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Pitchoff Mountain Trail

A challenging ridge traverse in the High Peaks region, this seven-kilometer route climbs Pitchoff Mountain along a path marked by red disks and is known for its dramatic views across to the neighboring peaks. The trail, maintained by the NYSDEC, threads through varied terrain that includes steep ledges, open summits, and forested sections between multiple viewpoints. Hikers report that the exposed ridgeline offers particularly striking panoramas of the Great Range and the surrounding wilderness, though the route demands careful attention on its rockier passages.

Length
4.4 mi
Operator
NYSDEC
Network
lwn
Difficulty
Not rated
Loading map…
Elevation profile
Max 3,491 ftMin 1,883 ftNet gain 2,025 ft
3,491 ft1,883 ft0 mi1.1 mi2.2 mi3.3 mi4.4 mi
CautionHigh Peaks

Several sections of the Pitchoff Mountain Trail, including the segment to "Balanced Rocks", are severely eroded.

Several sections of the Pitchoff Mountain Trail, including the segment to "Balanced Rocks", are severely eroded. These areas are challenging to navigate. Please use caution and turn back if it is too difficult for your party to safely cross.

Source: NYS DEC · last updated 16 hours ago

§ On this trail

What you’ll find along the route

Peak
Pitchoff Mountain
3,497 ft
Lake
Upper Cascade Lake
0.15 mi off
§ Listed trailheads nearby

Curated trailheads & parking near this route

Editorial trailhead listings within roughly 3 miles. Useful for permit info, parking capacity, and access-road conditions.

§ Closest essentials

Nearest, each within 25 miles

Coffee
Old Mountain Coffee Company
5.1 mi away
Restaurant
Forty Six
4.4 mi away
General store
East Branch Organics
4.1 mi away
Shelter
Mr. Van Lean-To
3.1 mi away
§ Nearby Points of Interest
Peaks (11)
Lakes & ponds (22)
Trails (24)
Shelters (2)
  • Wilderness Inn Restaurant Bar10.0 mi
  • Johns Brook Lodge5.3 mi
Lean-tos (118)
  • Lost Pond/Biesemeyer Lean-To8.0 mi
  • High Peaks Lean-To9.9 mi
  • Lake Placid Site 2 Lean-To8.0 mi
  • Howard Lean-to5.1 mi
  • Beaver Point #29.7 mi
  • Calamity Lean-to10.5 mi
  • Flowed Lands Lean-to10.6 mi
  • Herbert Brook Lean-to10.1 mi
Primitive campsites (218)
  • Barkeater Cliffs Campsite1.8 mi
  • Draper's Acres Campground2.1 mi
  • NYSDEC4.2 mi
  • NYSDEC4.3 mi
  • Unnamed campsite4.6 mi
  • Unnamed campsite4.6 mi
  • Unnamed campsite4.6 mi
  • Unnamed campsite4.6 mi
§ Nearby parking

301 parking areas· 1 accessible

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.

+293 more on the map above

§ The Field Notes

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§ Nearby vacation rentals

Closest cabins, camps & lakefront rentals

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