West Mountain Trail.
The West Mountain Trail climbs 1.6 miles to reach its namesake summit, a modest peak that sees steady traffic from hikers looking for a manageable ascent. The route gains elevation steadily through mixed forest before opening to views near the top. Expect a round-trip commitment of roughly two to three hours depending on pace and conditions.
- Peak foliage window — color starts up high and works down the valleys through mid-October.
Seasonal pattern for this trail · tops out ~2,867 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.
Raquette 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- Tony Harper's Pizza & Clam Shack3.9 mi
Tony Harper's Pizza & Clam Shack is a family restaurant and bar with four Adirondack locations, offering homemade pizza, wings, and seafood. Guests can enjoy sports on high-def TVs, a full bar, and live music.
- Seventh Lake House8.2 mi
Rustic space with a lake view preps classic & contemporary American dishes from seasonal goods.
- Tony Harpers Pizza and Clam Shack8.6 mi
Tony Harper's Pizza & Clam Shack offers family-friendly dining with pizza, wings, and seafood across four Adirondack locations: year-round in Old Forge and Lowville, and seasonal spots in Inlet and Raquette Lake. The Raquette Lake location…
- The Tavern8.6 mi
Located at 5520 state route 28 in Eagle Bay, NY.
Sip.
4- Tamarack Cafe8.6 mi
Tamarack Cafe in downtown Inlet serves a wide variety of breakfast and lunch options, from traditional favorites and specialty bowls to creative salads, sandwiches, and burgers. The cafe also features an 18-hole mini-golf course.
- Blue Line Coffee House8.6 mi
Blue Line Coffee House offers Adirondack-inspired apparel, handcrafted mugs, and mountain-themed gifts, along with pre-packaged coffee and coffee accessories. Products are available for nationwide shipping, and local customers can order dr…
- Schoolhouse Grounds Coffee Shop12.7 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 Cafe15.6 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.
Sweet.
4- Northern Lights Creamery Inc.8.7 mi
An Inlet institution for 40-plus years, a short walk from Arrowhead Park on Fourth Lake — soft serve, homemade gelato, floats, flurries, and specialty sundaes.
- Custard’s Last Stand15.6 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 Park15.6 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.
- Benny’s Ice Cream17.1 mi
A family-run, locally loved scoop shop on Old Forge's Main Street — hand-scooped hard flavors and soft serve.
Drink.
4- Daiker's11.8 mi
Daikers is an Adirondack pitstop in Old Forge, NY, offering seasonal and local dining with a deck overlooking Fourth Lake. Their caring and committed staff ensure a fantastic experience for guests.
- Hex and Hop Tasting Room - Blue Mountain Lake12.7 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.
- Brookside Hops & Hoagies15.7 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.
- Slickers Adirondack Tavern17.1 mi
Slickers Adirondack Tavern, established in 1984, offers a classic tavern experience with a focus on quality ingredients. They are well-known for their signature French Dip Sandwich.
Stay.
4- Brightside on Raquette Lake1.6 mi
Brightside on Raquette Lake offers an all-inclusive experience combining historic charm with modern comforts. It also serves as a venue for company retreats, fostering creativity and team building in the Adirondacks.
- Tioga Point Campground - Lean-To - Site #22.5 mi
Tioga Point Campground is a primitive campground located in Raquette Lake, NY with 15 lean-tos and 10 tent sites.
- Tioga Point Campground - Lean-To - Site #42.6 mi
Tioga Point Campground is a primitive campground located in Raquette Lake, NY with 15 lean-tos and 10 tent sites.
- Tioga Point Campground - Lean-To - Site #152.6 mi
Tioga Point Campground is a primitive campground located in Raquette Lake, NY with 15 lean-tos and 10 tent sites.
See.
4- Raquette Lake Navigation Cruise2.8 mi
Raquette Lake Navigation Company offers dining, sightseeing, and special event cruises on Raquette Lake in New York. This family-owned and operated business has been providing scenic experiences aboard the W.W. Durant since 1991.
- Camp Pine Knot3.5 mi
William West Durant's 1877 compound on Raquette Lake — the camp that invented the Adirondack Great Camp style. Now SUNY Cortland's Huntington Memorial Camp, an outdoor-education center with occasional public programs.
- Great Camp Sagamore6.4 mi
Great Camp Sagamore is a historic Adirondack Great Camp offering multi-day programs, overnight stays, and daily activities focused on history, arts, outdoor recreation, and wellness.
- BLUE MOUNTAIN CENTER10.2 mi
Blue Mountain Center is a working community of writers, artists, and activists set in the heart of the Adirondacks, the largest state park in the continental U.S.
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Frequently asked.
- How long is the West Mountain Trail?The West Mountain Trail is approximately 1.64 miles (2.6 kilometers) — a short out-and-back suitable for most fitness levels.
- How long does it take to hike the West Mountain Trail?Most hikers complete the West Mountain Trail in about 1 hour 15 minutes at a steady pace with roughly 1,050 feet of elevation gain. Allow extra time for rest stops, photos, weather, and trail conditions.
- How difficult is the West Mountain Trail?Based on its length and elevation gain, the West Mountain Trail is a demanding hike (1,050 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.