Description

This family-friendly day hike brings two of the state's 46 High Peaks within reach.

Just a short drive from Lake Placid, this hike is perfect for the entire family and can typically be completed in less than three hours. Plenty of parking can be found along NY-73, though in the summer it can become quickly crowded.

To avoid a lengthy road walk, get an early start.

Follow the Cascade Mountain Trail to its namesake summit.

In less than 2.5 miles, it ascends an incredible 2,000 feet.

Rewarding your efforts is a bald, rocky summit with incredible 360-degree views of the surrounding range.

According to hikespeak.com, "Cascade Mountain is recognized as having one of the best summit views in the Adirondacks, with about two-thirds of the High Peaks, Lake Placid, and even Lake Champlain in sight on clear days." While one could opt to make the return trip to the parking lot, Porter Mountain makes an excellent addition to a Cascade Mountain hike.

It provides incredible views of its own and is lesser traveled.

From its perch, you can clearly see Whiteface Mountain to the north and the infamous Great Range to the south. Sources: https://www.lakeplacid.com/do/hiking/porter-mountain https://www.hikespeak.com/trails/cascade-mountain-porter-adirondack-mountains-ny/