Photo by Nancie Battaglia

About Cobble Hill

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.

Before major trail improvements were completed in 2023 and 2024, the trail features created barriers to safe and fulfilling outings on Cobble Hill. The Adirondack Land Trust, along with Northwood School and other community partners, enlisted professional trail builders to enhance trail safety, improve hiker experience, and protect natural resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • New public trailhead
  • 250-foot boardwalk
  • Trail reroutes, bridges and surfacing on lower section
  • Stone staircases and improved tread on the steepest section

The trailhead is located at the corner of Mirror Lake Drive and Northwood School’s driveway where there is a crosswalk. All other access points have been closed since December 2023. 

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 public parking space around Mirror Lake or in a downtown lot and walk from there.

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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, Adirondack Land Trust, and private landowners.

The Cobble Hill hiking trail is primarily on private lands. The Adirondack Land Trust oversees a conservation agreement on these lands that ensures the forest here will always remain a forest.

The land trust has served as the backbone of the collaborative effort to improve access and safety to create a durable, lasting trail where people can connect with nature and enjoy conserved lands.

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.

The popularity of this trail, along with a high number of people who walk around Mirror Lake, make this an ideal site for visitor engagement. The DEC’s educational bus is occasionally parked at the trailhead. It features displays and brochures about outdoor recreation and safety. Check it out if you see them out there.