A challenging 5.4-mile round trip hike that rewards with one of the most dramatic summit views in the Adirondacks. The bald rock summit gives a full 360-degree panorama of lakes and mountains including the High Peaks, Saranac Lake, and dozens of surrounding ponds. The final stretch involves steep rock scrambles that adventurous older kids will love. This is not a beginner hike but for families with experienced young hikers it is one of the best day trips in the region.
One of the best fire tower hikes in the Adirondacks for families. The 2-mile round trip trail climbs about 900 feet through a pleasant forest and the restored fire tower at the top gives panoramic views over the northern Adirondack wilderness. The hike is short enough for younger kids and the fire tower at the top provides the kind of dramatic payoff that makes the effort feel worthwhile. The area is less visited than the High Peaks so you may have the summit to yourselves.
A moderate 2.4-mile round trip hike near Keene that delivers outstanding views of the High Peaks for relatively little effort. The trail gains about 750 feet through mixed forest and opens up to exposed rock ledges near the summit. Kids enjoy the rocky scrambles near the top and the views of Giant Mountain, the Great Range, and Hurricane Mountain make it feel like you are deep in the wilderness even though the trailhead is right off Route 9N.
A beautiful and relatively flat 3-mile round trip hike through the Ausable River valley to a stunning 30-foot waterfall. The trail follows the river upstream with several crossings on bridges and rocks that kids find exciting. The waterfall at the end cascades over a wide rock face into a pool below. It is one of the more accessible waterfall hikes in the High Peaks region and the forest scenery along the way is gorgeous. The trail continues beyond the falls for families who want a longer adventure.
A 4-mile round trip hike to a fire tower at 3759 feet with incredible views over Blue Mountain Lake and the central Adirondacks. The trail is well-maintained and climbs steadily through hardwood forest. Kids love climbing the restored fire tower at the summit where the views extend in every direction across a sea of mountains and lakes. The observer cabin at the base of the tower adds a touch of history. This is one of the most rewarding fire tower hikes in the park.
A popular 6.6-mile round trip hike to a 2334-foot summit with sweeping views of Lake George and the surrounding mountains. The trail gains about 2000 feet of elevation so it is a real workout and best suited for families with older kids who enjoy a challenge. The summit has wide open rock slabs perfect for spreading out a snack. On a clear day you can see all the way to Vermont. This is one of the most rewarding day hikes in the Lake George region.
One of the tallest waterfalls in the Adirondacks at over 100 feet, accessed by a very short walk from the parking area. A wooden staircase climbs alongside the falls with viewing platforms at multiple levels, giving kids a front-row look at the cascading water from top to bottom. The ease of access makes this perfect for families with young children. The falls are most impressive in spring after snowmelt but remain scenic all summer. A short trail continues to the Raquette River above the falls.
A 9.8-mile round trip hike (or bike ride) on a wide old carriage road through beautiful forest to a sprawling Great Camp on the shore of Newcomb Lake. The flat terrain makes it easier than the distance suggests and many families bring bikes to cut the time in half. At the end, the historic camp buildings sit on a stunning lakeside setting that feels like a secret Adirondack world. Kids can explore the old buildings and swim in the lake before heading back. This is a genuinely unique family adventure.
A flat and scenic 4-mile loop around Cascade Lake with lean-tos, swimming spots, and a quiet forest setting. The trail is gentle enough for younger kids and provides several opportunities to stop at the lakeshore to skip rocks, wade, or have a snack. The lean-tos make great picnic shelters on rainy days. Combined with the nearby Moss Lake trail, families can easily fill a full day of exploring. The lake is popular with loons so keep your eyes and ears open.
The most popular of the Adirondack High Peaks and a rite of passage for families with older kids. The 4.8-mile round trip trail climbs 1940 feet to a bald summit with a 360-degree view that will take your breath away. The trail is well-worn and straightforward but it is steep in sections and requires good footwear. Kids who reach the top earn serious bragging rights. On a clear day the views stretch across the High Peaks wilderness to Lake Champlain and Vermont.
A 167-foot waterfall that is one of the tallest in New York State, visible from multiple overlook platforms connected by stone stairways. The falls drop in a single dramatic plunge over a ledge of resistant limestone. The main viewing platform is just a short walk from the parking lot making it accessible for all ages. A trail descends to the base of the falls through a gorge. The park is home to the endangered Chittenango ovate amber snail found nowhere else on Earth. A picnic area and playground round out the visit.
A quick 0.6-mile hike just outside Lake Placid village that packs a surprisingly big view into a tiny package. The trail is short and manageable for even very young hikers. At the top, an open rock ledge provides a front-row seat to the High Peaks skyline. This is the perfect after-lunch hike when you have an hour to kill and want to give kids a taste of mountain hiking without the commitment of a longer trail.
A unique snorkeling spot where warm water discharged from a nearby power plant attracts an incredible diversity of marine life. Spinner dolphins, sea turtles, eagle rays, and dense schools of fish are regularly seen in the warm outflow channel. The visibility is good and the marine life density is higher than almost anywhere else on Oahu. The entry is over rocks and there are no lifeguards so this is best for experienced swimmer families. When conditions are calm, the snorkeling is genuinely world-class and free.
The only national forest in New York State, spread across 16000 acres of rolling terrain between Seneca and Cayuga Lakes. Over 30 miles of interconnected trails wind through meadows, pastures, and forest. The Interloken Trail is the signature route but shorter loops are available for families. Kids will see grazing cattle in the open pastures, which is unusual for a national forest. Blueberry picking in season is a fun bonus activity. Primitive camping is free and dispersed throughout the forest.
A network of small interconnected ponds accessible by short portages that is perfect for family paddling adventures. The ponds are motor-free and surrounded by pristine Adirondack forest. Kids love the sense of discovery paddling from one pond to the next through narrow channels and short carries. The water is calm and clear and wildlife sightings including loons, herons, and beavers are common. Several lean-tos and campsites along the ponds make overnight trips possible for adventurous families.
A peaceful 4.2-mile loop through beautiful forest to a quiet Catskill pond that feels remote but is actually quite accessible. The trail is relatively flat and follows old logging roads for much of the way. The pond at the halfway point is a perfect lunch spot where kids can look for frogs and turtles. Lean-tos along the route offer shelter on rainy days. This is one of the quieter and less crowded trails in the Catskills and a great choice for families who want a peaceful nature walk.
A 3-mile round trip hike to a series of dramatic rock ledges with sweeping views of the Catskill Mountains. The trail climbs steadily through forest and the payoff at the top is outstanding. Multiple ledge viewpoints give kids plenty of room to explore and each one offers a slightly different panorama. This is one of the most popular hikes in the Catskills for good reason. The ledges are exposed so keep a close eye on younger kids near the edges. Sunsets from Giant Ledge are legendary.
A family-favorite 3.8-mile round trip hike to a restored fire tower with stunning views of the central Adirondacks. The trail is well-maintained with a steady grade that most kids can handle. Interpretive signs along the way teach about the forest ecosystem which keeps kids engaged during the climb. The fire tower at the top provides a 360-degree view including several High Peaks and the winding Rich Lake below. This is one of the best introductory fire tower hikes for families.
A unique creek-walk hike where you wade right up the streambed to reach two beautiful waterfalls hidden in a narrow gorge. There is no dry trail option so everyone gets wet feet, which kids absolutely love. The first waterfall is about a half mile in and the second is just beyond it. The creek is shallow and the rock walls on either side are layered with fossils. This is hands-down one of the most fun and memorable family hikes in the Finger Lakes. Water shoes are essential.
A 3.6-mile round trip hike to a restored fire tower on Hadley Mountain with views of the Great Sacandaga Lake and the southern Adirondacks. The trail climbs about 1525 feet through forest with a few rocky sections near the top. The fire tower at the summit has been restored and is open for climbing. Views are excellent in every direction with the lake dominating the south and mountains rolling north toward the High Peaks. This is a great intermediate fire tower hike for families who have outgrown the easiest trails.