In this post, we will go over five short (less than 3 miles round trip) hikes in Adirondacks which offer outstanding views. And the best season, in our opinion, to enjoy these hikes is during the fall. Because the spring is usually muddy and still cold, so better to hike lower mountains.
Cobble Lookout
This easy trail is very popular because it is just 1.3 miles each way with a little up incline to a spectacular view of the Ausable Valley and the surrounding mountains. This hike has definitely the best view for the least effort. The trail is marked with blue markers.
From the trailhead, an old road goes gradually uphill. From approximately 0.4 miles mark, the trail is mostly flat. Eventually, the trail reaches the ledge. Santa’s Workshop is located below this ledge.
Whiteface mountain and the
Stats of the hike
- Length – 2.6 miles round trip.
- Elevation gain – 242 feet.
Mount Arab
Mount Arab is a fire tower peak. This relatively easy, 1 mile each way, the hike is very popular among hikers with kids. From the convenient parking area, you need to sign in at the trail register and start the hike.
The well-marked path is moderately steep with some short steep sections. Soon you reach a small cliff on the left. And, after the trail moderates nicely, in no time you get to the open summit. Don’t miss climbing the fire tower for outstanding views, which are not visible from the summit itself.
There is a small cabin on the summit with a volunteer who can provide you information about the history of Adirondack fire towers.
Stats of the hike
- Length – 2 miles round trip
- Elevation gain – 738 feet
- Elevation – 2545 feet
Silver Lake Mountain
Silver Lake Mountain is another perfect destination. This 0.9 miles hike is ideal for the hikers with kids. And it offers outstanding views on Silver Lake, Catamount mountain and Whiteface mountain. There are several open, rocky sections along the trail from where you can enjoy these views.
From the trailhead parking area, you hike on easy terrain to an open area. After this open area, the trail becomes steeper and comes to a lookout.
Before you get to the summit, there is a very steep and rocky section. You can scramble up this section or pass it near the trees. During this scrambling don’t forget to look around as the views start to show up.
Stats of the hike
- Length – 1.9 miles round trip
- Elevation gain – 928 feet
- Elevation – 2374 feet
Big Crow Mountain
This short, 0.7 miles hike from the parking to the summit of Big Crow offers one of the best views for the least effort among other hikes in Adirondacks. From the summit, you can see 28 of the major 4,000-foot peaks.
This short, but steep in sections hike is very manageable by families with kids.
Stats of the hike
- Length – 1.4 miles round trip
- Elevation gain – 558 feet
- Elevation – 2815 feet
Mount Jo
Mt. Jo provides one of the best views of the High Peaks. And, taking into account its short length, it became one of the favorite hikes in Adirondacks for families and beginners. There are two trails to the top. The shorter one is steeper too.
From the parking lot follow the markers almost to the shore of Heart Lake. Then, on the right the start of the trail the Mt. Jo begins. After the short uphill hike, you reach a junction. From here, the Short Trail goes right and the Long trail goes straight. The Short Trail is shorter but considerably steeper and rougher. So you could consider the Long Trail when hiking with little kids. The summit is wide and rocky and provides enough place for the hikers to have a snack and enjoy the views.
Stats of the hike
- Length – 2.4 miles round trip
- Elevation gain – 700 feet
- Elevation – 2876 feet
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