Lodging Near Winter Hiking Trails in the Adirondacks
You've seen photos of the breathtaking winter landscapes in the Adirondacks, and you want to get in on this beauty. Can you hike in the winter in the ADK? Yes, you can! You just may need snowshoes and/or microspikes and proper clothing. Get a rundown below of lodging near winter hiking trails in the Adirondacks to best plan your getaway, plus tips on what gear you'll need.
Before You Go: Winter Hiking Essentials
Winter hiking essentials include a proper coat, hat, and winter boots, but also microspikes or crampons for ice, and snowshoes. Snowshoes are required in the High Peaks Wilderness when snow is 8 inches or deeper.
The other important preparatory step is checking current trail conditions.
With those housekeeping items out of the way, below we break out our top recommendations for lodging near winter hiking trails in the Adirondacks. Check out each lodging spot, the nearby trails (including how far away they are from where you'll be staying), and what else to expect.
Garnet Hill Lodge: Trails Just Outside Your Door
Location: North River
With direct trail access and on-site gear rentals, Garnet Hill Lodge is a dream basecamp for winter adventurers. The lodge offers rooms and cottages, on-site dining, and a full Outdoor Center with cross-country skiing and snowshoe rentals.
Winter Hikes Near Garnet Hill:
- Hooper Mine: Starts right at the lodge. This 1-mile out-and-back trail with just 150 feet of elevation gain is ideal for beginners or a quick snowshoe. Pictured above.
- Balm of Gilead: Starts from the lodge. A 2-mile roundtrip hike with 530 feet of elevation gain, leading to a quiet viewpoint.
- Clear Pond Trail: 18-minute drive. A 2.2-mile out-and-back hike with moderate terrain and 275 feet of elevation gain.
- Moxham Mountain: 30-minute drive. A more strenuous 5.5-mile hike with a 1,340-foot elevation gain. Snowshoes and spikes are highly recommended.
Motel Long Lake & Cottages: Family-Friendly Comfort
Location: Long Lake
Motel Long Lake & Cottages offers winterized cabins with wood or gas stoves and options for couples, families, and small groups. Several cottages are also pet-friendly, making it a flexible choice for winter travelers.
Hikes Near Motel Long Lake:
- Buttermilk Falls Trail: 10-minute drive. A short, icy 0.2-mile trail with 30–40 feet of elevation gain. Use caution around the falls. Pictured above.
- Goodman Mountain: 17-minute drive. A 3-mile roundtrip snowshoe-friendly trail with 615 feet of elevation gain. Includes scenic bridge crossings.
- Hedgehog Pond Trail: 30-minute drive. A 4.2-mile out-and-back trail to Round Lake with a 219-foot elevation gain. Great for all levels.
ADK Trail Inn: A Quiet Base for Challenging Climbs
Location: Upper Jay, NY
ADK Trail Inn is nestled in a quiet setting near High Peaks trailheads. Choose from a variety of lodging options, some pet-friendly, and make use of their Monday Tuesday Grill. As the name suggestions, the restaurant will be open on Monday and Tuesday evenings from 4:30pm to 7pm from December 29 through the end of February. Fuel up after your hike!
Hikes Near ADK Trail Inn:
- Owl’s Head Mountain: 10-minute drive. A snowshoe-friendly route with a fire tower at the summit (not recommended to climb in winter). Crampon spikes recommended.
- Jay Mountain Trail: 8-minute drive. A 9.2-mile out-and-back hike with 2,675 feet of gain to the true summit. Intermediate to advanced hikers only.
- Cascade Mountain: 14-minute drive. One of the Adirondack High Peaks, this 4.8-mile roundtrip hike features 1,940 feet of elevation gain. For experienced hikers only - bring snowshoes and crampons. Pictured above.
- Ausable Chasm: 34-minute drive. Offers paid access to winter tours and snowshoe rentals in a dramatic, scenic gorge.
Bluebird Lake Placid: Modern Design Meets Outdoor Access
Location: Lake Placid
Bluebird Lake Placid blends Scandinavian and Japanese design with Adirondack hospitality. Enjoy a cocktail lounge, complimentary breakfast, and close proximity to several popular trails.
Hikes Near Bluebird Lake Placid:
- Mt. Van Hoevenberg: 18-minute drive. Choose between East (3.6 miles roundtrip, 1,000 ft gain) and West Trail (4.2 miles, 900 ft gain). Snowshoe rentals available.
- Ampersand Mountain: 22-minute drive. A 5.4-mile roundtrip hike with 1,780 feet of gain. The last mile is steep, so bring spikes or crampons.
- Peninsula Trails: 4-minute drive. Easy trails for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. Choose from 4 loops including Ridge, Boundary, and Corrido, with Lake Shore Trail the initial trail that accesses the network.
Friends Lake Inn: Private Trails & Romantic Escapes
Location: Chestertown, NY
Friends Lake Inn offers a refined, adults-only experience with gourmet dining and upscale rooms in a back-to-nature environment.
Hikes Near Friends Lake Inn:
- On-Site Trails: 16km of private winter trails for guests. Snowshoes available to borrow.
- Caroline Fish Memorial Trail: 7-minute drive. A gentle 1.6-mile loop suitable for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing.
- Cat Mountain: 23-minute drive. A 6-mile roundtrip trail with 1,095 feet of elevation gain. Excellent views and suitable for snowshoeing or skiing. Pictured above.
Old Forge Camping Resort: Rustic Cabins for Winter Weekends
Location: Old Forge, NY
Old Forge Camping Resort offers heated winter cabin rentals from November through early April, plus access to over 500 miles of snowmobile trails, for those who want to add another winter sport to their getaway.
Hikes Near Old Forge Camping Resort:
- Bald Mountain: 4-minute drive. A 1.8-mile roundtrip hike with a 400-foot elevation gain and a scenic fire tower (not recommended to climb in winter).
- Moss Lake Trail: 15-minute drive. A 2.5-mile loop ideal for snowshoeing or skiing. Flat terrain with 213 feet of gain.
- Black Bear Mountain: 12-minute drive. A challenging 4.8-mile loop with 800 feet of elevation gain. Expect ice and deep snow. Pictured above.
Winter Hiking Tips & Trail Safety
A final rundown for safety! Things to keep in mind:
- Trail Conditions: Check weather, snow levels, and plowing status before heading out.
- Summit Temps: Expect summit temperatures to drop as much 20° compared to the trailhead.
- Gear Up: Explore this winter hiking essentials list before hitting the trails. Snowshoes, microspikes, extra layers, and emergency supplies are a must.
- Trail Access: Have a backup hike in case parking is full or roads are unplowed.
- Fire Towers: Avoid climbing them in winter - steps can be icy and unstable. If you do, remove traction devices beforehand.
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