Hike Cascade and Porter Mountains

From the signed trailhead, go down a few steps and sign in to the trail register (important!), then start your hike. If you choose to backpack, remember that you can only camp at least 150 feet away from the trail and water sources.

The trail slowly gains elevation, while meandering through the beautiful woods at the base of the mountain. Within a mile you will cross a nice stream where you can cool off before beginning the real ascent.

After about a mile, the train begins to climb rather steeply, much of it being rock steps. Pay attention to the amount of care put into the trail, and how good it looks despite being one of the most popular hikes in the region!

Continue to climb up rocks and through the woods until you are about 0.8 miles away from the summit. You will see a large rock face which provides nice views to the north of the village of Lake Placid, the ski jumps and bobsled track, and the mountains to the north and northwest. This is a great spot to take a break and have a snack, in preparation for the final push to the summit.

At the train junction sign for Porter and Cascade (pictured), head towards left Cascade first. Soon you will be able to see the exposed rock summit, due to fires, of Cascade Mountain (pictured). You will have to climb about 0.3 miles to reach the top of the summit.

Once you get to the top, do an 180-degree turn, and you will have one of the best views in the northeast! You are seeing the High Peaks of the Adirondack Park. Most notable is Marcy, a few peaks from the right, the highest in NY state. Find the marker that symbolizes the highest point on the mountain and congratulate yourself and your friends! After enjoying a lunch, a break, and some picture-taking, continue back down the rock face, the way you came.

At the previously mentioned trail junction, turn left to continue on to Porter Mountain Summit. This trail drops steeply at first, then begins a quick ascent back up to the summit. You will reach a large rock, and if you step around it, to the right, you will find yourself on a nice little rock lookout with more great views of the Great Range, including Gothics and a few others.

Continue on until you reach another open rock section – this is the summit of Porter Mountain! There is no marker here, and if you see trail signs for the Garden, do not continue, as this is a separate parking area. Enjoy the views from the summit; although they are not as good as the views from Cascade, they are very nice.

Head back the way you came, beginning the descent to the car. Finally, give yourself a pat on the back for completing two of the Adirondack High Peaks, and get ready to plan your next adventure in the area!