Van Hoevenberg Trail.
Marked by blue disks and maintained by the NYSDEC, this extensive footpath traverses more than eighteen kilometers through the High Peaks region, offering one of the longer single-trail experiences in the Adirondack backcountry. The route is reported to present varied terrain and often demanding ascents that reward those prepared for a sustained wilderness journey.
- 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 ~5,276 ft · live closures appear above
- NYSDECOperator
- lwnNetwork
DEC advisories on this trail.
Read the line before you walk it.
What the trailhead is doing today.
Where the hike begins.
What the route itself carries.
Summits reached, waters touched, and the lean-tos along the way — read it like a cue sheet, mile posts ascending.
- MI 0.0Mount Jo2,877 ft0.51 mi off
- MI 1.5Whales Tail Mountain2,930 ft0.30 mi off
- MI 2.1Marcy Dam Pondon the trail
- MI 3.7Phelps Mountain4,161 ft · 46er No. 32290 ft off
- MI 4.1T R Mountain3,822 ft1090 ft off
- MI 4.6Table Top Mountain4,304 ft0.55 mi off
- MI 4.9Tabletop Mountain4,427 ft · 46er No. 19900 ft off
- MI 6.2Little Marcy4,718 ft1140 ft off
- MI 7.1Mount Marcy5,344 ft · 46er No. 1on the trail
- MI 7.1Schofield Cobble4,970 ft1110 ft off
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.
Lake Placid.
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- Salt of the Earth Bistro6.2 mi
A small reservation-required bistro on Sentinel Road in Lake Placid, serving twisted takes on traditional dishes including a signature peanut stew. Parties of six or fewer.
- Lisa G's6.6 mi
Creative American fare with global twists in a welcoming space with vivid murals & waterside patio.
- Mr. Mike's Pizza6.8 mi
Mr. Mikes Pizza & Italian Kitchen 518-523-9770 Leave a Review Sale Quick View Pizza Rimini Peeled tomato, cheese, mushrooms, red onion, cherry tomato, black olives, rocket $25.00 Original price was: $25.00.$15.00Current price is: $15.00. A…
- The Cabin Grill7.2 mi
The on-site restaurant and bar at The Grand Adirondack, a Tribute Portfolio hotel on Main Street in Lake Placid, with Great Room lobby dining, fireplace seating, and a relaxed bar register.
Sip.
4- Origin Coffee7.0 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.
- The Coffee Bar7.3 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.
- Simply Gourmet8.0 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…
- Old Mountain Coffee Company8.7 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.
Sweet.
4- Adirondack Corner Store5.8 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.
- Ben & Jerry's6.7 mi
The Ben & Jerry's scoop shop on Lake Placid's Main Street above Mirror Lake — the Vermont brand's pints and cones in the heart of the village.
- Emma's Lake Placid Creamery6.7 mi
A 1950s-themed creamery in the heart of walkable Lake Placid, famous for its Maple Creme soft serve alongside 16 hard flavors, gelato, sorbet, and old-fashioned malts. The reliable apres-hike treat.
- Cedar Run Bakery & Market9.8 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.
Drink.
4- Lake Placid Pub & Brewery7.0 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 Park7.6 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…
- Ray Brook Brewhouse9.8 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.
- RiverTrail Beerworks13.0 mi
RiverTrail Beerworks is Saranac Lake’s only riverfront brewpub, located on the Saranac Lake River Walk and Rail Trail. It features a heated patio, firepits, two golf simulators, and serves lunch and dinner daily with house-brewed beers and…
Stay.
4- Adirondack Loj0.2 mi
Adirondak Loj is a lodging and camping facility operated by the Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK) in Lake Placid, New York. It serves as a hub for outdoor programs and access to the High Peaks region, offering accommodations and information f…
- Van Hoevenberg Cabins4.1 mi
Eight pet-friendly cabins on Cascade Road outside Lake Placid, each named for a High Peaks summit, with kitchenettes and queen, king, or twin configurations. Year-round operation.
- Cascade Inn and Restaurant4.2 mi
A roadside motel and restaurant on Cascade Road between Lake Placid and Keene, with Whiteface views, Italian classics, and ski-out cross-country access from the door.
- TMax-n-Topo's Hostel4.2 mi
A budget hostel on Cascade Road outside Lake Placid with shared bunkrooms, private motel-style rooms, and a seasonal pop-up camper. Full kitchen, communal dining, fire pit, outdoor deck.
See.
4- Cliffside Coaster3.1 mi
The Cliffside Coaster in Lake Placid, NY, is the longest coaster in North America. It follows the path of Olympic history at Mt Van Hoevenberg.
- Lake Placid Bobsled Experience3.2 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.
- John Brown Farm State Historic Site4.6 mi
Simple, furnished farmhouse home & grave of abolitionist John Brown, set in parkland with trails.
- Olympic Ski Jump Tower5.0 mi
Experience the thrill of Olympic ski jumping history and world-class training at this iconic Lake Placid venue, offering stunning Adirondack vistas from its towering structures.
Add to the record.
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Frequently asked.
- How long is the Van Hoevenberg Trail?The Van Hoevenberg Trail is approximately 7.66 miles (12.3 kilometers) — a typical day-hike length.
- How long does it take to hike the Van Hoevenberg Trail?Most hikers complete the Van Hoevenberg Trail in about 5 hours 30 minutes at a steady pace with roughly 3,411 feet of elevation gain. Allow extra time for rest stops, photos, weather, and trail conditions.
- How difficult is the Van Hoevenberg Trail?Based on its length and elevation gain, the Van Hoevenberg Trail is a demanding hike (3,411 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 Van Hoevenberg Trail?The Van Hoevenberg Trail is operated or maintained by NYSDEC (part of the lwn network).
- What peaks does the Van Hoevenberg Trail reach?The Van Hoevenberg Trail reaches 9 named summits — see the trail page for the specific peaks and the order they are climbed.
- Which specific peaks does Van Hoevenberg Trail reach?Van Hoevenberg Trail reaches 9 peaks: Mount Marcy, Phelps Mountain, Tabletop Mountain, T R Mountain, Schofield Cobble and 4 others.