Hikes in the Wilmington Whiteface Mountain Region

Local Hikes when Visiting Whiteface Mountain Region, Wilmington NY

Basic Outdoor Tips

Don't travel alone, Plan plenty of time, Carry a map or directions of the area you are hiking, Bring Plenty of Water & Snack, Wear appropriate clothing and shoes, Don't Liter, Pack out what you pack in, Be aware of the season you are hiking in.

Trail to Winch, Owens, and Copperas Ponds - 3 mi. loop, Moderate

This trio of ponds makes a relaxing hike with little climbing-views of Great Cliff and Whiteface. Nice spots for picnic & there is a lean to at Copperas Pond. Two entrances off Route 86 in Wilmington Notch, approximately 1 mile apart 3.0 miles round trip.

1. Turn right out of the driveway towards lake Placid.
2. Take Rt. 86 approximately 5 miles through the Notch.
3. Look for trail head parking lot just west of the Notch.
3. Trail begins of south side of the highway up the hill.

Trail to Whiteface Landing & Connery Pond - 6.2 mi. round trip, Easy

Walk through the forest and rolling terrain to Whiteface Landing where you can sun, swim or camp at Whiteface Brook lean-to.

The trailhead begins near Connery Pond off Route 86 between Wilmington and Lake Placid. The up-and down Hike of 5 miles one way ends on Lake Placid with lovely hardwood stands and a bonus view of Whiteface Mountain across Connery Pond for those willing to venture a short distance off the direct route 1. Turn right out of the driveway and go west towards Lake Placid.
2. Look for trail head parking just past the River Rd turn off on Rt. 86.
3. Follow the signs to Connery Pond.
4. Trail begins at the gate.

Trail to Catamount Mt. - 3.8 mi. round trip, Strenuous.

One of the most spectacular small peaks in the Adirondacks. The trail is not marked or maintained but is relatively easy to follow. Be careful of the open ledges. 1. Turn left out of the driveway.
2. Turn left at the stop sign onto County 431 and follow the road up the mountain.
3. Bear right just before the Whiteface Memorial highway.
4. Turn right on Roseman Rd.
5. At the stop sign, turn right onto Forestdale Rd.
6. Trail is on left side of Forestdale Rd., approximately .33mi. from the stop sign

Trail to Copperkiln Pond - 5.2 mi. round trip, Easy.

Walk through a notch between the Stephenson and Wilmington ranges to a seldom-visited pond and lean-to. Offers an exceptional downhill ski run of almost 2,000 ft. 1. Turn left out of the driveway.
2. Turn left at the stop sign onto County 431 and follow the road up the mountain.
3. Approximately .25 mi. past the turn off for the Whiteface Memorial highway, there will be a pull off on the right side of the road.
4. The trail begins on a old dirt road

Trail to Whiteface Mt. - 5.2 mi. one way, Very strenuous.

Impressive 360 degree views from summit. On a clear day you can see Lake Champlain, Vermont and Montreal, in addition to Lake Placid and the Whiteface Mountain region. You can also drive the highway to the top (May-October; small admission fee to drive). 1. Turn left out of the driveway.
2. Turn left at the stop sign onto County 431 and follow the road up the mountain.
3. Approximately 1/2 mile from stop sign, turn right onto Reservoir Rd.
4. Trail begins at the Reservoir.