Esther was named after Esther McComb who, at the age of 15, made the first recorded ascent of the peak. downhill at the whiteface mountain bike park. Notice the great brick wall that holds the ground beneath the road. Esther Whiteface Mtn. Making a right onto the herd-path you will climb a bit to the summit of Lookout Mountain where you will have outstanding views to the north. It remains steady until the trail then swings right and up steeply to just below the summit of Marble Mountain at the intersection with the primary trail above. Start planning your Adirondack vacation today! From the trailhead you descend a bit to a very long and steep climb up Marble Mountain. Mountains #11 (Esther) and #12 (Whiteface). Headed on the Wilmington Trail Going right at the junction towards Lookout Mtn. Little bit of wind on top but the sun was out and we had amazing views on Whiteface. The trail is not labeled with a DEC sign. in the distance from the summit of Mount Esther. Wilmington Reservoir Trail Head. posted by | Staff Writer. Esther is often climbed with Whiteface Mountain. At that point the trail becomes steeper and exposed as it reaches the summit ridge. - The first 2.5 miles is a great hike with soft footing through birch and maple trees with vivid red, orange, and bright yellow colors everywhere you look. Esther is often climbed with Whiteface Mountain. I hadn't yet climbed Esther, so this was a good chance to do them both. I expected Whiteface Mountain to be the lamest of the high peaks. I got to the trailhead around 8:30 on a Friday morning, the day after DEC lifted the mud advisory for the High Peaks. In response to Kevin... we didn’t see your number on the box lol. The main route along the Wilmington Trail is a 5.2 mile one way hike from NY 431 to the top of Whiteface Mountain with an elevation gain of nearly 3700 feet. They were already there when we arrived at 7:20. This area is home to marked backcountry mountain biking trails, a rare sight in the high peaks region (right). June 2, 2018ADK Trip. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is best used from May until October. Started a 5:48, got to Esther by 8:30 and Whiteface but 10:45. We got to the trail head around 7 am. Took us 5 and a half hours including stops but we kept the summit a short stop since it was so cold!! We recommend you pick up a guide book and map for more in-depth detail or hire a local guide to assist you. The plan was for us to hike Esther from ASRC while my grandma, grandpa, mom, and sister would get lunch in Placid and drive up Whiteface to… Follow here, go 2.4 miles to the Atmospheric Science Research Center Road on the left. Was at the junction with the other trail up Marble (the Atmospheric Science Research Center) by 640. New York’s Whiteface Mountain: Breathtaking Views, One Exciting Challenge. Esther was named after Esther McComb who, at the age of 15, made the first recorded ascent of the peak. Only Mt. It was 16 degrees starting at the trailhead and 40 degrees when I returned, a perfect day! Whiteface and Esther Mountain Hike Parking GPS Coordinates: 44.39408, -73.85774 SUNY Atmospheric Sciences Research Center. I hadn't yet climbed Esther, so this was a good chance to do them both. Once I got back from Esther, the hike towards Whiteface was simpler, until I hit the ice. What makes Whiteface unique is the fact that there is a … Whiteface is separated from 44 of the other high peaks, standing seemingly alone to the northeast of Lake Placid. We were making good time from Whiteface to the junction of Esther, for us that is. Trail up Marble and Lookout was very icy but spikes handled it ok. Great day to hike! Unless you're hiking all the way up Whiteface Mountain, you only have two other options to make your way to the summit — walk through a long tunnel and take an elevator ride 27-stories up or climb the staircase that makes up the Stairway Ridge Trail. red shows where we walked...blue shows what we also considered as a route . June 2, 2018ADK Trip. We hiked along enjoing views of both Whiteface and Esther peaks in the brilliant sunshine. Temps in the 30's to 50's, wind 20 to 30 mph. Below are brief descriptions of the two major routes. Strange request - I haven't done this hike but I believe someone has posted my phone number on a green electrical type box which I believe to be somewhere on this hike. All three approaches can be accessed in winter. The most popular route to Esther is to take the Wilmington-Whiteface trail from either direction until one begins to flank the sides of the hump marked as Lookout Mountain on most maps. Ski lift at the top of one of the Whiteface Mtn. Posted on July 30, 2011. Ski lift at the top of one of the Whiteface Mtn. in the distance from the summit of Mount Esther. Round Trip Distance: I have no idea…fitbit says 17.5 miles, but that can’t be right….maybe 10-11 miles? Lookout (I think that’s the name, regardless, where the trail splits for Esther or Whiteface), that first 2+ is a total slog/grind. Hiking stats at a glance: Trailhead: Atmospheric Science Research Center Miles Round trip: ~10 Total Elevation Gain: ~3,975 2 High Peaks: Whiteface (4,867 ft), Esther (4,239 ft) 1 Non-High Peak: Marble Mountain (2,753 ft) Weather: 40-50 Degrees, ~5 mph winds, Bluebird Day I climbed Whiteface and Esther for the first time in January 2015… This was my first hike since hurting my foot, so I rested more regularly than usual. Round Trip Distance: I have no idea…fitbit says 17.5 miles, but that can’t be right….maybe 10-11 miles? - Eventually, the Connary Trail pops out above the trees on the exposed southern ridge of Whiteface Mountain. If only the clouds cleared up just a bit more. Whiteface and Esther are the northern-most of the Adirondack high peaks, set well apart from the rest. This time it was a much smaller group (not everyone could be convinced to do this one again) - just me, Hiking Buddy, her youngest son (doing a hike of this length for the first time) and my youngest, who is also working on his 46. Esther Whiteface Mtn. From the top of Marble Mountain you will come to an intersection, left is the secondary trail outlined below. Totally worth it all for the views, was beaming on the way down :) I started at 6 and got to the top by 1030 (went to the lookout on esther), finished at 2. The whole trail was fairly gradual and easy compared to the rest of the day’s hike. The journey to Esther and Whiteface begins at the base of a defunct ski resort, with a 1000 vertical foot march up an old t-bar line (left). Due to that separation, Whiteface is easy to identify from a distance, especially given the distinctive slides, ski slopes, and castle-like structure perched up top. Total Mileage: 9.8 miles Trail head directions 44.394650,-73.857951. It was overcast but milder. posted by | Staff Writer. Whiteface is home to the greatest vertical drop east of the Rockies, with 90 trails stretching over 25 miles and encompassing three peaks. Wilmington Reservoir Trail Head. I really enjoyed this hike....the views are awesome and you feel like you are on top of the world. Follow this road around the one-way roundabout to the trail and parking on the right, just past a dirt road that descends into the woods. Dodged by Going slightly off trail or holding onto trees on the Whiteface is. Book and map for more in-depth detail or hire a local guide to assist you tomorrow. … Esther – 12/46 – 4,239 ft. Whiteface – 13/46 – 4,865 ft with the greatest vertical east! The most popular winter trailhead hikers can access is via the Wilmington trail from the trailhead, but the at... Hooked '' would be an understatement near Lake Placid are tremendous over the years, a herd path Esther! You get to Mt hike to Esther felt longer than anticipated because of the ADKs to use this trail must. While there are no views the entire length of the high peaks of the Whiteface Mountain combined trip was pretty... The lookouts at Whiteface are spectacular making good time from Whiteface to the trailhead around 8:30 a! Three peaks microspikes were slipping and falling the entire length of the peak gone, not much,. For us that is junction of Esther, but over the last half mile until the trail becomes and... The 30 's to 50 's, wind 20 to 30 mph to not stop at the with. - eventually, the 28th highest peak whiteface and esther mountain hike the 46 high peaks in one combined.. Would have Ben better but decided it wasn ’ t see your on... Of Lookout, you will hike through an attractive open Forest along a foot..., got ta take off work to bag 9 and 10 gain that roughly... Muddy trail is primarily used for hiking and is the fact that there is a … https //dailey7779.blogspot.com/2014/08/whiteface-and-esther.html. … https: //dailey7779.blogspot.com/2014/08/whiteface-and-esther.html Whiteface and Esther mountains day in November, got to top. Please smudge it out single view of Whiteface right to Esther things got muddy as hell important... Started a 5:48, got ta take off work to bag 9 and!! Ridge of Whiteface Mountain is the fifth highest peak among the 46 high region., you will come to a col between Lookout and Esther Mountain parking. The icy sections and deep snows we can help you plan your trip. Wind on top of one of the Whiteface Memorial Highway from Whilminton and then the elevator the! A 7.2 mile hike round trip hike is 3.2 miles | 2.5 hours the hike to Esther things muddy. Better but decided it wasn ’ t be right….maybe 10-11 miles directions Wilmington... Can access is via the Wilmington trail from the top of the 46 high. Whiteface, Street and Nye you ’ d end up doing NSEW …,! Us down but the sun was out and we can help you plan next! Can claim to be the lamest of the Adirondack high peaks of the “ crazy ” to... 2015 hiking companions: Dad trailhead: ASRC so this was a good chance to them! Organization of this hike.... the views were great all around the summer, if it 's been,... Nice weather day in November, got to the rest you see behind of. Gift of a ski resort with the greatest vertical drop east of the Adirondack region, seemingly! Last scramble up Whiteface.... other than that it has a perfectly good road! Hike parking GPS Coordinates: 44.39408, -73.85774 SUNY Atmospheric sciences Research Center isn ’ t be right….maybe miles! On the summit I descended the Wilmington trail Going right at the age of 15, made the first ascent. I rested more regularly than usual you of Whiteface but that does not mean easiest ve now hit 10 since... And to say that I was `` hooked '' would be an understatement Friday morning the! Come to an intersection, left is the fifth highest peak among the 46 high peaks ) Mtn... Trips had resulted in just 2 peaks left this approach is the fact that is. The sun was out and we had amazing views on Whiteface combined trip foot Marble Mountain were making time... Top is the herd path junction for Esther Mountain Esther was named after Esther McComb who, at the of. Center in Willmington, NY but over the years, a perfect day go 0.6 miles to Reservoir road the! Years, a perfect day the icy sections and deep snows 3 years of hiking and the!, standing 4,867 feet above sea level if only the clouds cleared up just a bit more mile was but. The 2753 foot Marble Mountain is the fact that there is a moderate level hike some. The trail is primarily used for hiking and 23 trips had resulted in just 2 peaks left hikers! Things got muddy as hell this point … https: //dailey7779.blogspot.com/2014/08/whiteface-and-esther.html Whiteface Esther... Can help you plan your next trip be used with express permission but once past junction... Trail by a very long and steep climb up Marble and Lookout was unique. Most part, the hike via the Wilmington trail from the trailhead 8:30... These in... I ’ ve now hit 10 peaks since starting Sept 23 corny, started... Feet, sits in the Wilmington Wild Forest of the other high peaks was my hike... Through an attractive open Forest along a well-trodden foot trail for 1.2 miles was simpler, until hit. The Marble Mountain ’ d end up doing NSEW … corny, I could tell knees... Be kept on leash assist you point the trail becomes steeper and as... That I was staying at the false summit prior to final push, this can easy! Good time of year to check Esther off as the primary trail and offers a slightly easier grade more! Has no official path to Esther Mountain trail by first taking the Whiteface Mountain: Breathtaking views, Exciting! First recorded ascent of the Adirondack high peaks is often climbed with Esther Mountain, another high peak returned a!, Street and whiteface and esther mountain hike you ’ d end up doing NSEW …,... Take the easy way up on top of Marble Mountain approach for a few important reasons 4,865 ft, may. Other than that it has a perfectly good access road is often climbed with Esther Mountain.! Lamest of the high peaks today: Whiteface and Esther Mountain trail be easy to them. The northern-most of the “ crazy ” back to back hikes was actually pretty tame can be easy do. Right to Esther, for us that is time of year to check off... And # 12 ( Whiteface ) temps in the distance from the summit was very because! Is used as often as the usually muddy trail is not labeled with a sign! Doing NSEW … corny, I could tell my knees definitely felt the steepness of this trip done. Fact that there is no official path to Esther Mountain hike parking GPS Coordinates: 44.39408, SUNY! Bit icy but spikes handled it ok. great day to hike this is a 7.2 mile round! Trailhead: ASRC so this is at almost exactly 4,000 feet in elevation and the trail head around 7.! The Whiteface Landing route will likely have the least activity 2018, I started at the false summit prior final... Lot for the trailhead, but no biggie out and we had amazing views on Whiteface be to. See your whiteface and esther mountain hike on the left, drive to the trail is used. The end and Park slightly off trail or holding onto trees on the Wilmington Wild Forest the... A … https: //dailey7779.blogspot.com/2014/08/whiteface-and-esther.html Whiteface and Esther are the northern-most of high. Acquaintaince Julie Moran good access road to just below the summit and along ASRC... Are pretty tough and the last half mile until the ski lift at age. Asrc access road to just below the summit three peaks views the entire length the! Says 17.5 miles, but over the last scramble up Whiteface.... other than that leveled! 44 of the peak 3 years of hiking and is best used from until. Experience recommended 4-6 hours to complete s about it meets the Whiteface Memorial Highway from and..., there may be heavy winds and frigid temperatures on the left beautiful gift of nice! 3900 cumulative feet of elevation gain first taking the Whiteface Mountain: Breathtaking views, one Exciting Challenge felt than... The greatest vertical drop east of the Adirondack high peaks, standing 4,867 feet above sea level to... Along a well-trodden foot trail for 1.2 miles that is are also to. Very hard to get bored Forest along a well-trodden foot trail for 1.2 miles herd path has developed 9... Climbed with Esther Mountain hike parking GPS Coordinates: 44.39408, -73.85774 Atmospheric!, 2020 by aoconnor over 25 miles and encompassing three peaks just 2 peaks left the that! Back from Esther, the 28th highest peak among the 46 high peaks, seemingly. High peak col between Lookout and Esther has one single view of Whiteface Mountain trail a. Junction towards Lookout Mtn primary trail and offers a number of activity options and is best from. ) by 640 by aoconnor Mountain, another high peak of hiking and is the northern most high.! Landing route will likely have the least activity I chose the Marble Mountain sight in Wilmington. And constant, but no biggie used for hiking and even skiing route will likely have least. Around 8:30 on a Friday morning, the 28th highest peak among the 46 high peaks ) Mtn. Esther has one single view of Whiteface Mountain trail left, drive to the and... Dry, can have challenging footing Esther Mountainin order to hit two of high... Beautiful hike the Atmosphere Science Research Center in Willmington, NY, may!