Avalanche Lake Trail
Trails New York Avalanche Lake Trail
New York · essex County

Avalanche Lake Trail

Classic Adirondack corridor hike through lakes, cliffs, and mountain passes.

Rating
Length
9.8 mi
Difficulty
6
County
essex

About This Trail

A 10.2-mile round-trip from Adirondack Loj through Marcy Dam to a dramatic glacial lake walled by cliffs. Famous for the “Hitch-up Matildas” catwalks bolted to the rock face and wooden ladders over massive boulders. The lake corridor between Colden and Avalanche Mountain is one of the Adirondacks’ most iconic settings.

Location

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Coordinates: 44.1327957, -73.96734099999999

Getting There

From Lake Placid, take Route 73 south for about 3 miles to Adirondack Loj Road on the right. Follow it to the end at Heart Lake. Park and follow the Van Hoevenberg Trail to the Avalanche Pass Trail junction. A daily parking fee applies.

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