The Whiteface Landing Trail in the McKenzie Mountain Wilderness, in Wilmington, Essex County, ascends 6.0 miles and 3,320 feet from the trailhead on State Route 86 to the 4,867-foot summit and its 360 degree views.
The summit provides views of Lake Champlain, Lake Placid, the Green Mountains of Vermont, the High Peaks region, and a large portion of the northeastern Adirondacks. Those seeking a much shorter hike to the summit can drive the recently renovated Whiteface Mountain Veteran’s Memorial Highway (fee required) to a parking area near the summit and hike the 0.15-mile trail ascending 200 feet to the summit.
Ascent: 3,205′
Trailhead Directions (Map)
NOTE: Do not hike when the Muddy Trail Advisory is in effect. From the intersection of Route 73 and Route 86 in Lake Placid, follow Route 86 toward Wilmington to a large parking lot near the Ausable River, near the intersection of River Road. From here, you can access Connery Pond, and the Whiteface Landing Trail. Just up the road from the parking lot, there is a dirt road that leads back to the trailhead for Whiteface Landing. There are few spots, so parking on Route 86 might be the best option. The trailhead is less than one-mile down the dirt road. In winter you will need to park at the large lot along the road.
Map of Whiteface Mountain courtesy Adirondack Atlas. Trail data courtesy ROOST.
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