Strong Payoff
Scenic
Explore hikes where scenery is a primary reason to go, from summit views and open ledges to lakes, waterfalls, and forest landmarks.
Strong Payoff
Explore Scenic
Explore hikes where scenery is a primary reason to go, from summit views and open ledges to lakes, waterfalls, and forest landmarks.
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High Peaks • 11.6 mi • Difficult
Indian Head
Indian Head is an AMR overlook above Lower Ausable Lake, known for one of the most recognizable views in the Adirondacks.
Gain 1,600 ft
High Peaks • 2.5 mi • Easy Moderate
Mount Jo
Mount Jo is a short Heart Lake hike with a surprisingly open summit view over the High Peaks and two short route options.
Gain 710 ft
High Peaks • 4.2 mi • Moderate
Mount Adams Fire Tower
Mount Adams Fire Tower is a steep Upper Works-area climb with a historic tower and exceptional views over the central High Peaks.
Gain 1,250 ft
High Peaks Region • 7.6 mi • Difficult
Big Slide Mountain
Big Slide Mountain is a scenic High Peak best known for the Brothers ridge, ledge views, and Garden access from Keene Valley.
Gain 2,800 ft
High Peaks • 6.8 mi • Difficult
Hurricane Mountain
Hurricane Mountain is a Lake Placid 9er fire-tower summit with multiple approaches, open ledges, and excellent High Peaks views.
Gain 2,000 ft
Northern Region • 7.5 mi • Difficult
Jay Mountain
Jay Mountain is a scenic ridge hike in the Jay Mountain Wilderness, known for open ledges and broad views without High Peaks crowds.
Gain 1,950 ft
Eastern • 3 mi • Moderate
Poko-Moonshine Fire Tower
Poke-O-Moonshine pairs a steep cliffside mountain trail with a restored fire tower and broad views over the northeastern Adirondacks.
Gain 1,200 ft
High Peaks • 5.4 mi • Moderate Hard
Ampersand Mountain
Ampersand Mountain is a steep Saranac Lake 6er with a forested approach, rocky upper climb, and broad open summit views.
Gain 1,770 ft
Central • 3.8 mi • Moderate
Goodnow Mountain Fire Tower
Goodnow Fire Tower is a moderate Newcomb fire-tower hike with a restored summit tower and broad views over High Peaks country.
Gain 1,100 ft
High Peaks • 1.6 mi • Beginner
Boreas Ponds
Boreas Ponds is a High Peaks-edge water destination where quiet road walking leads to broad water, wild shoreline, and mountain views.
Gain 99 ft
High Peaks • 8.5 mi • Moderate
Rainbow Falls
Rainbow Falls is a classic 150-foot AMR waterfall reached by a full-day Lake Road approach to Lower Ausable Lake, with bridges, junctions, slippery footing, and a dramatic canyon-like finish.
Gain 1,100 ft
High Peaks • 0.6 mi • Easy
Roaring Brook Falls
Roaring Brook Falls is an easy-access Route 73 waterfall stop with a short base approach and Giant Mountain trail connections.
Gain 100 ft
Central • 6.7 mi • Moderate Hard
OK Slip Falls
OK Slip Falls is a moderate Hudson Gorge Wilderness hike to a dramatic Adirondack waterfall overlook reached from the Route 28 corridor.
Gain 600 ft
Central • 1.6 mi • Easy
Castle Rock
Castle Rock is a Blue Mountain Lake hike to cliffs, small caves, and open views over the lake and surrounding mountains.
Gain 440 ft
Eastern • 3.4 mi • Moderate
Cat Mountain
Cat Mountain is a moderate Lake George climb with rugged upper footing, a compact summit, and wide views over Lake George.
Gain 1,150 ft
Related categories
Fire Towers
Find Adirondack fire tower hikes with open summit views, historic towers, and routes worth comparing by region, distance, and elevation.
Waterfalls
Browse waterfall hikes and water-focused destinations across the Adirondacks, from short stops to fuller day hikes.
Lakes and Ponds
Find hikes that lead to Adirondack lakes, ponds, shorelines, dams, and quiet water-focused destinations.