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Heart Lake Loop Trail

The Heart Lake Loop Trail at Adirondack Park near North Elba, New York is an easy 1.1-mile loop trail that encompasses Heart Lake and features views of some of the mountains within the High Peaks Wilderness like Wright Peak and Algonquin Peak. During the winter, this lake is usually frozen over, allowing hikers to snowshoe across - giving views of Mount Jo as well.

This GPS track begins at the ADK Loj and heads north along the purple blazes, passing the Mount Jo Trail, and Roger's Lookout as it meanders its way around the lake. From the start of the trail, hikers get a nice view from the Heart Lake beach of Nye Mountain and Street Mountain directly across the lake. This trail should be considered easy, but it does get a bit rocky in some areas. Eventually the trail will pass the Indian Pass Trail before circling Heart Lake to the south to reach the Old Marcy Dam Trail in the southeast corner. Last, the trail heads north to loop back to the ADK Loj where this trail ends.

Parking
Hikers will find parking at the coordinates provided at the main lots for the High Peaks Wilderness at the end of Adirondack Loj Road near North Elba, NY. The parking lots are large enough to fit many dozens of vehicles. There is a day-use and overnight parking fee for ~7/half-day, ~$15/full-day for non-members. Please check with the ADK for more information.

Pets
Dogs are allowed if leashed and their waste must be carried out by the hiker.

Camping
There are paid-for lean-to's located along Heart Lake, just off of this trail, that backpackers and campers can rent out from the ADK with reservations. Please check out the ADK website for more information.
Explore 35 trails near North Elba, NY

Know Before You Go

  • The Heart Lake Loop Trail is an easy 1.1-mile loop in Adirondack Park, offering views of mountains and the lake, with potential for snowshoeing in winter.
  • The trail starts at the ADK Loj and includes various points of interest like the Heart Lake beach, Mount Jo views (in winter), and connections to other trails like Indian Pass and Old Marcy Dam.
  • Parking is available at the High Peaks Wilderness lots (fees apply), and dogs are allowed on leash (waste must be carried out); paid lean-to camping is available nearby with reservations through the ADK.
Interactive topographic map for Heart Lake Loop Trail located in North Elba, NY. Click the "View Map" button to load GPS coordinates and trail markers.
Get directions
Distance
1.1 mi
Difficulty
Easy
Type
Loop
Est. Time
33 min
Elev. Gain
75'
Rating
0.0
Added
March 05, 2022
Updated
April 27, 2022

Weather Forecast

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Total Change
60'
Ascent
75'
Descent
75'
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Features

Vista / Lookout Point
Dogs
Camping

Points of interest

  1. Parking

    44.18307, -73.963799
  2. Main Trailhead

    44.182589, -73.966312

Safety information

For your own safety: plan ahead, let someone know where you'll be, and hike at your own risk.

Markers

Blaze Color

Purple

Availability

All seasons

Surface type

Dirt

Trip Reports (Reviews)

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0.4 miles / 0.6 km
January 30, 2022
Snowshoed out to the middle of Heart Lake while it was totally frozen over at the end of January 2022 near sunset. Got some nice photos of Mount Jo and Nye Mountain.
Hiking Snowshoeing
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