Jay Mountain Trail.
A six-kilometer trail climbs through forested slopes to the exposed ridgeline of Jay Mountain, where blue blazes give way to unmarked terrain and hikers must rely on their own route-finding. The ascent is reported to be steady rather than technical, though the final stretch along the ridge demands attention in poor visibility.
- Half-day hikeA few hours round trip
- Ice and snow linger above 3,000 ft — carry microspikes even when the trailhead is bare.
Seasonal pattern for this trail · tops out ~3,599 ft · live closures appear above
- NYSDECOperator
- lwnNetwork
Read the line before you walk it.
What the trailhead is doing today.
Where the hike begins.
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- Monday Tuesday Grill3.3 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.
- Forty Six5.5 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.
- The Hungry Trout6.9 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.
- Ausable Inn9.2 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.
Sip.
4- Adirondack Mountain Coffee Cafe3.0 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…
- Life Church Cafe9.3 mi
Life Church Elizabethtown is a local church dedicated to connecting lives and building community.
- Old Mountain Coffee Company9.4 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 Space9.4 mi
A casual cafe in Elizabethtown serving coffee, espresso, and light bites — a local gathering spot in the Essex County seat.
Sweet.
4- Sugar House Creamery3.2 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.
- Cedar Run Bakery & Market5.5 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.
- Black Rooster Maple5.5 mi
Pure Adirondack Maple Syrup, Maple Cream, Bourbon Barrel Maple Syrup
- Whitebrook Dairy Bar7.5 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 Pub6.9 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 & Brewery13.1 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.
- Top of the Park13.2 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 ADK16.1 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- Ice Jam Inn & Restaurant2.9 mi
Ice Jam Inn & Restaurant is a welcoming Adirondack inn and restaurant located minutes from Whiteface Mountain, offering ski-friendly lodging and après-ski dining.
- Warner's Camp3.0 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.
- Adirondack Trail Inn3.3 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.
- The Mountain House4.3 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- Upper Jay Art Center and Recovery Lounge3.1 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.
- Keene Arts5.5 mi
Keene Arts is a venue in Keene, NY, hosting diverse events including art exhibits, concerts, film screenings, and a winter farmers market.
- Hurricane Mountain Fire Tower5.6 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.
- High Falls Gorge8.0 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.
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Frequently asked.
- How long is the Jay Mountain Trail?The Jay Mountain Trail is approximately 3.89 miles (6.3 kilometers) — a typical day-hike length.
- How long does it take to hike the Jay Mountain Trail?Most hikers complete the Jay Mountain Trail in about 3 hours 15 minutes at a steady pace with roughly 2,514 feet of elevation gain. Allow extra time for rest stops, photos, weather, and trail conditions.
- How difficult is the Jay Mountain Trail?Based on its length and elevation gain, the Jay Mountain Trail is a demanding hike (2,514 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 Jay Mountain Trail?The Jay Mountain Trail is operated or maintained by NYSDEC (part of the lwn network).