High Peaks Wilderness · Lake Placid Region

Porter Mountain

Heading out? Conditions change fast and help can be hours away. What to bring ↓

Distance5.6 miRound trip
Summit4,059 ftElevation
Ascent1,960 ftTotal gain

Often hiked with Cascade, Porter Mountain is the #38 Adirondack High Peak and shares the same trail most of the way to the top. It is not a much longer hike than Cascade, and its beautiful views of the Cascade Lakes and surrounding peaks make it a worthwhile morning or afternoon hike.

The route

The hike starts at the Cascade and Porter trailhead on Route 73 and shares its first 2.1 miles with the Cascade trail.

0 – 0.7 mi

Trailhead to the brook

The trail begins by briefly heading downhill from the trailhead before climbing gradually and steadily. Around 0.5 miles it crosses a brook.
0.7 – 1.8 mi

The steep climb to the ledge

The trail gets steeper at 0.7 miles and holds this gradient for another 0.5 miles. It then climbs steeply for another 0.5 miles to a ledge with a good lookout at 1.8 miles.
1.8 – 2.1 mi

Ledge to the Y

At 2.1 miles the trail comes to a Y. Follow the trail to the right up Porter.
From 2.1 mi

The Y to the summit

The trail dips briefly into a col before climbing moderately to a large boulder not far from the top. Continue onward at a gentle grade to the summit.

The views

Porter has beautiful views of the Cascade Lakes and surrounding peaks.

Often hiked with

Porter is often paired with Cascade Mountain, since the two share a trail until the Y at 2.1 miles.

High Peak details

Difficulty: Moderate-to-strenuous
46er rank: #38 of 46
Range: Cascade and Porter
Trail type: Marked trail
Trailhead: Route 73, 4.5 miles from Adirondack Loj Road

Trailhead and map

Heading from Lake Placid to Keene on Route 73, the trailhead for Cascade and Porter is 4.5 miles from the intersection of Route 73 and Adirondack Loj Road. There are alternate parking areas before and after the trailhead along the same side of the road if the parking area directly in front of the trailhead is full.

Trail resources

Conditions: Conditions change fast. Check current trail conditions and DEC's High Peaks page before heading out.

#37 South Dix #39 Mount Colvin All 46 High Peaks

Before you go

Adirondack weather turns quickly, cell service is unreliable, and help can be hours away. Pick a plan that fits your group's fitness and experience.

Layers and rain gear, even in summer. Skip cotton
A headlamp, so you are not relying on your phone
A map and compass, or navigation that works offline
More food and water than you expect to need, plus first aid
In cold months, carry traction. In the Eastern High Peaks, skis or snowshoes are required when snow is 8 inches or deeper
Staying overnight in the Eastern High Peaks? A bear-resistant canister is required from April 1 to November 30
Leave your route and return time with someone
Check the forecast and current conditions, and know when the sun sets
Turn back if weather worsens, someone is exhausted, or dark is coming

Plan on getting yourself out. Rangers can be hours away, cell service can't be counted on, and every rescue puts other people at risk. If someone is seriously hurt, lost or in danger, don't wait. Call 911 or DEC Forest Ranger Dispatch at 833-NYS-RANGERS (833-697-7264). Save that number before you leave. Read DEC's Hike Smart NY guidance and current Adirondack backcountry conditions.

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