The Cobble Hill Trail (West) at Adirondack Park in Lake Placid, New York is a moderate 1.5-mile out-and-back hike that leads to the top of Cobble Hill and features stunning views of the surrounding Adirondack Mountains.
Alternative route: This route is the most-popular way to hike up to the top of Cobble Hill; however, if you wish to experience a more secluded (and albeit longer hike) to the top, you can follow our Cobble Hill Trail guide which leads hikers in from the east instead with a trailhead located on NY-86.
Trail names: Cobble Hill Trail
Location: 424 Mirror Lake Drive, Lake Placid NY
Permitted uses: Hiking
Prohibited uses: There are no posted prohibited uses.
Hours: There are no posted hours at the trailhead.
Fees and Parking: There is no fee to use the trail. There is no parking area. Most visitors park alongside the road. Although the Northwood School is right next to the trailhead, parking is not allowed there. Hikers are encouraged to park in a public parking area closer to town, and walk from the parking area to the trailhead.
Pets: Dogs are allowed on the trail and need to be on a leash. Please take all dog waste with you when you hike. Do not leave waste on the trail.
Accessibility: This is not a wheelchair accessible trail.
Hiker amenities: There is no information Kiosk at the trailhead, No restrooms and no trash bins.
Length and Trail information: This hike is an out and back hike, is approximately 1.5 miles and is moderate to hard. There is an elevation gain of about 470 feet. The hike starts off on a sturdy, newly installed 250 foot boardwalk that brings hikers over a wetland area, leading to a densely wooded trail. The trail is blazed by blue markers and the pathway substrate through the woods is made up of packed crushed stones. There are very few trip hazards at the start of the trail but that changes once you reach the intersection of the Cobble Hill trail and Whitney Road. This section of Whitney Road is unmarked and is possibly an abandoned Class 6 road. After that intersection, the trail becomes more difficult and begins to ascend. The footing can be tricky with roots and rocks and the trail can often be crowded. There are an estimated 10,000 visitors to this trail each year, so plan on sharing the trail with other hikers of varying abilities and ages. Earlier in 2024, the trail was closed and trail workers rerouted the trail, worked on the substrate and installed stone steps. The steps have made Cobble Hill Trail more accessible as there are no longer any rock scrambles to navigate. That being said, there are still some very steep sections where caution is needed. The views from the summit are worth the effort, if you can see through the throng of hikers that are likely to be with you at the top. During our hike, we counted no less than 30 people at the summit, all taking pictures of the area around Lake Placid. All in all it's a quick hike with nice views, albeit very popular and crowded.
Private property: Please note that portions of this trail lead through private property that's kind enough to grant the public access to reach the top of Cobble Hill. As things can change in life, please ensure that this trail is still open to the public before hiking. If you wish to follow a 100% public land hike to reach the top, check out our Cobble Hill Trail guide with a trailhead along NY-86.
