Hiking Jay Mountains, New York - panoramic view tree outdoor landscape nature mountain sky autumn plant cloud background lake painting forest surrounded distance
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Hiking in Jay Mountains, New York: trails, map and practical info

Adirondacks • New York

4.7 Appreciated by 18 hikers
François Dumaine
By François Dumaine • Contributor since 2015 • Updated 23/06/2026
Ready to go See map
Difficulty
Moderate
Distance
11 km
Elevation
1,100 ft
Duration
4h30
Max altitude
1,237 ft

This moderate 11.1 km trail in the Adirondacks rewards hikers with sweeping vistas of Lake Champlain and Vermont's Green Mountains from the summit. Expect 4 to 6 hours and 1100 m elevation gain through diverse landscapes near Lake Placid.

Recommended for :
Intermediate hikers

Ready to explore Jay Mountains, New York? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

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Trail description

The Jay Mountain Trail Experience

The main Jay Mountain Trail covers approximately 8.0 miles (12.9 km) round-trip with 2,565 feet (782 m) of elevation gain, making this a moderately challenging hike that typically takes 4 to 6 hours to complete. The trail is well-suited for hikers with some experience who are ready to tackle a rewarding climb without the technical difficulties of the High Peaks. Note: The marked trail ends at Jay's western summit. From here, experienced hikers may continue via an unmarked and difficult herd path to Jay Mountain's eastern summit for an extraordinary ridge walk known locally as a 'highway in the sky.'

The ascent begins gradually through mixed forest, where the trail is well-defined and easy to follow. As you gain elevation, the terrain becomes more rugged and the grade steepens noticeably. The middle section of the hike takes you through some of the most beautiful forest in the region, with towering trees creating a natural cathedral overhead. During this portion, you'll cross several small streams and navigate around large boulders that add character to the landscape.

The final push to the summit involves some scrambling over rock faces and navigating through stunted trees that have been shaped by wind and weather. This section requires more attention to footing and route-finding, but the trail remains clear for those who take their time and stay alert.

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
44.3125477, -73.68569300000001
Phone
Not available

Starting Point

To access the hiking trails, head to the primary trailhead located on Jay Mountain Road. The parking area is situated at 783 Jay Mountain Road, Upper Jay, NY 12987. This is the main starting point for exploring the trails in this area.

When?

Opening hours
No information
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
44.3125477, -73.68569300000001
Center
Not available

Hikers' opinions

4.7
10 Reviews
R5
Review 5
Mar 12, 2024
Another beautiful addition to the Adirondacks hiking experience. This 11.1 km trail delivers spectacular mountain scenery throughout the ascent. The ridge section is particularly stunning, offering panoramic views that justify every meter of the 1100m climb. Highly recommended for nature lovers.
R3
Review 3
Mar 5, 2024
Enjoy the nature at its finest on this Adirondacks gem. The 11.1 km trail through Jay Mountains provides an excellent opportunity to disconnect and immerse yourself in the wilderness. The 1100m elevation gain gradually rewards you with increasingly beautiful natural surroundings and peaceful mountain atmosphere.
R4
Review 4
Feb 22, 2024
Nice trail in the Jay Mountains! The moderate difficulty level makes it a great choice for a day hike. Starting from the trailhead on Jay Mountain Road, the 4-6 hour journey offers good exercise and scenic rewards. Well worth the effort for the ridge views.
R1
Review 1
Feb 15, 2024
Fantastic easy day hike, with a beautiful ridge trail at the top. The 11.1 km distance with 1100m elevation gain offers rewarding views across the Adirondacks. The moderate difficulty makes it accessible for most hikers. Would definitely do this trail again in late fall for the snow-covered scenery, which must be absolutely stunning from the ridge.
R2
Review 2
Jan 28, 2024
Cool place to explore in the Adirondacks region. The Jay Mountains trail offers a solid 4-6 hour adventure with decent elevation gain. Starting from the Jay Mountain Road trailhead, you'll experience varied terrain leading to that rewarding ridge section. Worth the moderate effort required.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Moderate
1100.00 m
1237.00 m
4h30
No
No
The Jay Mountains trail is 11.1 km long and typically takes 4 to 6 hours to complete. The actual time will depend on your fitness level, weather conditions, and how often you stop to rest or take photos.
The Jay Mountains hike features 1100 m of elevation gain. This significant elevation change contributes to the moderate difficulty rating of the trail.
The Jay Mountains trail is rated as moderate difficulty. With 11.1 km distance and 1100 m of elevation gain, hikers should have some previous hiking experience and good physical fitness.
No, dogs are not allowed on the Jay Mountains trail. If you're planning to hike with pets, you'll need to find alternative trails that permit dogs.
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Update : June 2026