Avalanche Lake

The walk starts at the High Peaks Information Center parking by the Adirondak Loj, at the end of Adirondack Loj Road. The Van Hoevenberg Trail leads in 2.3 miles to the site of the old Marcy Dam. From there the Avalanche Pass Trail follows Marcy Brook, climbs a steep half mile into the pass under the slides of Mount Colden, and drops to the north end of Avalanche Lake, where our line turns. The trail goes on along the lake over boulders, ladders and wooden walkways bolted to the cliff, known as the Hitch-Up Matildas. Return the same way.

It is 9.4 miles (15.2 km) round trip with 1,290 feet (393 m) of climbing; allow about 5 hours. The grade is Moderate: long, with one steep climb and rough, wet ground in the pass.

The Avalanche Pass Trail was closed in July 2025, when heavy rain sent landslides off Mount Colden into the pass. The state reopened it on August 26, 2026. Work on the trail is expected to go on through 2027, so watch for crews and machinery. The two campsites south of the lake are still closed.

There is a fee to park, and the lots often fill early in summer and at weekends. In winter the path beside the lake is hard going and days are short.

Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.