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+ 93

Cascade and Porter Mountains

Hiking Trail

Hard
5.55 mi
2,411 ft
An easier hike bagging 2 of the 46 High Peaks.

This family-friendly day hike brings two of the state's 46 High Peaks within reach. Just a short drive from Lake Placid, this hike is perfect for the entire family and can typically be completed in less than three hours.

Plenty of parking can be found along NY-73, though in the summer it can become quickly crowded. To avoid a lengthy road walk, get an early start.

Follow the Cascade Mountain Trail to its namesake summit. In less than 2.5 miles, it ascends an incredible 2,000 feet. Rewarding your efforts is a bald, rocky summit with incredible 360-degree views of the surrounding range. According to , "Cascade Mountain is recognized as having one of the best summit views in the Adirondacks, with about two-thirds of the High Peaks, Lake Placid, and even Lake Champlain in sight on clear days."

While one could opt to make the return trip to the parking lot, Porter Mountain makes an excellent addition to a Cascade Mountain hike. It provides incredible views of its own and is lesser traveled. From its perch, you can clearly see Whiteface Mountain to the north and the infamous Great Range to the south.

Sources:

Written by Brendon Voelker
Created By
Strava Routes

Route and Elevation

2,000 ft
2,500 ft3,000 ft3,500 ft4,000 ft0.0 mi0.5 mi1.0 mi1.5 mi2.0 mi2.5 mi3.0 mi3.5 mi4.0 mi4.5 mi5.0 mi5.5 mi

Segments

NameDistanceElev. Diff.Avg. Grade
Cascade Hike / Sign in box to Peak1.57 mi1,926 ft23.1%
ADK Cascade Mountain Approach1.94 mi1,732 ft16.8%
State Highway 73 Scenic Climb0.30 mi161 ft9.8%
Cascade Porter Blueberry Hiking Trail Climb0.19 mi184 ft17.9%
Cascade Summit to Porter Summit0.97 mi-305 ft-0.2%
Cascade Porter Blueberry Hiking Trail Climb0.54 mi312 ft10.9%
Down from Cascade/Porter Junction1.92 mi-1,745 ft-17.1%