This destination is a herd path at best and lies off any developed and mapped trail system; the use and understanding of GPS and/or map and compass is highly recommended. When traveling off-trail and bushwhacking, you will experience hazards not realized on a trail, expect more difficult and varying conditions and always lean toward safety as a priority.
Key takeaways
- Distance: Approximately 4.25 miles round trip
- Elevation gain: 800 feet
- Hike includes unmarked trail
Hiking the Peaked Hills Path
Once you have located the trailhead the hike will bring you into forest and soon above a sand pit, then shortly beyond, head under I87 through a hiker’s tunnel. On the opposite side, walk through the grassy field and into the forest again. You will then gradually start to gain elevation. The trail will make a hard left at a T-intersection with a faint herd path leading right; this is the one you want.
The path is narrow and at times will become difficult to follow without looking ahead for the next move. The trail follows over rolling hills but never becomes too steep. You will need to cross a decent sized brook to stay on the path; this crossing can be hard to see. As you follow the path and keep the brook to your right you will come to faint secondary path down to the brook at an attractive small waterfall. The trail continues and takes on the look and feel of an old carriage road. With the Peaked Hills on your left you climb slightly more and eventually the trail just goes no further and ends I what seems like no place.
The importance of this trail is not the final destination but the access it provides hikers to the Hoffman Notch Wilderness Area, the Peaked Hills, Wyman Mountain, and that wonderful little waterfall that rarely gets a visitor.
Peaked Hills Path in the winter
Bushwhacking in the winter is only for experienced snowshoers. Do not do this hike in the winter unless you have experience with off-trail travel, have done winter backcountry hiking, and have proper cold weather gear. Be prepared for all winter conditions.
Find more trails in the Adirondack Hub
Looking for another hike? With the Adirondack Hub being at the center of so many trails, we’re sure to find another adventurous hike for you!
How to get there
From the intersection of Route 9 and Route 74 in Schroon Lake follow Route 9 north toward North Hudson. Continue to the Dirgylot Trailhead on the left.
