Nine Peaks, One Lake Placid Adventure

The best part of a mountain challenge is not the checklist. It is how each climb changes the way you see the next one.

The Lake Placid 9er brings together nine Adirondack mountains around Lake Placid. There are big views, rocky trails, and plenty of chances to stop and remember why you came outside in the first place. Town House Lodge hosted my stay while I explored the challenge, giving me a comfortable place to come back to between time on the trails.

Nine peaks, nine reasons to slow down

The official list is Cobble Hill, Mount Jo, Baxter Mountain, Mount Van Hoevenberg, Big Crow Mountain, Bear Den Mountain, Pitchoff Mountain, Catamount Mountain, and Hurricane Mountain. Together, the hikes add up to more than 30 miles of trail and 10,000 feet of climbing, according to the Lake Placid 9er.

What I like about this challenge is that it leaves room to make the experience your own. You can spread the climbs across several trips, or take on the official Ultra version within 24 hours. You do not need to race a clock to get something good out of a summit.

A good base for mountain days

There is something lovely about a trail day that ends with a familiar place to land. Town House Lodge was my host in Lake Placid. It is close to town, with a communal kitchen and outdoor space that make it easy to settle in after a day outside. I appreciated having a home base while the mountains were the main event.

If you want to try the 9er

Start with the official peak list and map. Check trail conditions and access before you set out, then choose a first hike that suits your experience. The shorter climbs are still Adirondack climbs. Bring water, layers, food, and a map you know how to use.

Stay on the trail even when it is muddy, pack out what you bring, and give yourself time to enjoy the view. That is the part worth remembering long after the last peak.