Makebelieve.
Makebelieve is a short 0.3-mile trail documented in the betatrails.org network. At just over half a kilometer, it's a quick out-and-back or connector suited to families or those looking for a brief woodland walk. The trail's brevity makes it accessible for most users without requiring significant time commitment.
Seasonal pattern for this trail · tops out ~1,066 ft · live closures appear above
- GroundSurface
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.
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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 Trout2.1 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 Grill3.9 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 Six8.1 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 Cottage at Mirror Lake Inn10.3 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 Cafe2.4 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…
- The Coffee Bar10.5 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 Coffee10.6 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.
- Simply Gourmet10.8 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…
Sweet.
4- Sugar House Creamery2.1 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 Bar2.4 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.
- Cedar Run Bakery & Market7.4 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 Maple7.9 mi
Pure Adirondack Maple Syrup, Maple Cream, Bourbon Barrel Maple Syrup
Drink.
4- R.F. McDougall's Pub2.1 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 Park10.4 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 & Brewery10.5 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.
- Ray Brook Brewhouse14.3 mi
Ray Brook Brewhouse is a unique brewery in Ray Brook, NY, offering wild and traditional brews paired with adventurous dishes made from local and exotic ingredients.
Stay.
4- Rudy's CHALET WHITEFACE B&B1.2 mi
Ten-room mountain chalet B&B in Wilmington, dog-friendly throughout. Continental breakfast, two lounges, outdoor fire pits, and Rudy's Scar Bar & Grille on site. Minutes from Whiteface Mountain.
- Whiteface Farm Bed and Breakfast1.8 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.
- Mountain Brook Lodge2.0 mi
Welcome to your home away from home! Mountain Brook Lodge offers a unique blend of comfort and convenience, ensuring your stay is memorable. We pride ourselves on offering a variety of amenities to make your stay as comfortable as…
- Cadence Lodge at Whiteface2.0 mi
Cadence Lodge in Wilmington, NY, offers an ideal base camp for outdoor adventurers. The property features recently updated guest rooms with amenities to enhance your stay, including a restaurant onsite, weekend breakfast options, and…
See.
4- Upper Jay Art Center and Recovery Lounge2.3 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.
- High Falls Gorge3.9 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.
- Summit Weather Observatory5.1 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…
- Keene Arts7.7 mi
Keene Arts is a venue in Keene, NY, hosting diverse events including art exhibits, concerts, film screenings, and a winter farmers market.
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Frequently asked.
- How long is the Makebelieve?The Makebelieve is approximately 0.35 miles (0.6 kilometers) — a short out-and-back suitable for most fitness levels.
- How long does it take to hike the Makebelieve?Most hikers complete the Makebelieve in about 10 minutes at a steady pace with roughly 42 feet of elevation gain. Allow extra time for rest stops, photos, weather, and trail conditions.
- How difficult is the Makebelieve?Based on its length and elevation gain, the Makebelieve is an easy hike (42 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.