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: 4,098 feet (1,249 meters)
Distance: 4.8 miles (7.72 km)
Elevation Gain: 1,899 feet (579 meters)
Difficulty: Intermediate
Duration: 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
Mostly sunny, with a high near 52. Southwest wind 22 to 25 mph.
Tonight
Rain after 8pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 38. Southwest wind 20 to 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Wednesday
Rain before 11am, then snow between 11am and 2pm, then a chance of snow showers between 2pm and 5pm. Mostly cloudy. High near 39, with temperatures falling to around 24 in the afternoon. West wind 14 to 26 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.
Wednesday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 15. Northwest wind 14 to 26 mph. Little or no snow accumulation expected.
Thursday
Sunny, with a high near 42. Northwest wind 7 to 14 mph.
Thursday Night
Clear, with a low around 23. West wind around 7 mph.
Friday
Sunny, with a high near 52. South wind around 6 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 hikingandfishing.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, 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