Whiteface Mountain and Esther Mountain are another pair that sit outside the major ranges, but are no less incredible. Although Whiteface can be driven up, doing so is a lesser experience that does not include many fun lookouts and stops. Esther cannot be driven to and the trail split is about 1/2 or 2/3 up from the parking lot, so if you’re climbing up to Whiteface you might as well check out Esther.

The peak of Whiteface is very sprawling and open, among one of the best, but Esther is almost the exact opposite. On Esther you have a mostly wooded, very limited view facing directly towards Whiteface (which is very cool to see before getting up there). If you’re worried about time or not being able to make it you could probably skip Esther, but it’s worth the extra effort.

Whiteface is the main appeal of the climb and is an absolute treasure. Even when the observational area is closed (as it was when we were there) there is plenty to drink in. There is also generally more “going on” on this peak than the average, particularly because interested parties can drive up, drawing a larger than normal crowd. 

Our funniest High Peaks moment ever was when Justin and I climbed up during heavy wind and rain, and after quickly snapping some pictures we ran into the upper structure to grab some cover while we snacked before our descent. Inside we encountered two older guys decked out head to toe in humorously unnecessary rain gear, completely dry, staring at us like they were seeing ghosts. We said hello, they didn’t say a word.

• Parking is at the Science Center around the bend, you’ll see it, but fair warning, it’s not really well marked or marked at all for “Whiteface Hike” or anything like that.
• The first mile or so of the climb is almost certainly the hardest, lots of elevation gain with no flat plateaus. It’s almost like a slide, and feels man made, particularly since there are bridge structures along the way.
• The trail offers a few nice resting spots and views of the ski slopes during the off season, but is mostly bare and heavily wooded.
• The peak can be crowded but the last 1/4 mile is open face and has great views. Most of the people you’ll see here have driven up, and there are a few places to park on the drive up within that last half-mile or so.