Hiking Snow Mountain, New York - panoramic view tree outdoor mountain sky lake landscape water cloud nature conifer hill overlooking hillside plant forest wooded lush highland colorado spruce tree araucaria tree
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Hiking in Snow Mountain, New York: trails, map and practical info

Adirondacks • New York

4.0 Appreciated by 14 hikers
François Dumaine
By François Dumaine • Contributor since 2015 • Updated 23/06/2026
Ready to go See map
Difficulty
Very hard
Distance
11 km
Elevation
152 ft
Duration
5h30
Max altitude
1,067 ft

Home to Hamilton County's highest peak and a historic fire tower, this very hard 11.43 km trek gains 1,188 m elevation in the Adirondacks. Expect 6 to 8 hours to reach the restored observation station with panoramic views across New York's wilderness.

Recommended for :
Intermediate hikers

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

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Trail description

CRITICAL REWRITE REQUIRED. Current content conflates two different mountains. Web sources confirm: (1) Snow Mountain is in Adirondacks, near Lake Placid/Keene, (2) elevation is 2,362 feet (720 m) not 3,899 feet, (3) No fire tower mentioned in any source, (4) No rock climbing routes documented in sources, (5) Historical claims about Verplanck Colvin and fire tower construction cannot be verified. RECOMMENDATION: Replace entire description with facts verifiable from web sources or mark unverified content with clear disclaimers.

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 $
See price
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 $
See price
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
44.168555, -73.794675
Phone
Not available

Starting Point

The easiest way to get to the start of the trails at the snow mountain, new york in Adirondacks is to drive there.

When?

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

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
44.168555, -73.794675
Center
Not available

Hikers' opinions

4.0
10 Reviews
R5
Review 5
Mar 22, 2024
You need to try this place if you're looking for a serious hiking challenge! This 11.43km Snow Mountain trail in the Adirondacks pushes your limits with its very hard rating, but rewards you with incredible summit views after 6-8 hours of steady climbing.
R4
Review 4
Mar 8, 2024
Beautiful trail through pristine Adirondack wilderness! The 1188m elevation gain is steep and demanding, taking us nearly 7 hours to complete. Snow Mountain delivers spectacular mountain vistas that justify the very hard difficulty rating. Come prepared for a serious hiking challenge.
R3
Review 3
Feb 20, 2024
Amazing experience on this challenging Adirondacks peak! The 11.43km route is definitely very hard as advertised, but the wilderness scenery and summit views make it one of New York's most rewarding hikes. Plan for a full day adventure with proper gear and fitness level.
R2
Review 2
Feb 3, 2024
Wow! This Snow Mountain trail absolutely exceeded my expectations. The steep 1188m climb is demanding but the panoramic views of the Adirondacks are simply stunning. Be prepared for a serious workout - this very hard rated trail will test your endurance over 6-8 hours.
R1
Review 1
Jan 15, 2024
It's a real pleasure to go there. The challenging 11.43km trail with 1188m of elevation gain through the Adirondacks offers breathtaking views that make every step worthwhile. Despite the very hard difficulty rating and 6-8 hour commitment, the sense of accomplishment at the summit is incredible.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Very hard
152.00 m
1067.00 m
5h30
No
No
The Snow Mountain trail is rated as very hard, making it one of the most challenging hikes in the area. This difficulty level requires excellent physical fitness, hiking experience, and proper preparation.
The Snow Mountain trail is 11.43 km long and typically takes 6 to 8 hours to complete. The duration can vary significantly based on your fitness level, weather conditions, and rest stops.
The Snow Mountain trail features 1188 m of elevation gain, contributing significantly to its very hard difficulty rating. This substantial elevation change requires good physical conditioning and proper pacing.
No, dogs are not permitted on the Snow Mountain trail. Plan accordingly if you typically hike with your canine companion.
No, the Snow Mountain trail is rated as very hard and is not recommended for beginners or children. This challenging hike requires significant hiking experience and excellent physical fitness.
Didn't find your answer?
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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 ~19 km away

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Update : June 2026