Though states like California, Colorado and Washington are better known for their incredible hiking, one trail in New York puts most of them to shame. The Stairway Ridge Trail on Whiteface Mountain in the Adirondacks, often thought to resemble the Great Wall of China due to its winding staircase leading to the mountain’s summit, is a breathtaking journey all adventurers should experience at least once.
Whiteface Mountain is actually the fifth tallest in the country, famous for hosting the 1980 Winter Olympic Alpine events. It’s home to two major trails: the Wilmington Trail and the Connery Pond Trail.
You can find the much shorter Stairway Ridge Trail by driving up to the Veterans Memorial Highway parking area. Though the Stairway Ridge Trail is just about a quarter mile trek, you’ll need stamina to keep up with the path’s incline, not to mention the high altitude of more than 4,800 feet by the summit.
However, if you hate shortcuts and really love a challenge, you can do the full hike as long as you’re good for the 9.7-mile journey.
Adrenaline junkies will appreciate the dramatic ridgeline that isn’t for the faint of heart. But don’t worry, the trail is equipped with safety hand rails to keep you steady. Upon reaching the summit, hikers are privy to one of the best views the Adirondacks have to offer and a look at the Whiteface Castle, crafted from native stone.
The iconic trail was all part of a 1930s development effort to increase accessibility to the mountain. So though some of the stone stairs are of natural creation, a portion of the man-made steps date back almost 100 years ago.
You can learn more on the Whiteface Mountain website.