Photo by Connie Prickett

Cobble Hill, a small mountain with a big view, overlooks downtown Lake Placid. For decades, a 0.8-mile trail across private land has allowed hikers access to this 2,343-foot peak. In the past five years, as more people embrace the benefits of outdoor recreation and visitors seek activities within walking distance of their accommodations, Cobble Hill’s annual visitors have increased to an estimated 10,000 per year. Many are new to hiking, drawn to Cobble Hill due to the short climb and its proximity to a village center that make this destination more approachable than remote High Peaks.

The Adirondack Land Trust is working with community partners to enhance trail safety, improve hiker experience, and protect natural resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cobble Hill’s hiking trail is being improved. You may encounter people doing trail work in July, September and October.

July 17-21 Wilderness Property Management’s crew will be rerouting and improving the middle section of trail.

September 18-21 Wilderness Property Management’s crew will be working on the section of trail between the rerouted section and the rock slab. Due to the nature of the terrain and the work, the trail will be closed during this time.

Beginning October, the Tahawus Trails crew will be constructing a new boardwalk that will re-route the trail away from the Northwood School campus and create a new trailhead on Mirror Lake Drive.

(Trail work around the stone slab on the upper mountain will take place in 2024.)

The trail will be temporarily closed to all hikers September 18-21, 2023, but otherwise open while the trail work is happening.

The current trailhead is located on the campus of Northwood School. Please note that hikers are not allowed to drive onto the campus, but they may walk to the temporary trailhead, located about 100 yards from Mirror Lake Drive.

There is no trailhead parking lot, but the trail is close to Lake Placid’s downtown, so hikers are encouraged to walk through this vibrant community and make it part of the experience. Find a designated parking space around Mirror Lake or in a downtown lot, then stop along the way for lunch or a drink, or pick up a snack for the summit.

Northwood School, Town of North Elba, the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism, Paul Smith’s College Visitor Interpretive Center, Lake Placid 9’er hiking challenge, Barkeater Trails Alliance, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and private landowners.

We are the backbone of a collaborative effort: Together the partners above are working to improve access and safety to create a durable, lasting trail where people can connect with nature and conserved lands.

The Cobble Hill hiking trail is primarily on private lands. The Adirondack Land Trust oversees a conservation agreement on these lands that ensures they will always be open space.

This project is moving forward thanks to grant funding from the North Elba Local Advancement and Enhancement Fund (LEAF) and the New York State Conservation Partnership Program, along with private support.