Hike Up Cascade Mountain

For those looking to start their quest to complete the 46 High Peaks in the Adirondacks, Cascade Mountain offers a great entry hike that will help you get a feel of what the others will be like. With climbing 1,940' in 2.4 miles there are some steep and strenuous sections.

The best place to park is along Route 73 just past Upper Cascade Lake. Depending on where you park you may need to walk up or down to the trail sign along 73. You will descend down some stairs where you will see the kiosk to sign in (it is always a good idea to sign in). From there you begin to gradually ascend up the right side of the mountain. You will come to a stream that crosses your path and if you look closely there is a section to the right where the water looks to be coming right out of the ground. Great place to break for some water. After the stream the hike gets steep and is very rocky with tree roots that stick out of the ground.

About 1.8 miles into the hike there will be a large rock face that you will need to scale on your hands and knees. Once up, make sure you turn around to take in the view. After another .2 miles you will come to a sign, go left for Cascade Mountain (.4 miles to the summit) or go right to Porter Mountain (.7 miles to summit). If you have the time and energy, head over to Porter so you can cross off 2 of the 46 High Peaks in one hike. Staying left at the fork you will reach the final ascent with the last .2 of the trail above the tree line and with some rock scrambling. The top can be very windy so I suggest bringing a jacket to throw on while to sit and enjoy the 360 degree views of the Adirondacks.