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
Tonight
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 3. Wind chill values as low as -12. West wind 8 to 13 mph.
Thursday
A slight chance of snow showers after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 21. Wind chill values as low as -8. West wind 5 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Thursday Night
A slight chance of snow showers between 9pm and midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 16. West wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Friday
Partly sunny, with a high near 29. South wind 3 to 7 mph.
Friday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 24. South wind around 9 mph.
Saturday
Mostly cloudy, with a high near 35. South wind 7 to 12 mph.
Saturday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 33. South wind 13 to 17 mph.
Pictures
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, 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 his frequent adventures in the mountains, always testing gear, learning skills, gaining experience, and building his endurance for outdoor sports. You can read more about his experience here: hikingandfishing/about