Porter Mountain is a gorgeous peak that is frequently summited in conjunction with the very popular Cascade Mountain. It features a small rock summit, and a rock ledge with fantastic views.
Height: 4,058 feet (1237 meters)
Distance: 5.6 miles (9.01 km)
Elevation Gain: 2,293 feet ( 698.9 meters)
Difficulty: Intermediate
Duration: 4-5 hours
Trails
Cascade Mountain Trail – 5.6 miles
This trail is the most common way for hikers to summit Cascade Mountain and Porter 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 of porter in 2.8 miles. The junction for the summits of Cascade Mountain and Porter Mountain is located 2.1 miles into the trail.
Trail Map
Directions
There is parking along NY-73 in various spots near the trailhead.
Winter Hiking
Porter Mountain is a fantastic winter hike due to the relatively short distance. It also doesn’t feature many steep or dangerous ice sections making it a frequently hiked winter ascent.
Weather Forecast
Lake Placid, NY
Overnight
Partly cloudy, with a low around 65. West wind around 10 mph. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Friday
A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms between 3pm and 4pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 72. West wind 3 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Friday Night
A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 3am, then showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62. Southwest wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Saturday
Showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 68. Southwest wind 6 to 14 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Saturday Night
Showers and thunderstorms before 8pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 61. Southwest wind 9 to 16 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Sunday
A chance of rain showers before 8am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 68. West wind around 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Sunday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 57. West wind 5 to 14 mph.
Pictures
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
