2,251 named trails across 6,238 miles of mapped centerlines — every state-managed corridor and community-mapped path in the Adirondack Park, cross- referenced with trailheads, lean-tos, parking, and the peaks they climb. Use the map to get your bearings, then narrow the list by region, operator, or what the trail reaches.
Stretching nearly three kilometers through the Seward Range, this unmarked route demands confident navigation and represents one of the more challenging approaches in the High Peaks region. The complete absence of blazes or signs requires hikers to rely on map, compass, and their own route-finding skills through terrain that is often steep and densely wooded. What the trail offers in solitude and wilderness character it extracts in physical effort, making it a undertaking best reserved for experienced parties prepared for serious backcountry travel.
A short but navigationally demanding route in the High Peaks Wilderness, this unmarked trail climbs roughly 2.3 kilometers through terrain that requires solid map-and-compass skills. The absence of blazes or maintained tread means hikers often rely on herd paths and their own route-finding ability, making the approach better suited to experienced backcountry travelers than to those new to off-trail navigation. What the trail lacks in infrastructure it offers in solitude, drawing those who prefer the challenge of finding their own way up a remote summit.
This 0.1-mile path in the Adirondacks carries a colorful local nickname that suggests an irreverent streak among the community that knows it. The short distance indicates it's likely a quick connector, spur, or overlooked link rather than a destination hike. Trails with off-color names often mark minor features or inside jokes that predate official mapping efforts.
Shaker Road is a short half-mile route whose name hints at the region's 19th-century Shaker communities, though whether it served as an actual access road or simply follows that corridor isn't widely documented. At under a mile, it's brief enough for a quick leg-stretcher or connector between longer segments. Best suited for those exploring local footpaths rather than seeking extended mileage.
Shallow Lake Trail covers just under a mile through the Adirondack backcountry, making it a quick out-and-back or connector depending on the network. At 1.4 kilometers, it's short enough for an easy leg-stretcher or a brief detour if you're linking longer routes. Check local maps for trailhead access and any seasonal conditions that might affect the lake approach.
Shanty Brook path is a short 0.6-mile route in the Adirondacks, likely named for the brook it follows or crosses. At just over half a mile, it's brief enough for a quick leg-stretcher or connector between longer routes. Expect stream-side conditions and minimal elevation change given the length and name.
This short 0.6-mile path climbs to a clifftop overlook in the southern Adirondacks, offering views from a modest perch above the surrounding forest. The route is brief enough for a quick leg-stretcher but gains elevation quickly on the way up. Expect a well-worn footpath that's manageable in under an hour round-trip.
She Trail covers half a mile through terrain that keeps the route short and accessible. The brief distance makes it suitable for a quick outing or as a connector within a larger trail network. At 0.5 miles, expect to complete this in well under an hour at a moderate pace.
This short 0.8-mile route climbs Sheep Head Mountain, a modest summit in the southern Adirondacks that sees relatively light traffic compared to nearby High Peaks. The trail gains elevation quickly over rocky terrain, making it a brief but steep ascent despite the limited distance. Expect a round trip under two miles with views from the top that justify the effort.
Sheep Knoll is a nominal trail at just 0.1 km, likely a short spur or connector rather than a standalone destination. At this length, it's effectively a few minutes of walking—perhaps leading to a minor overlook, a historic site, or linking two segments of a larger trail network. Expect minimal elevation change and straightforward footing on what amounts to a brief detour.
Sheep Meadow runs 2.3 miles through terrain that takes its name from historical grazing use common across parts of the Adirondacks. Without additional network or trailhead information, specifics on difficulty and routing remain general, though the distance suggests a manageable out-and-back or short loop suitable for a few hours. Check locally for current conditions and access points before heading out.
This short but steep 0.8-mile trail climbs Shelving Rock Mountain in the Lake George Wild Forest, gaining roughly 500 feet to open ledges with views over the Narrows of Lake George. The route follows a direct line up the south face, rocky and exposed in sections, with some minor scrambling near the summit. Access is typically from Shelving Rock Road on the east shore, though the trailhead requires a drive on seasonal dirt roads.
Sheriff Lake Trail is a short 0.9-mile route that offers a quick woods walk to a small backcountry pond. The trail's modest distance makes it manageable for a morning or evening outing, particularly when longer routes feel like too much of a commitment. Expect a typical Adirondack forest corridor with the lake itself providing a quiet destination for fishing or a brief lakeside pause.
Shingle Mill Falls Road is a short 0.4-mile access route that likely serves as a connector or approach trail in the Adirondack network. At under half a mile, it's brief enough for a quick out-and-back or functions as part of a longer loop system. The name suggests historical logging activity in the area, though the current trail character and destination would depend on its specific location within the park.
This short 0.8-mile trail leads to Shingletree Pond, a small backcountry water body in the Adirondacks. The route is brief enough for a quick walk but long enough to feel removed from trailhead activity. Best suited for hikers looking for a modest destination without committing to a full day on their feet.
Shipmans Lane is a short 0.4-mile path in the Adirondacks, the kind of brief connector or access route that often links trailheads to parking areas or neighboring roads. At under half a mile, it's walkable in minutes rather than hours. Check local maps or trailhead kiosks to confirm what it connects to and whether it's maintained for public use.
Shore Acres Trail is a very short 0.2-mile connector or spur, likely serving as access to a shoreline viewpoint or linking to a larger trail network. At this length, it's an out-and-back walk of just a few minutes, probably suitable for all ages and abilities. Check local signage for whether it's part of a longer loop or simply a quick detour to the water's edge.
A brief connector within the larger trail system managed by the NYSDEC, this route spans just under a mile and a half and is marked by yellow circular blazes. The trail appears to function primarily as a linking passage, allowing hikers to shorten their route or access adjacent trails without committing to longer loops. Though modest in length, it threads through terrain characteristic of the region's working forest landscape, offering a practical if unspectacular passage for those navigating the broader network.
This 0.1-mile connector links two points in the trail network, likely serving as a shortcut or access route between nearby paths. Its brevity makes it more of a transition than a destination. Check local trail maps to confirm which routes it joins.
This extremely brief connector — just a tenth of a mile — does exactly what its name suggests, cutting between other trails to reach the Ledges in one of the region's trail networks. It's the kind of minimal spur that appears on detailed maps but barely registers as a "hike" in its own right. Useful if you're already on adjacent trails and want the quickest route to the viewpoint.
Short Job Trail runs 0.3 miles — a connector between trailheads, not a destination. Used mainly to link longer routes or access a parking area.
Short Out appears in trail records but lacks documented length or route detail. Without verified information about its location, difficulty, or connections to other trails, it's best confirmed with local land managers or recent trip reports before planning a visit. The name may indicate a short connector or alternate route within a larger trail network.
Short Stuff Snowshoe Trail covers a tenth of a mile, making it one of the briefest named routes in the park. The distance suggests a quick loop or connector designed for beginners or young snowshoers learning to navigate winter terrain. Expect minimal elevation change and a route that can be completed in minutes rather than hours.
The Short Swing Trail runs 5.5 miles through the region, offering a moderate day hike suitable for hikers looking for more than a quick loop but less than a full-day commitment. The name suggests it may be part of a larger trail network or loop system, though its specific routing and connections would depend on the trailhead you access. At this distance, expect to budget three to four hours round-trip at a comfortable pace.
Shortcut Back is a connector or alternate route whose exact distance hasn't been formally recorded, suggesting it may be a brief spur, social path, or seasonal variation used by locals to link longer segments. Without verified length data, it's likely a minor feature in a larger trail network rather than a standalone destination. Check current trail maps or signage at nearby junctions for its current status and condition.
Shortcut Road is a brief 0.8-mile connector that does exactly what its name suggests—cutting distance between two points in the trail network. At just over a kilometer, it's the sort of utilitarian link that matters more for routing than destination. Expect a straightforward walk that's more about getting from here to there than any particular scenery along the way.
The Shortway Trail runs 1.7 miles through the Adirondacks, a moderate length suitable for a quick morning outing or an after-work leg-stretcher. The name suggests it may serve as a connector or alternate route within a larger trail network, though specific junctions aren't documented here. Expect typical Adirondack forest terrain—mixed hardwoods, occasional roots and rocks, and the kind of quiet that makes you notice your own footsteps.
The Shortway Trail covers half a mile through the Adirondacks, marked by yellow blazes. At under a kilometer, it likely serves as a connector or alternative route within a larger trail network, though its specific endpoints aren't documented here. The yellow blazing suggests it's part of a color-coded system where multiple routes share terrain or link key junctions.
Show Stopper runs just under half a mile through terrain whose character the name hints at but doesn't specify. At 0.4 miles, it's brief enough to walk in under twenty minutes at a relaxed pace, suggesting either a short connector, a spur to a viewpoint, or a standalone feature trail. The lack of available network or difficulty data means hikers should inquire locally about conditions and what makes this segment worth the stop.
This 0.1-mile snowshoe route is among the shortest named trails in the Adirondacks, likely designed as an accessible introduction to snowshoeing or a connector between facilities. The brevity suggests a loop near a winter recreation area or a short link between parking and a longer trail network. Best suited for first-timers or those looking to add minimal distance to a winter outing.
Side Door Trail is a 0.1-mile connector in the Adirondack network—essentially a brief spur or junction link rather than a destination trail. At roughly 500 feet, it's the sort of segment that appears on maps to bridge two larger routes or provide access to a trailhead. Expect minimal elevation change and a quick passage through forest or between parking and main trail.
Side Hill Trail covers just over half a mile through terrain that lives up to its name. The short distance makes it a useful connector or quick out-and-back, though the sidehill grade can demand attention depending on conditions. At 0.7 miles, it's brief enough to combine with other routes in the area.
Side Pot is a short connector spanning less than a mile, likely linking two longer routes or providing access within a trail network. At 0.8 miles, it's brief enough to factor into a longer loop or used as a quick linking segment. The name suggests it may branch off a main corridor, typical of secondary trails that help hikers customize their routes.
Side Trail is a connector or spur route with no recorded length in the database, likely a short link between larger trails or a path to a specific feature. Without distance data, it's difficult to gauge commitment level, but side trails in the Adirondacks typically serve as access points to viewpoints, water sources, or alternate routes. Check local trail maps or trailhead kiosks for current routing and conditions.
Sidewinder is a half-mile connector trail in the Adirondacks, short enough to link larger routes or serve as a quick out-and-back. The name suggests some curves or switchbacks, though specifics about elevation change and surface conditions vary by season. At 0.8 kilometers, it's typically a 10-15 minute walk under normal conditions.
This ultra-short connector runs just a tenth of a mile, linking other trails in its network with yellow and blue blazes. At roughly 500 feet, it's more of a brief junction than a destination in itself. Useful primarily for through-hikers piecing together longer routes or quick route adjustments.
Silver Dawn Road is a short 0.7-mile route in the Adirondacks, brief enough for a quick out-and-back or connector between longer routes. The name suggests an old access road or former logging track, though current conditions and surface type may vary. At just over a kilometer, it's a minimal commitment—useful for linking trails or reaching a nearby trailhead.
This short 0.8-mile climb leads to the summit of Silver Lake Mountain, one of the more accessible fire tower hikes in the central Adirondacks. The trail gains elevation steadily through mixed hardwoods before emerging at the tower, which offers 360-degree views when open. Expect a round trip under two hours, making it a good option for families or a quick morning outing.
Silver Trail East covers just under a mile of terrain in the Adirondacks, a short route suitable for a quick out-and-back or connector segment. At 0.9 miles, it's brief enough for an evening walk or as part of a longer loop if other trails intersect nearby. Check local maps for trailhead access and current conditions before heading out.
This short connector runs less than a mile through the western section of its network, linking other trails in the system. At 0.8 miles one-way, it's brief enough to serve as a quick leg between longer routes or an easy out-and-back for a half-hour walk. The name suggests it may be marked with silver blazes, though you'll want to confirm signage and current conditions before heading out.
The Silvi Trail is a short blue-marked path within the Paul Smith's Visitor Interpretive Center network, covering just two-tenths of a mile. At this length, it serves as a brief connector or interpretive loop rather than a destination hike. Check the VIC trail map at the trailhead for current conditions and how it links to the center's longer routes.
A tenth of a mile walk to a waterfall just off Route 73 in Keene Valley, Sinclair Falls Trail is more of a short access path than a hike. The falls themselves drop beside the highway between Chapel Pond and St. Huberts, visible from the road but worth the brief detour for a closer look. Expect a few minutes out and back.
The Sinkhole Trail (Yellow) is a short connector barely a tenth of a mile long, the kind of spur that links you quickly to a nearby feature or junction without much vertical. Trails this brief typically serve a utility purpose—accessing a viewpoint, a geological curiosity, or bridging two longer routes. Expect less than five minutes of walking, though the name suggests the destination is worth the detour.
Six Mile Creek Trail is a short 0.7-mile path likely following or accessing the drainage of Six Mile Creek. At just over a kilometer, it's a quick out-and-back or connector rather than a destination hike in its own right. Expect modest elevation change and a walk that takes under an hour for most hikers.
Skate Start is a very short connector at 0.2 miles, likely serving as an access or linking segment within a larger trail network. The name suggests it may lead to or from a skating venue or serve winter recreation users. At this length, it's a brief transition rather than a destination in itself.
The Ski Bowl Connector Trail runs 1.2 miles through the Olympic Regional Development Authority trail network in Lake Placid, linking the historic ski bowl area with other cross-country and mountain bike routes. The path serves as a utilitarian link for skiers and bikers moving between trailheads rather than a destination in itself. Best consulted on an ORDA trail map to understand which loops it connects.
The Ski Bowl Loop is a short 0.8-mile circuit that makes for a quick leg-stretcher or an accessible introduction to trail hiking in the area. Its compact distance suggests a half-hour walk at a relaxed pace, suitable for families or those looking to fill an extra hour before moving on. Check locally for current conditions and trailhead access, as shorter loops sometimes share parking or starting points with longer networks.
Ski Trail is a short 0.7-mile route that likely serves winter use, though trail name and length alone don't confirm current conditions or maintenance level. Without verified trailhead or network information, confirming access and connectivity requires local inquiry or recent trip reports. Best treated as a connector or seasonal path rather than a destination trail.
A brief woodland route less than a kilometer in length, this trail offers an undemanding ramble through what appears to be mixed forest typical of the region. The path is said to provide a gentle introduction to the surrounding terrain, suitable for those seeking a short excursion or a modest addition to a longer day's exploration. Its accessibility and limited distance make it a practical choice when time or energy reserves are modest.
Skullbuster Hill lives up to its name despite covering just a tenth of a mile — a short, punchy climb that makes its vertical gain felt quickly. The brevity means it's often tackled as part of a longer route or used by locals as a quick fitness test. Expect a steep pitch that demands attention to footing, even if it's over before your legs fully register the complaint.
A short connector marked by red disks, this trail provides access to the Skylight area, where glacial forces are reported to have carved the surrounding terrain. Despite its modest three-quarter-kilometer length, the path is often noted for the quality of terrain it crosses on the approach to higher ground. Maintained by the NYSDEC, it serves as a direct link in the larger trail network of the region.
A brief 0.1-mile connector or access point, Sled Hill (6A) likely serves as a short link within a larger trail network—its designation suggests it's part of a numbered system. At this length, it's essentially a quick transition between features or trailheads rather than a standalone route. Check local trail maps to understand how it fits into the surrounding area.
A blue-blazed spur barely a tenth of a mile long, this connector branches from the main Sleeping Beauty trail to offer what is reported to be an alternate vantage or access point in the network. The route is short enough that most hikers treat it as an incidental detour rather than a destination in itself. Though modest in length, it extends the options for those already committed to the ascent of Sleeping Beauty Mountain.
A moderate ascent of roughly three kilometers marked by blue discs, this trail climbs to a rocky summit that is reported to offer sweeping views over the southern Lake George basin and the eastern High Peaks. The route gains elevation steadily through mixed forest, emerging onto open ledges where the panorama—when weather permits—extends across water and mountain alike. Though popular with families and day hikers, the trail retains a quiet character, its modest length rewarding walkers with a sense of accomplishment disproportionate to the effort required.
An unmarked path through the Adirondack backcountry, this route stretches roughly 2.6 kilometers and is said to follow Slide Brook through terrain that rewards careful navigation. The complete absence of blazes or formal markers makes it a choice for experienced hikers comfortable with map and compass work rather than those seeking a maintained corridor. What the trail may lack in infrastructure it is reported to offer in solitude, threading through forest that sees relatively light traffic even during the busier months of the hiking season.
Slip-N-Slide Trail covers just under half a kilometer, making it one of the shorter marked routes you'll find in the Park. The orange blazes guide hikers through a brief segment that can be walked in under fifteen minutes at a casual pace. Its brevity makes it suitable as a connector or a quick leg-stretcher for families with young children.
Slush Pond Road runs 3.1 miles through the Adirondack backcountry, likely a former logging or access road now used for hiking and possibly snowmobiling in winter. The relatively flat grade and modest distance make it accessible for most users looking for an easy walk without technical demands. Check local conditions before heading out, as seasonal use and maintenance levels can vary significantly on these multi-use corridors.
Slush Road is a short connector of just over half a mile, likely serving as a link between trailheads or other routes in its network. At this length, it's brief enough to walk in under twenty minutes at a moderate pace. The name suggests a seasonal or maintenance road that may see soft conditions during thaw or wet periods.
Smith Road is a short 0.7-mile route that likely serves as a connector or access road within the trail network. At just over a kilometer, it's brief enough for a quick out-and-back or a segment of a longer loop. Check local maps for current conditions and connections to neighboring trails.
Smith Road runs 3.7 miles through the Adirondack Park, likely following an old access or logging corridor now open to hikers and potentially other recreational users. Without a published difficulty rating, expect typical unpaved road conditions—relatively even footing but possible seasonal mud or washouts. Check locally for current access points and whether the route connects to other trails or simply offers a quiet walk through forested terrain.