How long is the Lake Arnold Trail?

The Lake Arnold Trail is approximately 2.92 miles (4.7 kilometers) — a short out-and-back suitable for most fitness levels.

How long does it take to hike the Lake Arnold Trail?

Most hikers complete the Lake Arnold Trail in about 2 hours 15 minutes at a steady pace with roughly 1,350 feet of elevation gain. Allow extra time for rest stops, photos, weather, and trail conditions.

How difficult is the Lake Arnold Trail?

Based on its length and elevation gain, the Lake Arnold Trail is a moderate hike (1,350 ft of climbing over the route) — steady climbing that rewards a reasonable base of fitness. This is an estimate from route data, not an official trail rating — check current DEC advisories before heading out.

Who maintains the Lake Arnold Trail?

The Lake Arnold Trail is operated or maintained by NYSDEC (part of the lwn network).

Lake Arnold Trail · 2.9 mi — Adirondack Hiking Trail

Lake Arnold Trail

A moderate woodland route of roughly 4.7 kilometers, this blue-disk-blazed trail leads through quiet Adirondack terrain to its namesake backcountry lake. Maintained by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the path offers a measured immersion into the region's forested interior, where the rewards are solitude and the subtle pleasures of a landscape little changed by human passage. The trail is reported to provide access to primitive camping opportunities near the lake's shores, though hikers should verify current regulations before planning an overnight stay.

§ Overview

Lake Arnold Trail runs 2.9 miles (4.7 km) with about 1,350 feet of elevation gain — a moderate hike, with a moderate, steady climb, about 2 h 15 min on the trail. NYSDEC maintains the route.

Length

2.9 mi

Elevation gain

1,350 ft

Difficulty · est.

Moderate

Book time

2 h 8 m

§ Before you go

NYSDECOperator
lwnNetwork

From OpenStreetMap. Surface + access tags vary by trail.

36 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.

01Marcy Dam Parking Lot4.2 mi

Directions →

02Upper Works Trail Parking6.1 mi

Directions →

03East River Trail Parking6.3 mi

Directions →

04Cascade Mountain Parking6.8 mi

Directions →

05Cascade Mountain Parking6.9 mi

Directions →

06Cascade Mountain Parking6.9 mi

Directions →

07Cascade Mountain Parking7.0 mi

Directions →

08Cascade Lakes Picnic Parking7.5 mi

Directions →

+28 more on the map above

CautionHigh Peaks Region of the Adirondacks

The access trail to Feldspar Lean-to has a bridge with a broken stringer, over the Opalescent River.

The access trail to Feldspar Lean-to has a bridge with a broken stringer, over the Opalescent River. This bridge serves the Lean-to and Campsites and is access off the southern end of the Lake Arnold Trail. Please use caution if utilizing the bridge. DEC is starting the planning process to replace the bridge and will share updates as they are available.

Source: NYS DEC · last updated 18 hours ago

CautionHigh Peaks Region of the Adirondacks

The Lake Arnold Trail is open and passable, though you may need to be in water that is knee deep or greater.

The Lake Arnold Trail is open and passable, though you may need to be in water that is knee deep or greater. In the area of the Opalescent River crossing there is extensive flooding. There are several social trails in this area to try and avoid the deepest parts. Old sections of bog bridging are floating and not reliable. DEC is working on a plan to fix this in the coming years.

Source: NYS DEC · last updated 18 hours ago

NoticeHigh Peaks Region of the Adirondacks

The Lake Arnold Trail crossing of the Opalescent River (floating bog bridges)

Source: NYS DEC · last updated 18 hours ago

Lake Arnold Trail

36 parking areas

The access trail to Feldspar Lean-to has a bridge with a broken stringer, over the Opalescent River.

The Lake Arnold Trail is open and passable, though you may need to be in water that is knee deep or greater.

The Lake Arnold Trail crossing of the Opalescent River (floating bog bridges)

What you’ll find along the route

Nearest, each within 25 miles

Add to the record.

Hiked it?

Add a shot.

File a report.

Spot something off?

Van Hoevenberg Cabins

River Road Loj - Lake Placid log cabin rental

Keene Valley Lodge