Silver Lake Mountain

Silver Lake Mountain - Pure Adirondacks

Often overlooked and less frequently climbed than many other peaks in the area, Silver Lake Mountain is a quick and easy hike with a great but not often seen view of Whiteface from its summit. It’s a great hike for families and often climbed by those staying at the Silver Lake Campground in the summer.

Trail Stats:

Distance: 2 miles round-trip
Elevation: 2,374 ft
Ascent: 938 ft

The trail up Silver Lake Mountain is only 0.9 miles to the top. It begins easily through the woods for the first 0.3 miles, at which point it opens up into a small clearing. Here, the trail begins to travel upward moderately, whereupon you will reach a brief lookout through the trees at 0.5 miles. The trail then opens up and travels along with some rock scrambling across the rock ledges that lead to the summit at 0.9 miles. Once atop Silver Lake Mountain, be sure to take in the view of Whiteface in the near distance and Silver Lake below. This hike is also a great one to do in the winter, as it often gets less snow than the Lake Placid region and thus can be more easily summited.

Directions to the Trailhead:

From Wilmington, take Bonnieview Road to the end. At the T, take a left on Silver Lake Road. Follow this road for just over 5.5 miles until you reach the trailhead on your right.


Keep it PURE

Remember to Leave No Trace! Buy a physical map, read it, plan, and prepare. Think about the NYS Rangers and medical personnel that exhaust themselves for a rescue that could have been avoided. Pack out your trash. Use a bear canister when primitive camping and cook away from where you’re sleeping. Do the rock walk to help reduce the impact on fragile alpine vegetation. Camp at designated campsites and never camp on or near summits.

Trail Conditions

Know before you go
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