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.
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. Its considerable length makes it best suited to experienced hikers seeking a full day's immersion in the mountains, though the trail's character and difficulty are said to shift considerably along its course.
A demanding traverse through some of the High Peaks' most dramatic terrain, this fifteen-kilometer route threads the narrow defile between Wallface Mountain and the MacIntyre Range. Red disks mark the way from the Adirondack Loj trailhead to the junction with the Preston Ponds Trail near the pass itself, where yellow disks take over for the descent to Upper Works. The trail is known less for summit-bagging than for the pass's towering cliffs and the sense of remoteness that settles over hikers moving through what remains one of the region's wilder corridors.
A substantial backcountry route under NYSDEC management, this trail runs nearly fifteen kilometers through remote terrain, serving as a key artery in the region's trail network. Yellow disk markers guide hikers to the East River and Allen Mountain junction, where the blazes shift to red for the continuation toward Flowed Lands. The length and remoteness make it a commitment suited to experienced hikers comfortable with extended wilderness travel.
Maintained by the NYSDEC and marked by yellow disk blazes, this substantial route extends approximately 12.8 kilometers through Adirondack terrain. The trail is reported to offer varied topography and, in places, expansive views characteristic of the region's high-country wilderness. Though the approach demands sustained effort over considerable distance, the path itself remains well-defined for those seeking a longer day in the mountains.
A roughly twelve-and-a-half-kilometer trail maintained by the NYSDEC, this route threads through a notable corridor of the High Peaks region, linking a series of backcountry waypoints that include the Calamity and Crossover junction, Flowed Lands, and Colden Dam. Navigation follows an unusual sequence of blazes—red disks to the first junction, blue through the middle section to Flowed Lands, then red again for the final approach to the dam. The shifting colors mark transitions in the landscape and administrative boundaries, though the trail itself is reported to follow Calamity Brook for much of its length.
Extending roughly 12.6 kilometers through state forest land, this blue-disk-marked trail offers passage into a quieter corner of the Adirondack backcountry. The route, maintained by the NYSDEC, is reported to reach Bradley Pond itself, though the terrain and conditions can vary considerably with season. Hikers seeking a longer day or an overnight destination often find the trail suitable for both purposes, provided they are prepared for the distance and the character of the woods.
Stretching nearly twelve kilometers through the high peaks region, this blue-blazed route offers a substantial day's undertaking for hikers prepared to negotiate varied terrain and considerable elevation. The trail, maintained by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, is reported to traverse mixed forest and open slopes before reaching its namesake summit. Those who complete the full distance will find the effort rewarded by expansive views that, on clear days, are said to encompass much of the surrounding wilderness.
The Cooper Kiln Pond Trail runs 3.0 miles through the southern Adirondacks, likely named for historic charcoal kilns once common in the region's iron-making era. The route is moderate in length for a half-day out-and-back to the pond itself. Like many Adirondack pond trails, expect a mix of forest walking and potentially wet sections depending on season and recent weather.
A red-blazed route of approximately 7.5 kilometers, this trail threads through varied terrain within the Lake Wilmington Network and is maintained by the state Department of Environmental Conservation. The circular red markers provide steady orientation as the path winds through forest and occasional openings, offering hikers a moderately sustained outing in a quieter corner of the northern Adirondacks. The trail is reported to connect several points of interest within the network, though conditions and accessibility can vary with season and recent weather.
Winding through varied terrain for just over seven kilometers, this red-disk-marked route leads into a quiet corner of the Adirondacks where a chain of ponds offers respite from more heavily traveled destinations. The trail, maintained by the state's Department of Environmental Conservation, is reported to traverse mixed forest and wetland edges before reaching the namesake waters. Those willing to commit to the round-trip distance will find what many describe as a rewarding sense of remoteness, the kind that has become increasingly rare in the more accessible portions of the park.
Marked by blue disks and extending just over seven kilometers, this NYSDEC-maintained trail leads into a secluded corner of the Adirondacks where the Wallface Ponds lie cradled in forested terrain. The route is reported to offer a measured ascent through mixed woodland before reaching the ponds themselves, which are said to provide a tranquil setting removed from the more heavily trafficked corridors of the High Peaks. Those willing to cover the distance will find, at trail's end, waters that reward the effort with their quietude and relative isolation.
Mr. Van Ski Trail is a short, 1.7-mile route designed for cross-country skiing in winter and accessible for hiking or mountain biking in warmer months. The trail typically offers a relatively gentle grade suitable for novice to intermediate skiers, though conditions vary with snow depth and grooming schedules. Check locally for current trail status, as many ski trails in the Adirondacks are maintained seasonally by clubs or volunteer groups.
A principal route to the summit of New York's highest peak, this trail extends approximately 6.6 kilometers through the High Peaks Wilderness under the stewardship of the NYSDEC. The path employs a two-color marking system: red disks guide hikers to Uphill Brook Lean-to, where the blazes shift to yellow for the final ascent to Marcy's summit. Though heavily traveled during the summer months, the route demands careful attention to conditions and navigation, particularly above treeline where weather is known to change rapidly.
A rugged and unmarked route of just over six kilometers, this trail demands confident navigation and self-reliance from those who venture onto its slopes in pursuit of Allen Mountain. Managed by the NYSDEC but lacking any official blazes or signage, the path is often considered one of the more demanding approaches in the High Peaks, where careful map work and wilderness judgment matter as much as physical stamina. The experience, for those prepared to meet it, is reported to offer an encounter with the Adirondacks in something closer to their original character.
A wide, gently graded path into the High Peaks Wilderness, this former truck road now serves hikers and ski tourers bound for the backcountry. The trail runs just under six kilometers from Adirondack Loj, tracing what was once a vehicle route built to service the dam, and terminates at the site where Marcy Dam stood until its removal. The broad, well-worn corridor remains one of the most traveled approaches to the interior peaks, offering an accessible entry into the High Peaks region for day visitors and through-hikers alike.
The Jackrabbit Trail is a 1.3-mile segment of the historic Jackrabbit Trail network, a cross-country ski trail system linking communities across the Adirondacks. Originally designed for Nordic skiing, many sections see year-round use by hikers and mountain bikers when snow cover is absent. This relatively short stretch makes it suitable for quick outings or as a connector between longer routes in the network.
Carving a path through one of the High Peaks' most dramatic corridors, this yellow-blazed route extends nearly six kilometers between Adirondack Loj and Lake Colden, threading between the sheer walls of Mount Colden and Avalanche Mountain. The trail is known for its striking passage along Avalanche Lake, where wooden walkways cling to cliffsides above cold water, and for the massive talus fields that testify to centuries of rockfall. Maintained by the state, the route forms a critical link in the network of backcountry trails connecting the region's most remote waters and highest summits. Though relatively short, the terrain demands attention—the footing is often rough, and conditions can shift quickly in the narrow pass.
Swastika Road is a 3.4-mile route in the Adirondacks, named long before the symbol's 20th-century associations—reflecting the word's Sanskrit origins meaning well-being, common in early American place names. The road likely dates to the region's logging or early recreational development era, when such names appeared on maps without controversy. Today it exists as a historical artifact on the landscape, a reminder of how place names carry layered meanings across time.
A red-blazed trail under NYSDEC management, this route extends just over five kilometers through terrain that offers a quieter alternative to the region's more heavily trafficked paths. The trail is reported to provide access to Whiteface Landing, though the character of the approach—whether forested corridor, lakeshore traverse, or mixed terrain—varies with the season and recent maintenance. Hikers seeking a moderate distance walk in relative solitude often find the route well-suited to contemplative passage through the northern forest.
A path of roughly five kilometers maintained by the NYSDEC, this trail threads through the Lake Placid Watershed Network and is marked by red circular blazes. The route is reported to offer access to Connery Pond and surrounding forest, the sort of quiet water and mixed woodland that characterizes much of the northern Adirondacks. Hikers often find the terrain gentle and the setting conducive to contemplative walking, though conditions naturally vary with season and weather.
S86 is a 2.2-mile trail in the Adirondacks, short enough for a quick outing but lacking detailed public documentation about its route or character. The alphanumeric designation suggests it may be part of a numbered trail system, though specifics on terrain, difficulty, or connections remain unclear from available records. Check locally for current conditions and access points before heading out.
Winding through remote country for just under five kilometers, this abandoned route receives no maintenance and offers an untamed passage for experienced hikers willing to navigate overgrown or indistinct tread. Yellow disks are reported to mark the way, though their presence and visibility cannot be assured on a trail long removed from any official care. The path crosses Cold Brook Pass in terrain that demands self-reliance, map work, and a comfort with uncertainty.
A moderate woodland route of roughly 4.7 kilometers, this blue-disk-blazed trail leads through quiet Adirondack terrain to its namesake backcountry lake. Maintained by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the path offers a measured immersion into the region's forested interior, where the rewards are solitude and the subtle pleasures of a landscape little changed by human passage. The trail is reported to provide access to primitive camping opportunities near the lake's shores, though hikers should verify current regulations before planning an overnight stay.
A rugged unmarked route of approximately 4.65 kilometers, this path demands careful navigation and rewards those who possess the skill with quiet passage through varied terrain. The absence of formal blazes or signage makes the journey suitable only for experienced hikers comfortable with map and compass work in the Adirondack backcountry. What the trail may lack in infrastructure it offers in solitude, providing an immersion into wilderness that marked routes seldom afford.
Dann Road runs 1.3 miles through the Adirondack Park, likely following an old seasonal or historic roadbed that's now managed as a trail corridor. Without verified difficulty ratings or trailhead data, it's best approached as a moderate walk suitable for hiking boots, though conditions can vary depending on maintenance and season. Check locally for current access points and surface conditions before heading out.
The Old Northville-Placid Trail runs 1.8 miles as a historic connector segment, part of the longer 133-mile route linking Northville to Lake Placid. The trail sees light maintenance—mostly used by through-hikers completing the full NPT or as a day access into adjacent backcountry.
Climbing through mixed hardwood and conifer forest in the northern Adirondacks, this state-managed trail ascends McKenzie Mountain along a route marked by red disk blazes. The path, maintained by the NYSDEC as part of the region's trail network, extends roughly four kilometers from trailhead to summit and is reported to offer views across the Saranac Lakes region. Though less traveled than some neighboring peaks, the trail presents a moderate challenge through terrain that shifts from gentle grades in the lower reaches to steeper pitches as elevation increases.
The Wadsworth Trail runs 2.5 miles through the Adirondacks, a manageable distance for a half-day outing. Without verified details on its exact routing or trailhead location, it appears to be a moderate-length path suitable for hikers looking for something beyond a short walk but shy of a full day commitment. Check locally for current conditions and access points before heading out.
A beloved destination for those seeking an approachable Adirondack experience, the Mount Jo Trails provide a rewarding excursion maintained by the Adirondack Mountain Club. This network offers nearly four kilometers of varied terrain leading to a modest summit from which hikers are often afforded panoramic vistas across Heart Lake and the surrounding High Peaks. The trails are reported to feature both a short, steep route and a longer, more gradual ascent, making the mountain accessible to families and experienced hikers alike.
Ve Tr is a short route covering just under a mile through the Adirondacks. At 0.9 miles, it's brief enough for a quick out-and-back or a leg-stretcher before or after a longer outing. The abbreviated name suggests it may be a connector or spur within a larger trail network, though specifics aren't widely documented.
Santanoni Road is a 1.8-mile access route in the western High Peaks, running from the Upper Works trailhead toward Santanoni Peak and the surrounding wilderness. The road follows gentle, wide terrain suitable for most hikers and serves as the starting segment for longer backcountry trips into the Santanoni Range. It's one of the shorter approach roads in the region, offering relatively quick access to higher elevation trail networks.
Ladies 5K is a 1.4-mile route, short enough for a quick outing but named to suggest its place within a larger network of cross-country ski or mountain bike trails. The distance makes it suitable for an easy warm-up or a family-friendly loop. Without verified trailhead details, check local trail maps for current access points and seasonal use.
Opalescent Road is a short 1.4-mile route that likely serves as an access corridor in the High Peaks backcountry. The name suggests a connection to the Opalescent River drainage, which feeds into Flowed Lands southwest of Mount Marcy. Given its modest length, it may function as a linking trail or approach rather than a destination hike in its own right.
World Cup Trails is a short 0.9-mile route that likely references cross-country ski racing infrastructure, though the name may also apply to mountain bike or trail running courses depending on the season and local use. Without GPS data or network affiliation, it's difficult to confirm the exact location or surface type. If you're headed here, verify current conditions and access with the local ski area or trail association.
Old Rail Road Bed follows a historic 1.9-mile rail corridor, now converted to foot traffic. The grade is characteristically gentle, reflecting its origins as a working transportation route. Expect a relatively straightforward walk on what was once engineered for consistent, level passage through the terrain.
A demanding ascent within the local trail network, this route extends just over three kilometers and is marked by yellow round blazes. The path is known for its steep pitches and exposed rock, which often challenge even experienced hikers. From its heights, expansive vistas of the surrounding Adirondack landscape are reported to unfold, providing a rewarding perspective on the region's forested ridges and distant peaks.
This 1.9-mile approach trail serves as a connector route, likely linking lower elevations to higher terrain or a main trail network. The name suggests it follows beneath a cliff band or steep section, keeping to more protected ground. Expect moderate grades and a utilitarian character—more about getting somewhere than the walk itself.
Loop Trail offers a short 1.8-mile circuit through the Adirondacks, manageable for most hikers as a quick morning or afternoon outing. Without additional context about its location or network, it's difficult to specify terrain or connections, but the distance suggests a walk you can complete in under two hours at a moderate pace. Check local trail maps for current conditions and trailhead access.
The Potato Field Loop covers 1.8 miles through terrain whose name suggests old agricultural clearings, though the origins of the trail's designation aren't widely documented. At under two miles, it's a short circuit suitable for a quick outing or trail running. Check locally for current conditions and whether the loop is typically hiked in a preferred direction.
Three Trails is a short 0.6-mile route in the Adirondack Park, brief enough for a quick outing or leg-stretcher between longer hikes. The name suggests multiple paths converging or branching, though specific junction details aren't documented here. At just over half a mile, it's walkable in under 30 minutes for most hikers.
Cinderella Story runs 1.1 miles through terrain typical of the region's network trails. The name suggests a managed route, likely part of a Nordic or mountain bike system, though specifics on surface and difficulty aren't documented here. At under two miles, it's a quick out-and-back or connector worth pairing with longer options nearby.
Winding through a quiet corner of the Adirondack backcountry, this unmarked route follows Herbert Brook for roughly 2.7 kilometers, demanding attentive navigation and a degree of self-reliance from those who walk it. The trail's lack of blazes or signage sets it apart from the region's more maintained paths, rewarding careful map work with solitude and the intimate sound of moving water. It remains a modest undertaking in distance, though the absence of markers can make even a short walk feel consequential.
A short but essential link in the High Peaks Wilderness, this 2.6-kilometer connector bridges the Calamity Brook drainage and the Indian Pass corridor, marked throughout by blue disks. Maintained by the NYSDEC, the trail is reported to offer straightforward passage through terrain that serves primarily functional rather than scenic purposes, though the surrounding wilderness character remains intact. For those planning extended circuits or through-hikes in the western High Peaks, the route provides a logical and well-established crossover between two of the region's more storied approaches.
A remote and unmarked route through the High Peaks Wilderness, this 2.47-kilometer approach is often considered one of the more navigationally demanding trails in the Adirondacks. Without blazes or maintained markers of any kind, the path requires careful attention to terrain features and, conditions permitting, the faint tread left by previous hikers. The trail serves primarily those completing the forty-six peaks, leading as it does to one of the range's most isolated summits, though the route itself—threading through dense forest and occasionally boggy ground—rewards patience more than it offers scenic vistas.
A modest path threading 2.3 kilometers through the backcountry, this route is reported to run without blazes or formal markers, demanding attentive navigation and a degree of self-reliance from those who follow it. The absence of signage lends the walk a quieter, less regulated character than more heavily traveled corridors in the region. Those comfortable reading terrain and keeping their bearings will find it a serviceable if unassuming link in the broader trail network.
Loop One is a short 0.6-mile circuit suitable for a quick walk or family outing. The brief distance makes it accessible for most fitness levels and easy to fit into a morning or afternoon. Expect minimal elevation change and a loop format that returns you to your starting point without retracing your steps.
The SOA Whiteface Landing Trail runs 1.4 miles through the northern Adirondacks, likely part of the State of the Arts (SOA) trail network near Whiteface Mountain. The moderate length makes it accessible for a quick outing, though specific terrain and elevation details remain less documented than more heavily trafficked routes in the region. Check locally for current trailhead access and conditions before heading out.
A connector within the High Peaks backcountry, this route spans roughly 2.2 kilometers under state management and is marked by red disks along its length. The trail is understood to link key approaches to Mount Colden itself, threading through terrain that ranges from forested valley floor to the steeper ground below the summit ridges. Though short in measured distance, the route serves as an essential segment for those attempting the peak from the south, and conditions along its length—particularly where it crosses drainage channels or exposed bedrock—can vary considerably with season and weather.
The D and H Road is a short 1.4-mile route that takes its name from the Delaware and Hudson Railway, which once ran freight lines through the Adirondacks. This former rail corridor now serves as a relatively flat, accessible path suitable for hiking or mountain biking. Expect a wide, even surface characteristic of converted rail beds, making it manageable for most fitness levels.
A direct but unmarked route through the forest, this path is reported to offer expedited access toward the Santanoni peaks for those willing to navigate without blazes. The trail's modest length—just over two kilometers—concentrates the approach, making it a swift if demanding passage for experienced hikers comfortable with map and compass work. Its lack of markers suggests a more self-reliant wilderness experience, one that rewards careful attention to terrain and topography.
The Interloopen Trail covers a mile through the park, short enough for a quick outing or a connector between longer routes. At 1.6 kilometers, it's a brief walk by Adirondack standards—manageable before lunch or as an add-on to a longer day. Check local trail maps for current access points and connections to nearby networks.
Bear Cub Loop is a 1.3-mile trail suitable for families and newer hikers looking for a short forest walk. The distance makes it manageable for younger legs without requiring a significant time commitment. Check locally for current trailhead access and whether the loop connects to any longer trail networks in the area.
An unmarked route through dense forest, this two-kilometer approach to Mount Redfield's summit is said to demand careful navigation and a tolerance for rugged, trailless terrain. The ascent rewards those who persist with what many report to be commanding views across the High Peaks wilderness, though conditions and visibility naturally vary. Without blazes or markers to guide the way, the route calls for map-and-compass skills and a measured confidence in one's ability to read the landscape.
A manageable ascent marked by red disk blazes, this trail offers just over two kilometers of steady climbing to what is reported to be a rewarding summit perspective. Maintained by the NYSDEC, the route provides a concise introduction to Adirondack peak-bagging, the kind of outing that delivers an elevated vantage without demanding a full day's commitment. The trail's brevity makes it well-suited to those testing their legs or seeking a morning summit before afternoon pursuits elsewhere in the region.
Loop Two is a short 0.8-mile circuit suitable for a quick leg-stretcher or warm-up. The modest distance makes it accessible for most fitness levels and manageable in under half an hour at an easy pace. Expect well-defined trail conditions typical of designated loop routes in the region.
East Mountain Loop is a short 0.9-mile circuit that offers a quick loop experience without committing to a long day. The modest distance makes it accessible for families or as a warm-up hike, though terrain and elevation gain remain unspecified in available records. Expect the loop to take under an hour at a moderate pace.
A blue-disk-marked route maintained by the state, the Lake Colden Trail spans just under two kilometers through what is often considered one of the more scenic corridors of the High Peaks Wilderness. The path serves as a connector in the network of trails radiating from the lake itself, which sits in a glacially carved basin beneath the slopes of Algonquin and the MacIntyre Range. Though short, the trail is reported to traverse terrain that shifts from mixed hardwood to the boreal character typical of the higher elevations, and its relative brevity belies its importance as a link in longer through-hikes deeper into the backcountry.
This 1.2-mile trail leads to an overlook point, though specific network affiliation and trailhead location aren't documented in available records. At just under 2 kilometers, it's a short enough walk for a quick outing, likely manageable in under an hour for most hikers. Check locally for current conditions and access details before heading out.
A short loop of just under two kilometers, this yellow-marked trail traverses varied woodland terrain under state management. The route is reported to offer quiet passage through forest that invites contemplation, though the landscape's character shifts as the trail progresses. Modest in length and undemanding in profile, the circuit serves walkers seeking a brief immersion in the woods without committing to a longer expedition.
Fujacks Road is a short 1.2-mile route that likely serves as a connector or access road within the broader Adirondack trail network. At just under 2 kilometers, it's brief enough for a quick out-and-back or as part of a longer loop. The "Road" designation suggests a wider, possibly vehicle-accessible or former logging route rather than singletrack trail.
