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A popular destination with Lake Placid dayhikers, Cascade Mountain packs in big, 4,000-foot views in 4.3 miles. (Tip: Go early to nab a parking spot in one of the three turnouts near the trailhead.) From the trailhead, descend a log-framed staircase to the sign-in box and follow the red trail markers. The route begins climbing a rocky and root-strewn path over occasional waterbars and stone steps. Gaining 2,000 feet in roughly 2 miles, the trail climbs at a grade through a mix of birch, beech, and striped maple; on two occasions, the climb levels (once to cross a stream and again to traverse a mud hole).
About a mile in, the trail swings northeast and continues ascending rock slabs through a gradually thinning forest. After climbing a steep slab at mile 1.7, the trail breaks out into its first overlook—look west to Mount Marcy and north to spy Lake Placid’s ski jumps. Just ahead, the trail forks with the route to Porter Mountain: stay left here to continue on toward the Cascade summit. In its final half-mile, the trail levels in a grassy clearing before encountering a cairn-spotting scramble to the summit. Atop Cascade’s bald ridge, enjoy views south to peaks in the Great Range, look north to Whiteface, and east to Hurricane Mountain, Lake Champlain and Vermont’s Green Mountains. Enjoy a summit lunch before backtracking to the trailhead.
Note: Cascade is considered a beginner hike by seasoned Adirondack peak-baggers, but it is still an exposed summit. Be prepared year-round for wind, cold conditions, and sudden weather changes.
-Mapped by Lisa Densmore, DensmoreDesigns.com
PLAN IT
MAP:
>> Order the USGS topo quads listed above at store.usgs.gov.
>> Order a custom, seamless map of this route by selecting our Print MyTopo option.
CONDITIONS: Check weather at Lake Placid, NY (12946).
INFO: For more information about the region, check out Visit Adirondacks.
CONTACT: Adirondack Mountain Club, Member Services Center, 814 Goggins Road, Lake George, NY 12845; (518) 668-4447; info@adk.org
OTHER RESOURCES
GEAR
Mountaineer
1866 Nys Route 73
Keene Valley, NY 12943
(518) 576-2281
Jones Outfitters Ltd
2733 Main St # 2
Lake Placid, NY 12946-3318
(518) 523-3468
jonesoutfitters.com
Eastern Mountain Sports
3066 New York 50
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
(518) 580-1505
ems.com
RESTAURANTS
Lake Placid Pub & Brewery
813 Main Street
Lake Placid, NY 12946
(518) 523-3813
ubuale.com
Eres Pizza
2439 Main St # 1
Lake Placid, NY 12946-3366
(518) 523-2997
Hattie’s
45 Phila Street
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866-3211
(518) 584-4790
hattiesrestaurant.com
Trail Facts
- Distance: 6.9
Waypoints
CSC001
Location: 44.218928, -73.887573
Trailhead: Descend a log staircase and then cross 4 footbridges to reach the sign-in box. Marked with red NYSDEC blazes, the trail ascends from the sign-in box. There are lots of rocks and roots. Numerous waterbars and well-placed stones help to fortify this popular route.
Trail View
Location: 44.215525, -73.885331
© Lisa Densmore
CSC002
Location: 44.215486, -73.864916
After scrambling up a steep slab, the trail breaks out onto an open rock revealing views of Mount Marcy (west) and Lake Placid’s ski jumps (north). From here, the trail re-enters the woods, continuing uphill to the northeast.
First View
Location: 44.215509, -73.86471
© Lisa Densmore
CSC003
Location: 44.215971, -73.862559
Bear left at the trail fork on the broad, flat rock (follow red markers). The right fork heads to Porter Mountain. Ahead, the trail levels and passes through a grassy meadow. When the trees end, continue following yellow-printed signs and rock cairns for a scramble to the Cascade Mountain summit. To add 1.4 miles to the hike and bag another 4,000-foot peak, consider a detour to the Porter Mountain summit.
Summit View
Location: 44.218539, -73.85999
A view of Great Range peaks to the south from the Cascade Mountain summit. © Lisa Densmore
Upper trail
Location: 44.217616, -73.860741
© Lisa Densmore
Hikers departing summit
Location: 44.218508, -73.860011
© Lisa Densmore
Summit view to Lake Champlain
Location: 44.218508, -73.860483
© Lisa Densmore
Summit view of Whiteface Mountain
Location: 44.218631, -73.860483
© Lisa Densmore
CSC004
Location: 44.218558, -73.86019
Cascade Mountain (4,072 ft.): Look for the Hurricane Mountain fire tower (east), Lake Placid (northwest), Mount Whiteface (north), and several Great Range 4,000-footers (to the south). Atop the long and broad ridge of the summit there are many places to enjoy the view and a picnic lunch before backtracking to the trailhead.
