direct walk access to the Great Range trailheads and village restaurants.
- Rooster Comb Inn1.6 mi
Rooster Comb Inn is a dog-friendly inn located in the heart of Keene Valley, NY, offering comfortable, rustic lodging within walking distance to Adirondack trailheads and local eateries. It features shared amenities like a full kitchen and…
- Dartbrook Lodge4.1 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.
- The Mountain House4.4 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…
See.
4- Hurricane Mountain Fire Tower3.7 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 Arts4.5 mi
Keene Arts is a venue in Keene, NY, hosting diverse events including art exhibits, concerts, film screenings, and a winter farmers market.
- Adirondack History Museum8.2 mi
The Adirondack History Museum in Elizabethtown tells the story of Essex County and the Adirondacks — pioneer life, mining, tourism, and mountain heritage.
- Lake Placid Bobsled Experience8.5 mi
Mt Van Hoevenberg, a Lake Placid Legacy Site, offers the thrilling Skeleton Experience for visitors and youth bobsled and skeleton programs, continuing its Olympic legacy as a venue for winter sports.
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Frequently asked.
- How long is the Hopkins Direct Trail?The Hopkins Direct Trail is approximately 0.79 miles (1.3 kilometers) — a short out-and-back suitable for most fitness levels.
- How long does it take to hike the Hopkins Direct Trail?Most hikers complete the Hopkins Direct Trail in about 55 minutes at a steady pace with roughly 974 feet of elevation gain. Allow extra time for rest stops, photos, weather, and trail conditions.
- How difficult is the Hopkins Direct Trail?Based on its length and elevation gain, the Hopkins Direct Trail is a demanding hike (974 ft of climbing over the route) — sustained climbing best suited to fit, experienced hikers. This is an estimate from route data, not an official trail rating — check current DEC advisories before heading out.
- Who maintains the Hopkins Direct Trail?The Hopkins Direct Trail is operated or maintained by NYSDEC (part of the lwn network).