The Best High Peak in the Adirondacks for Beginners
I often find myself wondering, on the uphills of a hike, why I wanted to do this in the first place.
As I was climbing up the rocks to the summit of Cascade Mountain in the Adirondacks High Peak region, this thought crossed my mind more than once.
And then I reached the top and remembered why I came.
Nothing compares to the feeling of pushing through the final challenging stretch of an uphill climb to stand on top of a peak and admire the view. I have always loved being reminded by the world just how small I really am. So, when I decided to summit my first 46er in the Adirondacks, I was focused on this view and this moment rather than the physical challenge of reaching that point.
What is a 46er? The name refers to one of the 46 high peaks in Adirondack Park in Upstate New York. To join the 46er club, you must complete all 46 hikes. The idea of hiking all of these peaks is daunting, but I figured the best thing to do was start small. This is why I chose Cascade Mountain as my first high peak, and I highly recommend it as a place to start this exciting physical and mental journey.
Cascade Mountain offers a fantastic reward for moderate effort because the 7.2 kilometre out-and-back route requires only 581 metres of elevation gain to reach the summit. This is no easy hike, but it certainly is more manageable than some of the higher peaks in the region. For me, it felt like a great beginner option that would allow me to find my footing in the Adirondacks. I got the experience of climbing a high peak in under four hours and enjoyed scenic views from the highest point on the trail, overlooking the sprawling mountains and lush greenery below.
The trail is almost entirely a moderate uphill climb, with sections of dense forest and muddy trails, followed by rock fields as you approach the peak. Prepare yourself for cloudy conditions if it’s a rainy day. Even if it’s foggy, it doesn’t detract from the experience of making it to the top.
Cascade Mountain is ideal for a beginner hiker because of the volume of people you pass on the route. While this can be a negative for some, for a less experienced trekker, it can be comforting to know that you aren’t alone at any point on your journey.
For hikers who want to include their fur babies in the adventure, Cascade Mountain is great because it is dog-friendly and not too steep or technically difficult at any point. There is one section where you must climb a wooden staircase, and this is manageable for most dogs.
If you’re feeling confident and ambitious by the time you’re descending Cascade Mountain, you can get two peaks checked off your list for the effort of one by adding Porter Mountain to your itinerary. Porter branches off from the Cascade Mountain Trail and adds an additional 116 metres of elevation gain to your hike and an extra 1.8 kilometres.
How to Plan Your Trip in the Adirondack High Peaks
If Cascade Mountain sounds like the right trail for you to try when hiking your first high peak in the Adirondacks, here’s how to prepare for the adventure, where to stay and a few tips from my time on the trail.
What to Pack
While it’s a short day trip to the peak of Cascade Mountain and back to the trailhead, you will want to pack some essentials for the hike, such as sufficient amounts of water and snacks. Only attempt this hike with proper hiking shoes or boots; you’ll need good traction on the rocky sections of the trail.
Trekking poles may be useful to beginner hikers and experienced hikers alike, especially for the steep descent.
Be sure to dress in layers and bring something warmer to put on close to the summit, such as a toque and rain jacket. I did this hike in late June, and despite it being very warm at the trailhead, it was cold and windy at the summit.
When to Go
The best time to hike in the Adirondacks is from May to October, when weather conditions are mild and there is no snow on the ground. However, you can still do many of these hikes in winter weather conditions if you have the appropriate gear.
Safety on the Trail
Always ensure you sign in at the ledger at the trailhead before starting any hike in the Adirondacks. This asks you to indicate how many people are in your group, which trail you are hiking, and where you are from. When you complete the hike, sign out so park rangers know you are safe. This ensures that if something happens to you on the trail, help can find you.
Where to Stay
There are many choices for where to stay when hiking in the Adirondacks. If you have the budget for accommodation, staying in the nearby town of Lake Placid, which is approximately 25 minutes by car from the Cascade Mountain trailhead, is a treat. This charming New York town on Mirror Lake is full of shops, restaurants and photo galleries.
However, we chose to camp during our visit to the Adirondacks, and this is a great budget-friendly option that keeps you immersed in the beauty of the region for the duration of your stay. I highly recommend basing yourself at Fish Creek Pond or Rollins Pond campgrounds for easy access to Lake Placid, Saranac Lake and the Cascade Mountain trailhead. Most of the campsites are waterfront, which makes the experience even more relaxing and peaceful.
Happy hiking!
Whenever anyone asks me where to start in the Adirondacks I always recommend Cascade. What a beautiful elk hound.