Whiteface Mountain

Whiteface Mountain is the great landmark of the northern Adirondacks and the easiest way to get above treeline in the region. Rising to 4,867 feet, it is the fifth-highest peak in New York, and unlike most of the High Peaks it can be reached without a long hike. The Veterans Memorial Highway climbs five miles from Wilmington to a parking area just below the summit, a seasonal drive with steady switchbacks, pull-offs and views across Lake Placid, the High Peaks and, on clear days, into Vermont and Canada. From the parking area visitors can climb a short, steep stone path to the summit or take an elevator carved through the rock to the top, where a stone castle-style building stands. The mountain also operates the Cloudsplit Gondola, which carries riders from the base area up the slopes for a scenic ride that works in summer and fall as well as ski season.

The Memorial Highway is an experience by itself. Opened in the 1930s and dedicated to veterans, it is a toll road that normally runs from late spring through the first part of fall, depending on weather. Along the way, overlooks show the valley falling away, and the summit area has interpretive signs about the alpine vegetation and the geology of the range.

At the top the temperature is noticeably cooler and the wind can be strong, so a jacket is a good idea even on a warm day in the village. Visibility is the main variable, because clouds sometimes sit on the summit for hours. Checking the mountain's webcams and weather before you go saves a disappointing trip.

The gondola is a good alternative or addition for visitors who prefer a gentler experience. It runs from the base lodge on the Wilmington side, rising over the ski trails with views of the surrounding peaks, and operates on a seasonal schedule that includes the winter ski season, summer and the peak fall color weeks.

In fall the ride is one of the most popular foliage outings in the Adirondacks, and lines can build on peak weekends, so arrive early. Many visitors do both in a single day: the highway in the morning when views are clearest, and the gondola later, or the other way round depending on the weather window.

Wilmington, the small town at the base, has restaurants, gear shops and the Wilmington Notch scenery along Route 86, making this a half-day outing combined with High Falls Gorge or Santa's Workshop. Plan for roughly twenty minutes to drive from Lake Placid to the base, and allow two to three hours for the summit road including stops.

The summit is exposed to weather changes, so never assume a clear village day means clear summit conditions. Pets, bicycles and certain vehicles may be restricted on the road, and fees are collected at the toll gate, so check the current rules before you go. Winter skiing at the same mountain is a separate experience covered in its own entry.

A few small habits improve the day. Fill the fuel tank in Lake Placid or Wilmington before the climb, bring a snack for the summit, and keep a hat and gloves in the car even in summer, because the wind at 4,800 feet is sharper than most visitors expect. Photographers should arrive early, when low light picks out the ridgelines and the valley is often filled with mist.