Buck Mountain

This is a close, easy, and rewarding hike about 40 minutes away from Skidmore College. Buck is a moderate hike of three miles (one way) which overlooks all of Lake George from the summit. The trail is marked with yellow markers; make sure you do not take a right turn too early into the hike.

Directions: I 89 North to Exit 20, left off the ramp, right onto NY Rt. 149. Take NY Rt. 149 to Rt. 9L. Turn left on to Rt. 9L heading north. Take Rt. 9L for just shy of 5 miles and turn right at the sign for Kattskill Bay and Pilot Knob. The parking lot is 3.5 miles on the right hand side. There is a trail register at the trailhead.

Hadley Mountain

Hadley Mountain is another close hike. This mountain has a fire tower at the summit with a gorgeous view. The hike is a moderate 4 miles (round trip), with an elevation gain of 1600 feet.

Directions: Take Rt. 9N going north. When you reach the village of Lake Luzerne, turn left at first light onto East River Drive. Turn left onto Bridge Street. Turn right onto Stony Creek Rd (CR1).After 3 miles, turn left onto Hadley Hill Rd. Continue for 4 miles. Turn right onto Tower Rd (gravel road). The parking area is on the left after 1.5 miles.

High Peaks

Cascade Mountain

Cascade Mountain, about 2 hours north of Skidmore, is considered the easiest hike of the Adirondack High Peaks. The summit, however, is still very rugged feeling, providing a 360 degree view of the entire high peaks and lake placid region on a bald rocky peak. The hike is a steep 2.2 miles (one way) spanning nearly 2000 feet of vertical gain. The trail follows red markers.

Directions: Take I 89 to exit 30 (Keene Valley, Keene, Lake Placid). Take a left off the off ramp and follow Rt. 9 until you reach Rt. 73. Follow Rt. 73 for about 30 minutes through Keene Valley and Keene towards Lake Placid, bearing left at a fork splitting Rt. 9N and Rt. 73 (Rt 9N joins with Rt. 73 for a couple of miles prior to this point). The trailhead is on your left about 6 miles east of Lake Placid.

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