Vanderwhacker Snowmobile Trail.
This 4.7-mile snowmobile route runs through the Vanderwhacker Mountain Wild Forest in the central Adirondacks, maintained for winter motorized use. The trail provides a straightforward corridor through mixed forest, typical of the region's designated snowmobile network. During snow season, it connects riders to the broader Hamilton County trail system.
- Half-day hikeA few hours round trip
- Good for snowshoeingNon-technical grade that carries a snowshoe track
- Peak foliage window — color starts up high and works down the valleys through mid-October.
Seasonal pattern for this trail · tops out ~1,781 ft · live closures appear above
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.
Indian Lake.
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- McSweeney's Irish Pub10.7 mi
An Irish-style pub on Route 30 in Indian Lake serving comfort-food classics (shepherd's pie, fish and chips) seven days a week, year-round. The dependable dinner spot in town.
- Chef Darrell’s Mountain Diner15.3 mi
Chef Darrell’s Mountain Diner: the best Diner in Indian Lake, NY. Order directly online today for takeout or delivery. Save money, support local business!
- Long Lake Diner & Owl’s Head Pub15.6 mi
Long Lake Diner & Owl's Head Pub has been proudly serving food, beverages, and memories since 2004.
- Northern Borne15.8 mi
Family-owned grocery and outdoor-supply store on Long Lake's Main Street, with organic, gluten-free, and vegan options plus a made-to-order deli counter. Camping and outdoor gear stocked alongside the grocery.
Sip.
4- Schoolhouse Grounds Coffee Shop15.6 mi
Seasonal coffee shop inside the 1895 schoolhouse that houses Blue Mountain Designs. Espresso, locally roasted coffee, loose-leaf tea, baked goods, avocado toast, sandwiches, and soups. May through October.
- Waypoint Cafe15.9 mi
Long Lake cafe at 1265 Main St. La Colombe coffee, homemade quiche, avocado toast, artisan sandwiches, salads, poke bowls, soups, and charcuterie. Closed Mondays; weeknight happy hour 4–6 p.m.
- 9 Mile Coffee Co18.5 mi
9 Mile Coffee Co. is a coffee shop in downtown Schroon Lake, NY, serving a variety of coffees, teas, smoothies, sandwiches, and soups. They also sell their custom coffee blends and gift cards online.
- Cupola Crepes18.5 mi
Family-run creperie at 1095 Main Street in Schroon Lake. Sweet and savory crepes (gluten-free batter available), scones, coffee, and soft serve. Wednesday through Sunday.
— 15.6 mi to the nearest pour to this spot; pack a thermos.
Sweet.
4- Custard’s Last Stand15.5 mi
Custard's Last Stand is a historic ice cream shop in Long Lake, established in 1958, serving a variety of soft frozen custard & hard ice cream, sundaes, specialty shakes, floats, and ice cream sodas. They also offer merchandise and gift cards.
- The Hungry Crow Market & Café15.5 mi
A downtown North Creek market and cafe serving soft serve alongside scratch-made desserts, next to Hudson River Trading Co. — the cone stop in the Gore and Upper Hudson area.
- The Park15.5 mi
Trying to find a fast food restaurant in Long Lake? Pay a visit to The Park. We offer a range of burgers, sides, ice cream, drinks and coffee options.
- Stone Bridge Ice Cream19.0 mi
Stone Bridge Ice Cream is a seasonal stand located 2.5 miles from the Natural Stone Bridge & Caves, offering over 40 flavors of soft serve, custom ice cream cakes, and signature sundaes. It features outdoor seating and a kids' swing set.
— 15.5 mi to the nearest scoop; save it for the ride home.
Drink.
4- Indian Lake Restaurant, Tavern and Liquor Store10.7 mi
Indian Lake Restaurant, Tavern and Liquor Store offers a full bar with an extensive bottle selection and local drafts, alongside a menu featuring appetizers, sandwiches, and entrees. The restaurant is currently closed for mud season and wi…
- Brookside Hops & Hoagies15.5 mi
Brookside Hops & Hoagies is a casual, family-friendly shop in Long Lake, founded in 2023, offering craft beers and hoagies made with fresh ingredients and Boars Head deli meats. It operates Wednesday through Sunday from 11 AM to 7 PM.
- Hex and Hop Tasting Room - Blue Mountain Lake15.6 mi
Hex and Hop is a craft brewery and meadery located in Bloomingdale, New York. They offer full-flavored, high-quality craft beer and mead, made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, emphasizing community and craft.
- The Brown Swan and Tavern18.3 mi
The Brown Swan and Tavern in Schroon Lake, NY, offers Adirondacks-inspired cuisine with locally sourced ingredients in a family-friendly setting.
Stay.
4- The Pilot's House4.7 mi
The Pilot's House sits above the Outfitter's storefront, with a wonderful view of Vanderwhacker Mt. and the Hudson River, and Santanoni Mt as a backdrop.
- Twin Coves on Indian Lake10.7 mi
Twin Coves offers nine fully equipped cottages on the shore of Indian Lake, surrounded by the Adirondack Mountains. Guests can enjoy swimming, fishing, water skiing, and various games, with nearby amenities like marinas, golf, and restaura…
- North River Hobby Farm Cabin and Glamping Rentals11.1 mi
Located in the southern Adirondacks, this vacation rental property offers cozy cabins and glamping tents set over 40 acres of wildflowers and woods. Each cabin features charming old-style detailing with bay windows, beadboard walls, and…
- Adirondack Trail Motel11.2 mi
The Adirondack Trail Motel is a welcoming year-round lodging option in Indian Lake, offering comfortable rooms with modern amenities and easy access to outdoor activities.
See.
4- Newcomb Ski Slope5.1 mi
2 slope municipal ski slope free to the public.
- Camp Santanoni7.8 mi
Built by the wealthy Pruyn family, Camp Santanoni is a publicly-owned National Historic Landmark, offering visitors a glimpse into the early Adirondack Great Camp era and opportunities for outdoor recreation.
- Blue Mountain Fire Observation Station14.0 mi
Blue Mountain offers a rewarding fire tower hike in the Central Adirondacks, featuring sweeping views and historical significance, with a world-class museum located at its base.
- Revolution Rail Co. - Thurman Station15.0 mi
A pedal-powered rail biking operation at Thurman Station on the Adirondack Railroad bed near North Creek, with family-friendly seasonal tours rolling alongside the Hudson River corridor through forest and open river-bank country.
Add to the record.
Free, takes thirty seconds. Yours forever.
Every page on this site gets better when readers contribute. Mark a peak you’ve climbed, drop a photo, file a field note, or flag a correction — every addition makes the next visitor’s page better.
File a report.
Trail conditions, water level, bug pressure, blowdown. The kind of detail that helps the next person plan.
Write a field note →Spot something off?
Wrong elevation, outdated access notes, a coordinate that's drifted. We'd rather hear it than miss it.
Suggest an edit →
Frequently asked.
- How long is the Vanderwhacker Snowmobile Trail?The Vanderwhacker Snowmobile Trail is approximately 4.72 miles (7.6 kilometers) — a typical day-hike length.
- How long does it take to hike the Vanderwhacker Snowmobile Trail?Most hikers complete the Vanderwhacker Snowmobile Trail in about 2 hours 30 minutes at a steady pace with roughly 307 feet of elevation gain. Allow extra time for rest stops, photos, weather, and trail conditions.
- How difficult is the Vanderwhacker Snowmobile Trail?Based on its length and elevation gain, the Vanderwhacker Snowmobile Trail is a moderate hike (307 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.