The best walks and hikes around Elizabethtown

The Owl Head Lookout trail offers a diverse and engaging hike through the Adirondack wilderness. You'll start on a dirt road, quickly transitioning into a gradual climb through a hemlock stand, then a northern hardwood forest dotted with erratics. Expect several stream crossings, some with footbridges, before a final steep push to the rocky outcrops of Owl Head Lookout, where you'll be rewarded with expansive panoramic views of peaks like Giant Mountain and Hurricane Mountain.

Planning your visit means considering the trail's unique access; it begins on private land and may only be open on weekdays, so check local advisories before you go. While the trail is rated moderate, the final 0.1 to 0.2 miles to the lookout is steep and eroded, requiring careful footing. Fall is a fantastic time for the sweeping forest views, but it's also a popular winter snowshoeing route, though microspikes are a good idea for icy patches.

This trail is a true Adirondack gem, often highlighted as a less-traveled alternative to more crowded hikes, offering immense scenic rewards for its moderate length and elevation gain. It's considered family-friendly, and about a mile in, you'll even find a swimming hole, making it a great spot to cool off on a warm day. The Owl Head Lookout trail is a 2.5-mile (3.9 km) hike with 1133 feet (345 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 1 hour and 42 minutes.

The East Hurricane Trail offers a classic Adirondack ascent, leading you through varied terrain to the open summit of Hurricane Mountain. You'll start on a singletrack that gradually steepens, eventually becoming a rocky scramble. Along the way, enjoy scenic views from ledges, culminating in breathtaking 360-degree panoramas from the summit and its climbable fire tower, showcasing the High Peaks, Lake Champlain, and the Green Mountains of Vermont.

This moderate hiking route covers 2.1 miles (3.4 km) with a substantial 1667 feet (508 metres) of elevation gain, typically requiring about 1 hour and 43 minutes to complete. It's a less crowded alternative to other routes up Hurricane Mountain, making it ideal if you prefer solitude. Dogs are welcome on the trail, but remember to keep them leashed. Plan your visit for a dry day to avoid muddy sections, and always check seasonal conditions before heading out.

Historically, this trail served as the route for fire tower observers, and you can still pass the site of their old cabin. Reaching the summit allows you to tick off one of the "ADK Fire Tower Challenge" peaks and is also part of the "Lake Placid 9er" list. The restored 35-foot fire tower on top provides an even more elevated perspective, making the effort truly worthwhile for those seeking iconic Adirondack views.

The East Trail to Blueberry Cobbles offers a rewarding Adirondack experience, quickly ascending through varied terrain to spectacular viewpoints. You'll start on a relatively level path before hitting a

The Owls Head Lookout via North Trail guides you through a varied Adirondack landscape, starting with a gentle stroll through northern hardwood forests dotted with impressive erratics. You'll navigate several stream crossings on footbridges and stepping stones before the terrain gradually steepens, culminating in a rewarding climb to the Owl Head Lookout. From the rocky summit, you're treated to sweeping panoramic views of iconic peaks like Giant Mountain and Rocky Peak Ridge, making this a truly memorable 4.9-mile (7.9 km) hike.

Planning your visit to this moderate trail, which typically takes around 3 hours and 10 minutes, is straightforward. The Owl Head Lookout Trailhead marks the start of your adventure. While specific parking details aren't always available, it's a good idea to plan for an early start, especially if you're visiting during the vibrant fall foliage season. If you're considering a winter hike, be aware that microspikes might be necessary for icy patches, as it's a popular route for snowshoeing.

This trail is considered a true gem within the Giant Mountain Wilderness, offering some of the most exceptional panoramic views in the Adirondacks. The rocky outcrops at the lookout provide perfect spots to relax and soak in the scenery. Its consistent, moderate challenge and high payoff views make it a favorite for those seeking a substantial hike without extreme difficulty, and it's often highlighted among the best hiking trails in the region.

The Blueberry Cobbles – Bald Peak loop from New Russia Parking Area offers a truly rewarding Adirondack experience, taking you through varied terrain from lower-elevation forests to exposed granite summits. You'll navigate a sustained, steep climb towards Bald Peak, with sections of Class 2 scrambling that add to the adventure. The highlight, beyond the challenging ascent, is the Blueberry Cobbles section, known for its seasonal bounty and early views, culminating in panoramic vistas from Bald Peak of Lake Mary Louise and the Dix range.

This difficult 11.8 miles (19.0 km) hike involves a substantial 4083 feet (1245 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 8 hours and 57 minutes. Starting from the New Russia Parking Area, be prepared for a full day on the trail. In winter, snowshoes and microspikes are essential, and wet weather can make the exposed granite slippery, so plan your visit according to seasonal conditions.

What makes this trail stand out among popular hikes in the New Russia Wilderness Adirondacks is its significant elevation gain from a lower trailhead, offering a comprehensive workout and stunning payoffs. It's often undertaken as a standalone challenge to Bald Peak or as a segment of a longer trek to Rocky Peak Ridge. The abundance of blueberries in season along the Cobbles section adds a unique natural feature to this already scenic and demanding route.