Some of our Favorite Upstate New York Hiking Trails: Sleeping Beauty, Blue Mountain Fire Tower, and Cascade Mountain
Let’s take a hike! The United States is full of awesome hiking trails and New York State is no exception. Below, we will take a look at three of our favorite New York hiking locations: Sleeping Beauty, Blue Mountain Fire Tower, and Cascade Mountain.
Sleeping Beauty hiking trail:
In the Adirondack Mountains, located off Pine Brook Road in the town of Fort Ann, this trail is great for seasoned hikers or those looking for a more relaxed hike to take in the scenery.
The Sleeping Beauty trail is named after the iconic Sleeping Beauty Mountain, which is in the southern region of the Adirondacks. This is a 7-mile round trip hike, of moderate difficulty, that leads up to the summit of Sleeping Beauty Mountain. Your climb will be rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Must-See: From the summit you will have an amazing view of Lake George, the Adirondack High Peaks and the Green Mountains of Vermont. Along the way, you will find a beautiful waterfall that is worth stopping to see.
Post Hike: If you're looking for a post hike meal or libations, there are several options in the nearby town of Bolton Landing. Check out The Huddle Kitchen & Bar, which is a local favorite for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Blue Mountain Fire Tower:
This is a stunning hiking destination located in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains.
The Blue Mountain Fire Tower trail is a 4.6-mile round trip hike that leads up to the summit of Blue Mountain. Here you will find the historic fire tower, originally built in 1911 as part of New York States fire observation program.
Must-See: From the Fire Tower, you'll be able to see the High Peaks region of the Adirondacks, the Saranac Lakes, and even as far as the White Mountains of New Hampshire (on a clear day).
Post Hike: There are several options for your post hike activities in the nearby town of Blue Mountain Lake. The town has a variety of restaurants and cafes, including Chef Darrell’s Mountain Diner which serves lunch, dinner and breakfast all day!
Cascade Mountain:
If you're a nature lover looking for a memorable hiking experience on with a more difficult trek, Cascade Mountain is for you. Located in the Adirondack Mountains near Lake Placid, the Cascade Mountain hike is 4.8 miles round trip and is one of the “High Peaks” of the Adirondacks.
Must-See: At the summit you'll find a large open rock face that offers breathtaking views of the Adirondack Mountains and the Ausable River Valley. On a clear day, you can see for miles in every direction.
Take note – This trailhead can get crowded, especially on weekends and holidays. The earlier the better as it relates to parking and avoiding the crowds.
Post Hike: Lake Placid has plenty of great restaurants and watering holes. Check out the Lake Placid Pub & Brewery, and Smoke Signals.
Watch outs! All of these hikes may have steep and rocky sections of the trail so make sure you are wearing the correct footwear. We recommend waterproof as you may encounter muddy/slippery areas.
Black bears are known to roam the Adirondacks, so it's important to carry bear spray and know how to use it in case of an encounter. Bring bug spray – bring back memories, not bug bites! Ticks are common in the area, so be sure to check yourself for ticks after the hike.
The Sleeping Beauty, Blue Mountain Fire Tower, and Cascade Mountain are just a few of the many hiking trails available in the state and they are our favorite. Each of these hikes offers stunning views and unique challenges, from the panoramic vista at the top of Sleeping Beauty Mountain to the historic fire tower at the summit of Blue Mountain and the steep climb up rocky terrain on Cascade Mountain. Hike on!
