Winter Hike Cascade Mountain

Cascade Mountain is one of 46 peaks in the High Peaks Region of the Adirondack State Park in upstate New York. Although it is not one of the tallest - it's actually number 36 - you get a lot of bang for your buck: the view at the top is spectacular and it's only 4.2 miles round trip! 

The trailhead is well marked and easy to get to: it's located on the left if you're headed north on 73 between Keene and Lake Placid, just past Cascade Lake. There is parking for about 6 cars right in front. 

Because the trailhead is so accessible and the hike is so manageable, the trail is usually pretty crowded. This is great if you're looking to meet new adventure companions, but can be a bit of a buzz kill if you're looking for more solitary, reflective mountaintop moment. If this is you, I recommend hiking Cascade in the Winter, which is what my partner and I did! 

We set out for Cascade from the Schenectady area (about a 2 hour drive straight north) on an unseasonably warm morning in February. After driving through a wide range of weather- from sun to rain to heavy fog-we almost bailed because we didn't want to get to the top and only to find it covered by fog. However, we decided to risk it, justifying it by the fact that we were already all the way up there. (We also both had new day packs we were dying to try out).

 We set out about 1pm after stretching our cleats over our hiking boots. Cleats, snowshoes, or crampons of some sort are almost essential on a winter hike up a mountain like Cascade. Even though most of the snow had melted downstate, there was still a lot of snow up in the mountains and because it got so warm, everything was really wet and slippery. The cleats saved me from a bruised tailbone and missing front teeth a number of times. We passed a few people attempting to hike without gripping agents on their boots and it didn't look pleasant. So get yourself some cleats or snowshoes if you want to hike Cascade in the winter - it's worth it! 

It took us about an hour and a half to hike the 2.1 miles to the summit. It's pretty steep, as you gain just under 2,000 feet in elevation over a relatively short time period. There's a false summit about a quarter mile from the top, so make sure to follow the trail past where it splits off to the right to go to Porter Mountain. 

The top of Cascade (see pictures) is completely bald and there are lots of rocks to scramble over. The most direct trail to the top is marked by yellow dashes. Be sure to stay on the marked path as to not disturb the fragile alpine plant life. The 360 degree view from the top is epic, made more so by the snow visible through the leafless trees on the surrounding peaks. You get a great panoramic view of the nearby ranges and the road you left behind. Make sure to bring an extra layer or two (and a hat and gloves), as it's likely to be pretty cold and windy up top. 

Head back down when you get sick of it (unlikely), or when you're body starts to move sluggishly due to cold. Take care going down due to all the ice. 

Pro Tip: stop for pie at Noonmark Diner in Keene Valley if you're heading south on 73. You won't regret it!