Unless you're hiking all the way up Whiteface Mountain, you only have two other options to make your way to the summit — walk through a long tunnel and take an elevator ride 27-stories up or climb the staircase that makes up the Stairway Ridge Trail. The climb out of the col isn’t too dramatic, but tends to seem to drag on a bit before it reaches the summit. This had some rough moments for me. However the mud was on another level - slowed us way down and took us longer than anticipated in order to avoid slipping and being completely drenched. Be sure to not stop at the false summit prior to final push, this can be easy to do when visibility is poor. This trip was very unique because there were opportunities to combine several forms of hiking and even skiing. Temps in the 30's to 50's, wind 20 to 30 mph. Hiking stats at a glance: Trailhead: Atmospheric Science Research Center Miles Round trip: ~10 Total Elevation Gain: ~3,975 2 High Peaks: Whiteface (4,867 ft), Esther (4,239 ft) 1 Non-High Peak: Marble Mountain (2,753 ft) Weather: 40-50 Degrees, ~5 mph winds, Bluebird Day I climbed Whiteface and Esther for the first time in January 2015… So, decided to start at Wilmington Reservoir up Marble Mountain. The summit is an open rock with nice views. I was really excited about this trip because I was staying at the KOA campground near Whiteface and it was peak foliage! Directions to Wilmington Trail: Whiteface is separated from 44 of the other high peaks, standing seemingly alone to the northeast of Lake Placid. It was 16 degrees starting at the trailhead and 40 degrees when I returned, a perfect day! Minutes to Lake Everest, Whiteface Mountain Resort, Lake Placid and endless outdoor activities, Esther Mountain Chalet is your dream vacation … Look for the plaque on the ground at esther! In response to Kevin... we didn’t see your number on the box lol. We’ve got the best ideas for things to do on your next Adirondack adventure, and we will deliver them right to your inbox! trail as many hikers forgo the trail altogether and come up the closed road. The descent back down was uneventful, and the last stretch on the old Marble Mountain is tough, stepping over loose rolling rocks is a grind. Yes, the ice wasn't enough to make you wear microspikes but there were parts where it was all ice and I had to grab from pine limbs to make sure I didn't slip. Trail up Marble and Lookout was very icy but spikes handled it ok. Great day to hike! - The first 2.5 miles is a great hike with soft footing through birch and maple trees with vivid red, orange, and bright yellow colors everywhere you look. Directions to Wilmington Trail: The plan was for us to hike Esther from ASRC while my grandma, grandpa, mom, and sister would get lunch in Placid and drive up Whiteface to… Wilmington Reservoir Trail Head. Of the 46 Adirondack High Peaks, Esther ranks number 28 and is the northern most High Peak. - From the summit I descended the Wilmington Trail down to the herd path junction for Esther Mountain. 34° F Whiteface Mountain Search for: Search. The trail is not labeled with a DEC sign. Wilmington Reservoir Trail Head. At that point the trail becomes steeper and exposed as it reaches the summit ridge. Ski lift at the top of one of the Whiteface Mtn. Bring lots of layers this time of year and I don't know what I would have done without crampons and a hiking stick for the last mile up Whiteface! From the summit of Lookout, you will descend for a while to a col between Lookout and Esther. Good time of year to check Esther off as the usually muddy trail is all frozen over. Wilmington Reservoir Trail Head. Above the intersection with the road snowshoes would have Ben better but decided it wasn’t worth time to make the change. This is the herd path to Esther Mountain, which has no official trail. downhill at the whiteface mountain bike park. The Flume Trails from the Overflow Parking Lot, Corridor, Ridge, Marble Mountain, Whiteface Mountain Trail, Little Whiteface Mountain Gondola via Base Lodge, Bear Den Mountain from Lake Placid and Whiteface Mountain KOA. Most people hiking up Whiteface detour over to Esther Mountain on the ascent or descent, as Esther is another High Peak and most of the effort required to climb Esther is long before the trails split. Took us 5 and a half hours including stops but we kept the summit a short stop since it was so cold!! If only the clouds cleared up just a bit more. Temps in the 30's to 50's, wind 20 to 30 mph. All three approaches can be accessed in winter. Finished at 1:48. Mountains #11 (Esther) and #12 (Whiteface). This area is home to marked backcountry mountain biking trails, a rare sight in the high peaks region (right). Whiteface Mountain Regional Visitors Bureau, P.O. The approach intersects the trail the ASRC; the only difference is it is a bit longer. We went over Lookout Mountain at 4085′, down into a col, and then back up to the summit of Esther Mountain at 4240′. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is best used from May until October. Posted on July 30, 2011. Many ADK 46ers make the trip to nearby Esther Mountainin order to hit two of the high peaks in one combined trip. Whiteface Mountain Summit Trail is a 10.1 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Wilmington, New York that features a great forest setting and is rated as difficult. Most make the hike via the Wilmington Trail from NY 431, which first steeply climbs to the 2753 foot Marble Mountain. Headed on the Wilmington Trail Going right at the junction towards Lookout Mtn. Loved this! Marked on the Whiteface Mountain Trail by a very large cairn with an orange rod sticking out. Esther was named after Esther McComb who, at the age of 15, made the first recorded ascent of the peak. Esther was our #46!!! Proper winter attire and gear is critical here. Little bit of wind on top but the sun was out and we had amazing views on Whiteface. It is a popular mountain to visit in the winter, by foot, by ski, and by board. *NOTE*Be aware of heavy winds and frigid temperatures on the summit and along the upper ridgeline. From Esther Mountain, backtrack to the junction. Was at the junction with the other trail up Marble (the Atmospheric Science Research Center) by 640. It remains steady until the trail then swings right and up steeply to just below the summit of Marble Mountain at the intersection with the primary trail above. Marble Mountain is rather steep and in the summer, if it's been dry, can have challenging footing. Moosic Mountain; Dick and Nancy Eales Preserve; Nay Aug Gorge; My Gear; Whiteface and Esther Mountain Hike; Adirondack High Peaks. through the trees from Lookout Mountain Summit of Mount Esther (Our 12th of the 46 High Peaks) Whiteface Mtn. New York State Route 431 (NY 431) is open during June, July, August, September and October. After a quick 15 minute lunch and water break, Mike and Nick hung their packs on a tree split off to hike Esther Mountain while Teena and Lizzy continued their trek toward the summit of Whiteface. This is a 7.2 mile hike round trip that takes roughly 7 to 8 hours to complete in winter conditions. This was my first hike since hurting my foot, so I rested more regularly than usual. Your next adventure awaits you in your inbox! The round trip hike is 3.2 miles, vertical 1,432 feet. Beautiful views. Whiteface is home to the greatest vertical drop east of the Rockies, with 90 trails stretching over 25 miles and encompassing three peaks. area topo map. Once I got back from Esther, the hike towards Whiteface was simpler, until I hit the ice. Whiteface was great. Round Trip Distance: I have no idea…fitbit says 17.5 miles, but that can’t be right….maybe 10-11 miles? 6 days ago. This is at almost exactly 4,000 feet in elevation and the trail becomes steep again after this point. trail as many hikers forgo the trail altogether and come up the closed road. What makes Whiteface unique is the fact that there is a … It is almost all by itself, a lonely peak separated by the rest of the 46 peaks, with a world-famous ski resort on its’ eastern side. Notice the great brick wall that holds the ground beneath the road. https://dailey7779.blogspot.com/2014/08/whiteface-and-esther.html Esther – 12/46 – 4,239 ft. Whiteface – 13/46 – 4,865 ft. There are no views the entire length of the Esther Mountain Trail. This is a 9.4 mile out-and-back hike with 3900 cumulative feet of elevation gain that takes about 4-6 hours to complete. Whiteface is often climbed with Esther Mountain, another High Peak. From the junction, the grade is gentle until the trail meets the Whiteface Memorial Highway. Only about 3-4 inches at the tops. Whiteface mountain ski and bike runs, and shopping in an artists' community. in the distance from the summit of Mount Esther. In fact, that trail was one of the nicest trails we ever … They were already there when we arrived at 7:20. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Below are brief descriptions of the two major routes. Read more on the primary trail above. Totally worth it all for the views, was beaming on the way down :) I started at 6 and got to the top by 1030 (went to the lookout on esther), finished at 2. Another popular alternative is to hike the mountain via Whiteface Landing and Connery Pond, which is a mile longer and doesn’t have easy access to Esther, but is beautiful and enjoyable in its own right. I expected Whiteface Mountain to be the lamest of the high peaks. WHITEFACE AND ESTHER WINTER HIKE! Fun but definitely challenging! New York’s Whiteface Mountain: Breathtaking Views, One Exciting Challenge. Description You can only access the Esther Mountain Trail by first taking the Whiteface Mountain Trail. There are two different routes to hike up, or you can simply drive your car up the Whiteface Memorial Highway, which snakes its’ way up the Northeastern slope. Strange request - I haven't done this hike but I believe someone has posted my phone number on a green electrical type box which I believe to be somewhere on this hike. Short day in terms of daylight! Whiteface Mountain: 4867′ Esther Mountain: 4240′ Marble Mountain:2753′ Total Duration: ~8.5 Hours. posted by | Staff Writer. Once on the herd path for Esther, you will notice the trees become heavily weighted down from snow and make the passage quite narrow. The Marble Mountain section used to be an old ski slope and you will be able to see that in the old cement footers that still line the trail. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. 7:45 hours later we were back at the car with a half hour stop at Whiteface and twenty minutes on Esther — this is truly a day hike… Esther Whiteface Mtn. We got to the trail head around 7 am. I do not suggest hiking up the route in summer as the traffic can be heavy many people do go this way in winter as it is a fun ski down. Once I got to the Esther-Whiteface intersection and I made a right to Esther things got muddy as hell. The trail really hits hard at first. This trip report documents a September first traverse of the peaks of Esther and Whiteface (in the Northern Adirondacks), from North to South, starting at the Marble Mountain trailhead and ending at the Connery Pond trailhead. This time it was a much smaller group (not everyone could be convinced to do this one again) - just me, Hiking Buddy, her youngest son (doing a hike of this length for the first time) and my youngest, who is also working on his 46. Could someone who is doing this hike please smudge it out? Whiteface and Esther Mountain Hike; Adirondack High Peaks; Wolf Rocks Hike; Forbes State Forest PA; Woodstock Fire Tower; Virginia Hike; Nepa Trails. ski trails. Only Mt. Notice the great brick wall that holds the ground beneath the road. ski trails. We woke up at 5:45 and were out the door by 6:45 and heading to the Atmospheric Science Research Center (ASRC) to meet BillB and Eagleye for a trip to Esther and Whiteface. They were already there when we arrived at 7:20. Description You can only access the Esther Mountain Trail by first taking the Whiteface Mountain Trail. I chose the Marble Mountain approach for a few important reasons. Back in my car, I could tell my knees definitely felt the steepness of this hike and its rocky conditions. SHARE TWEET Growing up in Western Pennsylvania invited weekend retreats deep into the Appalachian Mountains for hiking, camping, fishing, canoeing, and more than a few bonfires. It is advised that hikers are … This is a moderate level hike, some experience recommended. A friend and I hiked two of the Adirondack high peaks today: Whiteface and Esther mountains. The only view at the top is the one you see behind you of Whiteface mountain. It took about 30 minutes to reach the summit of Esther, arriving at 1:15pm, hiking at the brisk pace of an 11-year old travel-hockey-playing boy. Frozen!! Start planning your Adirondack vacation today! Due to that separation, Whiteface is easy to identify from a distance, especially given the distinctive slides, ski slopes, and castle-like structure perched up top. What makes Whiteface unique is the fact that there is a … This time it was a much smaller group (not everyone could be convinced to do this one again) - just me, Hiking Buddy, her youngest son (doing a hike of this length for the first time) and my youngest, who is also working on his 46. Rock tower on which the Whiteface Memorial Highway is built … 0450 started hike 0535 Marble Mountain summit 0645 Esther/Whiteface junction 0800 Whiteface summit 0815 left summit 1005 Esther summit 1015 left summit 1220 reached … Completed Whiteface and Esther on 10/17. No green leaves, no reds, all gone, not much beauty, but the lookouts at Whiteface are spectacular. Lookout (I think that’s the name, regardless, where the trail splits for Esther or Whiteface), that first 2+ is a total slog/grind. Esther, the 28th highest peak standing at 4,239 feet, sits in the shadow of Whiteface. Esther was a 15-year-old girl who made the first recorded summit of the mountain back in the 1850s “for the sheer joy of climbing.” June 2, 2018ADK Trip. It was 16 degrees starting at the trailhead and 40 degrees when I returned, a perfect day! The hike was just under 10 miles. Easily accessible, convenient and surprisingly affordable. Whiteface Mountain is the fifth highest peak among the 46 high peaks of the Adirondack region, standing 4,867 feet above sea level. Hiked Whiteface and Esther. and Mt. The whole trail was fairly gradual and easy compared to the rest of the day’s hike. A friend and I hiked two of the Adirondack high peaks today: Whiteface and Esther mountains. There are several trail options to choose from. Wilmington Wild Forest is open for recreation: Year-round The hike to Esther felt longer than anticipated because of the mud. March 22, 2018, I started at the Atmospheric sciences research center in Willmington, NY. Due to that separation, Whiteface is easy to identify from a distance, especially given the distinctive slides, ski slopes, and castle-like structure perched up top. I did Esther first, then Whiteface, and did a lot of extra nosing around.... had both peaks to myself the entirety of my stay on them, 10-15 in Esther (cool plaque), 45min -including a 20min power nap in the sun on Whiteface. Yes muddy and a bit icy but easily dodged by going slightly off trail or holding onto trees on the side. June 2, 2018ADK Trip. A third option for hiking Whiteface is a longer hike from the south, but it is not possible to climb Esther via this route. Whiteface Mountain is a unique mountain in that it has a perfectly good access road to just below the summit. Esther has one single view of whiteface but that’s about it. Marked on the Whiteface Mountain Trail by a very large cairn with an orange rod sticking out. We got to the trail head around 7 am. Whiteface and Esther are the northern-most of the Adirondack high peaks, set well apart from the rest. At that point the trail becomes steeper and exposed as it reaches the summit ridge. We hiked along enjoing views of both Whiteface and Esther peaks in the brilliant sunshine. Intermediate | 3.2 miles | 2.5 hours The hike begins in the Bear Den parking lot. Perhaps the muddy conditions for the most part of the trail after the first mile and a half and the ice starting after the path next to the road made me a little distressed. Right is the route you will want. Challenging. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. There are no views the entire length of the Esther Mountain Trail. Hiking trip report for Whiteface Mountain and Esther Mountain, located in Adirondack Park, New York. Both mountains are located in the Wilmington Wild Forest of the Adirondacks near Lake Placid. The most popular route to Esther is to take the Wilmington-Whiteface trail from either direction until one begins to flank the sides of the hump marked as Lookout Mountain on most maps. Esther is a High Peak located off the shoulder of Whiteface Mountain, a much bigger sister peak, and makes for an excellent and rewarding side trip on the way to climbing Whiteface. in the distance from the summit of Mount Esther. Traction devices, such as snowshoes and spikes, are necessary to traverse the icy sections and deep snows. Which meant climbing Whiteface again. All images are property of adktrailtalesandtails and may only be used with express permission. All images are property of adktrailtalesandtails and may only be used with express permission. There are clearly many great benefits to hiking in the winter and I have experienced them all. The planning and organization of this trip was done by hiking acquaintaince Julie Moran. There is a plaque on the summit in commemoration of Esther McComb. Esther was named after Esther McComb who, at the age of 15, made the first recorded ascent of the peak. The main route along the Wilmington Trail is a 5.2 mile one way hike from NY 431 to the top of Whiteface Mountain with an elevation gain of nearly 3700 feet. Total Mileage: 9.8 miles Trail head directions 44.394650,-73.857951. Once you hit the road, microspikes are needed - very slippery. Part II of the “crazy” back to back hikes was actually pretty tame. This route is used as often as the primary trail and offers a slightly easier grade but more elevation gain. From the top of Marble Mountain you will come to an intersection, left is the secondary trail outlined below. Whiteface and Esther are the northern-most of the Adirondack high peaks, set well apart from the rest. I hadn't yet climbed Esther, so this was a good chance to do them both. Very frozen, undoable without microspikes but a very beautiful hike. In February 2019 I did my first winter hike and to say that I was "hooked" would be an understatement. Then a short walk through a manmade passage, within the mountain, will bring you to an elevator which will deliver you to the visitor’s area near the summit. Esther is often climbed with Whiteface Mountain. Was on trail at about 6 … forget how much light we lose in late August, so first 20 minutes or so I was trying out my new headlamp. This was my first hike since hurting my foot, so I rested more regularly than usual. We reached a lookout near the top of Marble Mountain for a quick break and then joined the Wilmington Trail to head towards Whiteface Mountain. Esther is a High Peak located off the shoulder of Whiteface Mountain, a much bigger sister peak, and makes for an excellent and rewarding side trip on the way to climbing Whiteface. Total rise: 3829′ Facebook. Wilmington Reservoir Trail Head. through the trees from Lookout Mountain Summit of Mount Esther (Our 12th of the 46 High Peaks) Whiteface Mtn. After about 2.5 miles you will come to a rather large cairn at a trail intersection. Primary Trailhead: From the four-way stop sign in Wilmington, take the turn onto Route 431 (Whiteface Mountain Road) toward the Toll Road. It is almost all by itself, a lonely peak separated by the rest of the 46 peaks, with a world-famous ski resort on its’ eastern side. and Mt. The hike was just under 10 miles. From Esther Mountain, backtrack to the junction. Esther- no views, in terrible condition due to the mud- but if you have good balance it’s fun to jump from rock to roots to keep from getting covered. - The first 2.5 miles is a great hike with soft footing through birch and maple trees with vivid red, orange, and bright yellow colors everywhere you look. There are two different routes to hike up, or you can simply drive your car up the Whiteface Memorial Highway, which snakes its’ way up the Northeastern slope. Enjoy! The journey to Esther and Whiteface begins at the base of a defunct ski resort, with a 1000 vertical foot march up an old t-bar line (left). Follow here, go 2.4 miles to the Atmospheric Science Research Center Road on the left. Esther is often climbed with Whiteface Mountain. There are clearly many great benefits to hiking in the winter and I have experienced them all. Beautiful gift of a nice weather day in November, gotta take off work to bag 9 and 10! Esther is a High Peak located off the shoulder of Whiteface Mountain, a much bigger sister peak, and makes for an excellent and rewarding side trip on the way to climbing Whiteface. Making a right onto the herd-path you will climb a bit to the summit of Lookout Mountain where you will have outstanding views to the north. Matt Lancashire/Flickr. SHARE TWEET Growing up in Western Pennsylvania invited weekend retreats deep into the Appalachian Mountains for hiking, camping, fishing, canoeing, and more than a few bonfires. Headed on the Wilmington Trail Going right at the junction towards Lookout Mtn. From the trailhead you descend a bit to a very long and steep climb up Marble Mountain. - On trail at 7:45am, Esther 9:55am, Whiteface 11:20am, finished 1:30pm. Most that do the hike to Esther are ADK 46ers and hike to Whiteface Mountain as well, hitting both of these ADK high peaks with one trip. posted by | Staff Writer. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is best used from May until October. Whiteface Mountain a popular ski resort with the greatest vertical east of the Rockies. - Eventually, the Connary Trail pops out above the trees on the exposed southern ridge of Whiteface Mountain. I really enjoyed this hike....the views are awesome and you feel like you are on top of the world. Esther was named after Esther McComb who, at the age of 15, made the first recorded ascent of the peak. In February 2019 I did my first winter hike and to say that I was "hooked" would be an understatement. Whiteface is home to the greatest vertical drop east of the Rockies, with 90 trails stretching over 25 miles and encompassing three peaks. Esther Mountain Esther was named after Esther McComb who, at the age of 15, made the first recorded ascent of the peak. Posted on Posted on: September 21, 2020 by aoconnor. After a short break on a flatter section you will start a demanding climb through an evergreen forest that opens up a few views along the way. Which meant climbing Whiteface again. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Once on the summit, there may be heavy winds and frigid temperatures. Awesome day. ... Bear Den Mountain Hike. red shows where we walked...blue shows what we also considered as a route . I woke at 3, got to the trailhead at 7, and that first 2+ miles until you get to Mt. It was overcast but milder. We took a longer snack break there and enjoyed the fairly level path until the ski lift. Actually made the walk more engaging and very hard to get bored. Find More Hikes in Adirondack Mountains Follow this road around the one-way roundabout to the trail and parking on the right, just past a dirt road that descends into the woods. Whiteface, Lookout and Esther Mountains is a 9.5 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Wilmington, New York that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as difficult. Whiteface and Esther Mountain Hike Parking GPS Coordinates: 44.39408, -73.85774 SUNY Atmospheric Sciences Research Center. No worries about mud today. The past 3 years of hiking and 23 trips had resulted in just 2 peaks left. This is a High Peak, meaning there will be significant elevation gain and rugged terrain that brings you to one of the tallest mountains in New York. I was really excited about this trip because I was staying at the KOA campground near Whiteface and it was peak foliage! The first two miles are pretty tough and the last scramble up whiteface....other than that it's not too difficult. For the most part, the grade isn’t too steep but it is very steady. Part II of the “crazy” back to back hikes was actually pretty tame. Whiteface and Esther Mountains in Wilmington, NY are both on the Adirondack High Peaks list, and are both often hiked together since close together. From the trailhead you will hike through an attractive open forest along a well-trodden foot trail for 1.2 miles. Happy hiking! March 22, 2018, I started at the Atmospheric sciences research center in Willmington, NY. Most make the hike via the Wilmington Trail from NY 431, which first steeply climbs to the 2753 foot Marble Mountain. I chose the Marble Mountain approach for a few important reasons. Only Mt. Round Trip Distance: I have no idea…fitbit says 17.5 miles, but that can’t be right….maybe 10-11 miles? Check out our new interactive Whiteface trail map below and discover what lifts and trails are open, find locations for mountain services like restaurants and ski patrol, and plan the best ski day EVER! Esther, the 28th highest peak standing at 4,239 feet, sits in the shadow of Whiteface. Secondary Trailhead: From the four-way stop sign in Wilmington, take the turn onto Route 431 (Whiteface Mountain Road) toward the Toll Road. Definitely slowed us down but the weather was great. The start of Esther trail was well erroded, but the rest of it, another 1.25 miles to the summit was quite pleasant, even in the foggy mist. Esther is often climbed with Whiteface Mountain. Esther – 12/46 – 4,239 ft. Whiteface – 13/46 – 4,865 ft. The most popular winter trailhead hikers can access is via the Wilmington Trail from the Atmosphere Science Research Center. Most that do the hike to Esther are ADK 46ers and hike to Whiteface Mountain as well, hitting both of these ADK high peaks with one trip. Few places on earth can claim to be THIS CLOSE to this much. A dusting of snow had fallen above 4,000 feet above sea level. I got to the trailhead around 8:30 on a Friday morning, the day after DEC lifted the mud advisory for the High Peaks. While there are not many steep sections over this one mile trail, it is often filled with water and mud. Wilmington Wild Forest - Whiteface and Esther Mountains ***Please respect private property.Stay on designated trails*** ***Practice Leave No Trace Principles*** ***Emergency contact 518-891-0235*** The Whiteface Mtn trail which ascends nearly 3,700 feet and traverses 5.2 mile from the trailhead to the summit of the mountain. Check out our new interactive Whiteface trail map below and discover what lifts and trails are open, find locations for mountain services like restaurants and ski patrol, and plan the best ski day EVER! You can take the easy way up by driving up the Whiteface Memorial Highway from Whilminton and then the elevator to the top. There are several trail options to choose from. This trip was very unique because there were opportunities to combine several forms of hiking and even skiing. Once past the junction for Marble Mountain the trail becomes wet and muddy, the usual for Adirondack trails. Esther is a High Peak located off the shoulder of Whiteface Mountain, a much bigger sister peak, and makes for an excellent and rewarding side trip on the way to climbing Whiteface. Whiteface Mountain is the fifth highest peak among the 46 high peaks of the Adirondack region, standing 4,867 feet above sea level. WHITEFACE AND ESTHER WINTER HIKE! It was overcast but milder. 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