RetreatADK sits two blocks from Main Street in Lake Placid — and Lake Placid is the front door to the Adirondack High Peaks, 46 mountains over 4,000 feet that draw hikers from all over the world. Whether you’re chasing your first summit or working through the “46er” list, here’s what to know before you lace up.
Where the Trailheads Are
Most High Peaks trailheads sit within a 15–20 minute drive of the village. The Adirondak Loj / Heart Lake trailhead (South Meadow Road, off Route 73) is the busiest and most popular access point, with trails to Algonquin, Wright, Marcy, and the Macomb Range. The Garden trailhead in Keene Valley gives access to the Great Range, including Big Slide and Rooster Comb. Roadside trailheads on Route 73 between Keene and Lake Placid lead to Cascade and Porter, the two most accessible High Peaks for beginners.
Parking fills fast, especially on summer and fall weekends. New York State now requires reservations at some of the busiest trailheads, including the Adirondak Loj / Heart Lake area, during peak season — check current requirements before you drive out.
Start Small: Mt. Van Hoevenberg
If you want High Peaks-style views without a High Peaks-length day, Mt. Van Hoevenberg is the easiest win and it’s practically in RetreatADK’s backyard. The West Trail, from South Meadow Road, is 2.2 miles one way (4.4 miles round trip). The East Trail, from the Olympic Sports Complex, is 1.8 miles one way (3.6 miles round trip) and takes roughly 30–40 minutes to the summit — one of the newer, more sustainably built trails in the region. At 2,940 feet, the summit delivers panoramic High Peaks views for a fraction of the effort of a true 46er hike, making it a good warm-up or a solid choice for families and first-timers.
Know Before You Go
The High Peaks Information Center at ADK’s Heart Lake Program Center, right next to the Van Hoevenberg trailhead, is a great first stop for trip planning help, current trail conditions, and gear advice. Weather changes fast above treeline — pack layers even in summer, and turn around if conditions turn, since the High Peaks see real alpine weather. Much of the fragile alpine vegetation above treeline exists nowhere else in New York, so stay on marked trails and rock surfaces once you’re above the treeline. Cell service is unreliable on most trails, so tell someone your plan and expected return time before you head out.
Base Camp in the Village
After a day on the trail, RetreatADK puts you two blocks from Main Street’s restaurants and coffee shops — no need to drive back out for dinner. Each of our units has a fully equipped kitchen if you’d rather refuel and relax, plus self check-in with a keypad so a long trail day never means rushing back for a front-desk deadline. Ready to make Lake Placid your High Peaks basecamp? Email stay@retreatadk.com to check availability.