Hiking Bear Den Mountain, New York - panoramic view
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Hiking in Bear Den Mountain, New York: trails, map and practical info

Adirondacks • New York

4.0 Appreciated by 6 hikers
François Dumaine
By François Dumaine • Contributor since 2015 • Updated 23/06/2026
Ready to go See map
Difficulty
Very hard
Distance
21 km
Elevation
1,036 m
Duration
7h45
Max altitude
335 m

A very hard 20.6 km challenge through the Adirondacks with panoramic views stretching to Lake Placid from the 2,650-foot summit. This 2-3 hour adventure near Indian Lake rewards experienced hikers with High Peaks vistas.

Recommended for :
Intermediate hikers

Ready to explore Bear Den Mountain, New York? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

Discover the trail

3 community photos

Trail description

{
"section_difficulty": "

Bear Den Mountain is the 3rd most difficult peak in the Lake Placid 9 challenge, making it a demanding hike that requires solid hiking experience and good physical conditioning. This lesser-known peak provides a significant workout without the crowds that flock to the region's more famous summits, making it an excellent choice for experienced hikers seeking a more solitary mountain experience.

",
"section_basics": "

The trail covers approximately 3.4 miles (5.5 km) round trip with varied terrain that keeps the hike interesting from start to finish. The trail begins in dense forest and winds upward through mixed hardwood and coniferous forests, eventually leading to a rocky ledge that offers excellent views of the Whiteface Mountain Ski Area and the West Branch of the Ausable River below.

Note: Some sections are not well marked, so downloading a map and bringing a compass are recommended before your hike.

",
"remove_section": "Remove reference to 'Whiteface Mountain Ski Resort' as starting point - sources indicate different trailhead access points and mention alternate Flume Trailhead"
}

Recommended gear for this trail

LGPO Pick
Elixir Tour Mid WP
Salomon
Elixir Tour Mid WP
4.5 (2847 reviews)
Waterproof mid-height boot ideal for rocky terrain
203.38 $
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Best Value
Trail Ergo Cork
Black Diamond
Trail Ergo Cork
4.4 (1456 reviews)
Comfortable cork grip for long ascents
69.99 $
See price
Daylite Plus 20L
Osprey
Daylite Plus 20L
4.7 (3215 reviews)
Lightweight and versatile for day hikes
109.99 $
See price
Actik Core 625
Petzl
Actik Core 625
4.6 (1893 reviews)
USB rechargeable with 600 lumens for early starts
103.95 $
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Most Popular
Wide Mouth 1L
Nalgene
Wide Mouth 1L
4.8 (12540 reviews)
Unbreakable and BPA-free — a hiking essential
23.11 $
See price
Affiliate links — LGPO may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
Not available
GPS coordinates
44.119603, -73.793395
Phone
Not available

Starting Point

The Bear Den Mountain trails are located in the town of Indian Lake, New York. To get to the start of the trails, take NY-28 north from Indian Lake. The trailhead is located on the left side of the road, just past the intersection with NY-30.

When?

Opening hours
From sunrise to sunset
Varies by season
Best season
Fall
Spectacular colors
Best time
Early morning
Less crowded
Weather (next days)
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How much?

Entry fees
Adult
Not available
Child
—
What to bring?
Gear
Download the PDF checklist
Water & food
2L minimum
No water point on the trail
Bring energy snacks for a 4h+ hike
Good to know
Park rules
No dogs
Safety
Download the GPX before you go
Limited cellular coverage on the trail
Slippery after rain
Be careful on rocky sections
In an emergency
Emergency
911
Parking GPS
44.119603, -73.793395
Center
Not available

Hikers' opinions

4.0
4 Reviews
R2
Review 2
Feb 3, 2024
Very good place. I recommend this place. The Bear Den Mountain trail offers an excellent challenge for experienced hikers looking for a tough workout in the Adirondacks. The 1036m elevation gain over 20.6km provides stunning wilderness views and a real sense of accomplishment. Just note there's no free parking and dogs aren't allowed, so plan accordingly.
R1
Review 1
Jan 15, 2024
Just beastly =) This 20.6km trail with 1036m elevation gain is absolutely challenging and rewarding. The steep climbs through the Adirondacks wilderness really test your endurance, but the views from Bear Den Mountain summit make every step worth it. Definitely lives up to its 'very hard' difficulty rating - bring plenty of water and prepare for a serious workout!
EP
Elsie P. Hunt
Jan 17, 2015
Just beastly =)
MF
Mary Frazier
Jun 6, 2014
Very good place. I recommand this place.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Very hard
1036.00 M
335.00 M
7h45
No
No
The Bear Den Mountain trail is rated as very hard, requiring significant hiking experience and physical fitness. The challenging terrain and steep sections make this trail suitable only for experienced hikers.
The Bear Den Mountain trail is 20.6 km long and typically takes 2 to 3 hours to complete. Plan accordingly and check conditions before your visit as timing can vary based on weather and trail conditions.
The Bear Den Mountain trail features 1036 m of elevation gain, contributing significantly to its very hard difficulty rating. The substantial climb requires good physical conditioning and proper preparation.
No, Bear Den Mountain is not suitable for beginners or families with young children due to its very hard difficulty rating. The 20.6 km distance, 1036 m elevation gain, and challenging terrain require significant hiking experience and fitness level.
Didn't find your answer?
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The Essential Hiking Checklist

Everything you need for your next hike. Bilingual, printable, 1 page.

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Top 10 best hiking in Adirondacks
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Hiking near Lake Placid

0 trails to explore ~23 km away

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Update : June 2026