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Porter Mountain
...A Quick Detour...
Cascade Mountain
...Gateway to the High Peaks...

Cascade Mountain and Porter Mountain are often many climbers’ very first High Peaks, since they offer both exceptional views and a relatively easy climb. Starting at high elevation makes the trip shorter and more manageable.These two are basically a gateway drug for aspiring 46ers, since many hikers discover they want more of it – a lot more.

Its location near Lake Placid, the place where many tourists often choose to stay, or at least visit for a portion of their vacation, also makes it ideal for a quick day hike. The accent is very mild, and at most only requires a few scrambles. Visiting Lake Placid, at almost any time of year, almost guarantees you bump elbows with a stranger who has just climbed them, or intends to.

Because of its ease and location, it is also an ideal candidate for winter climbs, particularly for newcomers to snowshoeing. Curious about what a winter climb consists of? This might be a good “trial run.” Our rambunctious group of climb boys has never even done this pair as a group in any other season than winter, and in our opinion it really is the best time to climb it (there end up being less people, not 0 people, but less).

All things considered, this one probably requires the least preparation and forethought, but here are some friendly tips anyways:

  • The trail head is accessible from Route 73, and recent changes to the ADK and parking have made these lots smaller and less accessible in many instances. Road parking is strictly enforced with ticketing almost always – don’t be stupid.
  • While parking can be tight and limited, this climb tends to attract the late crowd. Show up before 7:00am and you should be fine. This (earlier, frankly) is a traditionally normal time for a lot of these peaks.
  • If you’re really struggling with this climb or worried about timing just skip Porter and go to Cascade, it is the better view and peak of the two.
  • This is simply not a difficult climb, with only a few mild scrambles near the peak of Cascade Mountain, no worries for most new-comers. If you’re generally able-bodied, you’ll be fine.
Kevin Jones, Winter Beard

Porter Mountain - 4049'

Porter is really just a small skip and hop across the way from Cascade; the turn off is pretty near the peak of Cascade and difficult to miss. If you’re looking to climb them all, then this will be a fun little detour. If you’re not, consider skipping it, especially in the Summer, where its semi-wooded peak will block most of your views.

Tim is way too happy yo be doing shots on the peak.
Views of the valley are fantastic from Porter Mountain.
This was one of our very first Winter High Peaks.
Shots on the High Peaks quickly became a tradition.
... Kevin appreciates this a bit more than everyone else ...
Kevin and Tim, post-shots.

Cascade Mountain - 4098'

The trees on Porter can mildly obscure your view depending on the season.
The clouds have a "frozen" appearance.
Kevin, Justin and Clark, below zero.
Justin drinks in the mountain-scape before head back into the tree-line.
Winds on the peak we're nearly -20.

Despite being one of the easiest High Peaks to climb, Cascade Mountain has some of the best views out there, debatably within the top 10. It’s such an easy recommendation and really is a sight to behold. If you’re older, maybe not in great shape or a little less capable than you used to be, summiting this High Peak is possibly a great option and likely within your ability.

Justin heading up the turn-off to Cascade.
Kevin loves get those Pano shots.
If you didn't know already, spikes are highly recommended for Cascade and Porter.
Noctilucent clouds are a rare phenomena, I believe that's what we're seeing here.
Tim and Jeff hanging out on the summit of Cascade.
We Give This Trail: 8/10
Rated 8 out of 10

Rating considers trail conditions, difficulty, views and other notable characteristics

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