How to Plan a Hike up Whiteface Mountain, New York

Whiteface Mountain is located in Wilmington, New York. At 4,386 ft above sea level, this mountain is the fifth highest mountain in the Adirondacks. You can take the 8-mile drive up Whiteface Mountain Veterans Memorial Highway, or you can hike. While this mountain has seen more development than any of the other peaks in the Adirondacks, nature still abounds.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• For detailed trail notes, get a copy of the book, "High Peaks Region," which is published by the Adirondack Mountain Club.

1. If you want to avoid snow, then should probably travel between June and August. The mountain is often snow covered from October to May and this makes for more challenging climbing.

2. Identify the route you will take up the mountain. There are two major approaches starting from two different locations. The first starts at Connery Pond and Whiteface Landing. The second starts from Wilmington. There are parking lots at both trail heads.

3. Prepare for your hike the day before by packing the necessary supplies. This will allow you to get up early and get a good rested start on your hike.

4. Sign in at the trailhead. There should be a register there where you can sign your name and your destination. When you return, be sure to sign out.

5. Pace yourself up the mountain. The hike from Connery Pond and Whiteface Landing is about 6 miles and ascends 3,232 feet from Connery Pond. The hike from the parking area at Wilmington Reservoir is 5.2 miles with an ascent of 3,620 feet.

6. Enjoy your time at the summit, but remember that this is a busy mountain so you will likely meet many other people who have driven or taken the gondola up the mountain.

7. Take a tour of the alpine environment on the summit of Whiteface. For information on tour dates and times call [phone].

Tips & Warnings

• If you are not an experienced hiker, you should visit with your doctor before departing. Be sure that you are physically able to handle the trip.
• When you spend the night, be sure to tie up your food and any clothing that you were wearing while cooking. This region is known for black bears, who are not shy about helping themselves.
• Bring the following for day hikes: water, food, jackknife, maps, mosquito spray and common sense.
• Dress in comfortable layers. Weather changes rapidly in New York's High Peak Region. You want to be prepared for rain, cold, and heat.
• Wear good shoes that provide support around your ankles.
• Don't drink the water. Unfortunately, the water in this region is contaminated with Giardia cysts and it will likely make you sick.
• Avoid hiking when the black flies are at their worst, during early June.
• Do not build campfires. They are not allowed except at designated areas.
• Do not camp above 4,000 feet.
• Don't leave trash anywhere on the trail or mountain. Carry out everything you bring.
• Avoid leaving the trail, especially in the sensitive Alpine vegetation areas.

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