The views are sensational, but they are not worth risking life or limb over. Do not attempt this when it has been raining or if it may rain while you are on the mountain. Warning: People have slipped, fallen, and died on this hike. Winter conditions on this trail can also be treacherous, so the best time to go is from mid-August to mid-fall.

As such, it’s wise to check for updates from the National Park Service before setting off to do this hike. Once you have summited, take the North Ridge path to the Orange and Black Path to get back to your car.ĭue to returning and endangered peregrine falcons nesting in the area, this trail is usually closed late spring to mid-August. A tall order, granted, but one that will reward you with sweeping views of the coastline and an altogether thrilling ride on the way to the top.

The following half mile brings with it 700 feet of ascent. If you are up for a bit of a thrill and happy to be crawling beneath boulders and clambering over rock on exposed sections of trail, take the left.

If you are feeling at your limit, it may be better to go right or turn around. Take the left for the steep route upwards. 3 miles from the lot brings a steady 300 feet of elevation gain with a slight dip before coming to a fork. Some sections of the trail are just a few feet wide, with the rock face on one side and a precipitous drop on the other, so a good head for heights and composure are a must. Traveling steadily up the east face of Champlain Mountain, with the use of iron rungs and ladders, this trail brings you into contact with the raw power of the oldest national park east of the Mississippi. For that reason, we also recommend this hike be done as a loop rather than an out-and-back, especially if you have a fear of heights. ProTip: Going up the iron rungs and ladders is much safer than down-climbing them.

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