Cascade Mountain is located in Lake Placid, NY and features incredible views of many Adirondack high peaks, Lake Champlain, and even the Green Mountains of Vermont. Due to the outstanding views, and ease of access, this is one of the most popular hikes in all 4 seasons.
Height:Â 4,098 feet (1,249 meters)
Distance: 4.8Â miles (7.72 km)
Elevation Gain: 1,899Â feet (579 meters)
Difficulty:Â Intermediate
Duration:Â 4-5 hours
Trails
Cascade Mountain Trail – 4.8 miles
This trail is the most common way for hikers to summit Cascade Mountain. It is an out and back trail that features a mostly gradual gain to the summit. Around 1.8 miles into the trail, you will get your fits good views, and will reach the summit in 2.4 miles.
Porter Mountain is often combined with Cascade Mountain and ads 1.4 miles total to the hike with a quick out and back trip.
Trail Map
Hiking in Winter
Cascade Mountain is a great option for a winter hike due to the short mileage and popularity of hikers. It does feature a few icy and steep sections that microspikes will help greatly in. The summit is exposed and can be very windy and cold in winter months.
Directions
There is parking along NY-73 in various spots near the trailhead.
Weather Forecast
Lake Placid, NY
Today
Areas of blowing snow and a chance of snow showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 0. Wind chill values as low as -29. West wind 17 to 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.
Tonight
A slight chance of snow showers before 8pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around -2. Wind chill values as low as -26. West wind 16 to 23 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. New snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible.
Wednesday
A chance of snow showers after 9am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 14. Wind chill values as low as -19. Southwest wind 14 to 32 mph, with gusts as high as 56 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.
Wednesday Night
A chance of snow showers before 7pm, then areas of blowing snow between 7pm and 1am, then a chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 14. Wind chill values as low as -9. Southwest wind 23 to 35 mph, with gusts as high as 58 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.
Thursday
A chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 22. Southwest wind around 24 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.
Thursday Night
A chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 2. West wind 21 to 24 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible.
Friday
A slight chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 7. West wind 20 to 25 mph.
Pictures
Cascade Mountain trailhead sign from road
Looking up towards Cascade Mountain Summit
Views of Cascade Mountain from Porter Mountain
Trail Junction between Porter Mountain and Cascade Mountain
Max DesMarais is the founder of myoutdoorbasecamp.com. He has a passion for the outdoors and making outdoor education and adventure more accessible. Max is a published author for various outdoor adventure, travel, and marketing websites. He is an experienced hiker, backpacker, fly fisherman, backcountry skier, trail runner, and spends his free time in the outdoors. These adventures allow him to test gear, learn new skills, and experience new places so that he can educate others. Max grew up hiking all around New Hampshire and New England. He became obsessed with the New Hampshire mountains, and the NH 48, where he guided hikes and trail runs in the White Mountains. Since moving out west, Max has continued climbed all of the Colorado 14ers, completed multiple ultra marathons, including the 100 mile Run Rabbit Run, is always testing gear, learning skills, gaining experience, and building his endurance for outdoor sports. You can read more about his experience here: hikingandfishing/about
