Vanderwhacker Trail.
7 miles through the Vanderwhacker Mountain Wild Forest in the central Adirondacks. This moderate hike follows an old route toward Vanderwhacker Mountain, gaining elevation gradually through mixed forest typical of the region's mid-elevation terrain. The trail serves primarily as access for those headed to the fire tower summit or exploring the more remote corners of this designated Wild Forest area.
- Half-day hikeA few hours round trip
- Peak foliage window — color starts up high and works down the valleys through mid-October.
Seasonal pattern for this trail · tops out ~3,356 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.
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 Pub12.4 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.
- becks TAVERN13.8 mi
A tavern on Peaceful Valley Road in North Creek serving German-inspired dishes alongside burgers, wings, and bar standards. The Yurts out back are the conversation piece.
- DeCesare's Pizzeria14.7 mi
DeCesare's Pizzeria in Schroon Lake offers a menu of pizza, Italian dishes, and salads. They provide online ordering for both carryout and delivery.
- Sticks & Stones Wood Fired Bistro & Bar14.9 mi
Sticks and Stones Wood fired Bistro and Bar, Menu, Events, Catering, Location, Adirondack style private parties.
Sip.
4- 9 Mile Coffee Co15.1 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 Crepes15.1 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.
- Schoolhouse Grounds Coffee Shop18.7 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 Cafe19.4 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.
— 15.1 mi to the nearest pour to this spot; pack a thermos.
Sweet.
4- The Hungry Crow Market & Café13.2 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.
- Stone Bridge Ice Cream15.7 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.
- Custard’s Last Stand19.0 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 Park19.0 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.
Drink.
4- Indian Lake Restaurant, Tavern and Liquor Store12.3 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…
- The Brown Swan and Tavern14.9 mi
The Brown Swan and Tavern in Schroon Lake, NY, offers Adirondacks-inspired cuisine with locally sourced ingredients in a family-friendly setting.
- Flanagan's Pub & Grill15.1 mi
Long-standing, log cabin–style haunt offering traditional pub grub, draft beer & cocktails.
- Black Bear Restaurant & Bar15.7 mi
Black Bear Restaurant & Bar is an American eatery in Pottersville, NY, offering comfort food, sandwiches, and breakfast. Known for its welcoming atmosphere, quick service, and popular dishes like meatloaf and gravy fries.
Stay.
4- The Pilot's House7.0 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.
- North River Hobby Farm Cabin and Glamping Rentals9.6 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…
- Twin Coves on Indian Lake12.3 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…
- Thornbush Acres RV Park12.9 mi
A private RV park on Big Brook Road in Indian Lake with 46 large pull-through sites, full hookups, 30/50 amp service, free Wi-Fi, bathhouse, dump station, and a campstore. Mid-May through mid-October.
See.
4- Newcomb Ski Slope8.1 mi
2 slope municipal ski slope free to the public.
- Camp Santanoni9.7 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.
- Revolution Rail Co. - Thurman Station12.7 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.
- North Creek Depot Museum12.7 mi
Saved from demolition, this 1872 landmark station is now a museum, heritage center, and cultural hub in historic North Creek, featuring a fabulous diorama and exhibits on the Adirondack Railroad, Theodore Roosevelt, and local history.
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Frequently asked.
- How long is the Vanderwhacker Trail?The Vanderwhacker Trail is approximately 2.66 miles (4.3 kilometers) — a short out-and-back suitable for most fitness levels.
- How long does it take to hike the Vanderwhacker Trail?Most hikers complete the Vanderwhacker Trail in about 2 hours 15 minutes at a steady pace with roughly 1,657 feet of elevation gain. Allow extra time for rest stops, photos, weather, and trail conditions.
- How difficult is the Vanderwhacker Trail?Based on its length and elevation gain, the Vanderwhacker Trail is a demanding hike (1,657 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.