Hiking Baxter Mountain Trail: A Short Climb with Big Rewards

Destinations Northeast New York Lake Placid

Hiking Baxter Mountain Trail: A Short Climb with Big Rewards

Baxter Mountain, near Keene in the Adirondacks, is proof that great things come in small packages. This hike is a favorite among families, beginners, and seasoned adventurers alike, offering a relatively easy climb and stunning views that rival those of much taller peaks. At just over 2 miles round trip, it’s a quick escape into nature that delivers plenty of Adirondack charm.

The trail begins at a well-marked trailhead on Route 9N. From the first step, you’re immersed in a canopy of hardwoods, with the sun filtering through the leaves and dappling the forest floor. The path is well-maintained, with moderate inclines that are steep enough to get your heart pumping but gentle enough for kids and leashed pets to enjoy. Along the way, small clearings provide a glimpse of what’s to come, teasing the summit views that await.

As you near the top, the forest opens up to reveal Baxter’s crown jewel: panoramic vistas of the High Peaks, including Giant Mountain, Hurricane Mountain, and the sprawling Dix Range. The summit area features several open ledges, each offering unique angles of the surrounding landscape. On a clear day, the view stretches endlessly, with the rolling peaks and valleys of the Adirondacks creating a mesmerizing patchwork of wilderness.

Because of its manageable length and stunning payoff, Baxter Mountain is a perfect hike for a morning adventure or an afternoon escape. Whether you’re introducing someone to the joys of hiking or looking for a quick yet rewarding summit, Baxter Mountain Trail promises a little effort with a lot of reward.

Adventure Guide: Baxter Mountain Trail

Trail Details

Distance: 2.2 miles round trip.
Elevation Gain: ~770 feet.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate.

What to Bring

Essentials: Comfortable hiking shoes, water, and a trail map.
Snacks: A light snack or sandwich to enjoy at the summit.
Extras: A camera for capturing summit views.

Best Times to Hike

Spring and Summer: Enjoy vibrant greenery and cool mountain breezes.
Autumn: Foliage season transforms the hike into a colorful spectacle.
Winter Adventures: Snowshoes or microspikes are recommended for icy conditions.

Driving Directions

From Lake Placid, take Route 73 toward Keene. Turn onto Route 9N, and the trailhead is located about 2 miles down the road. Parking is limited, so arrive early, especially on weekends.

Insider Tips

Family-Friendly: Baxter Mountain’s gentle trails make it an excellent choice for kids and beginner hikers.
Multiple Views: Explore the various ledges at the summit for different perspectives of the Adirondacks.
Stay Nearby: Pair your hike with a visit to Keene’s charming cafés or a picnic in town.

Baxter Mountain may not have the height of the High Peaks, but its scenic views and approachable trail make it a must-visit gem in the Adirondacks. For an easy adventure with unforgettable scenery, Baxter is the perfect choice.

Reviews

monica franciscus2 months ago

We decided to hike here on our last day, on the way home. We wanted a quick hike, not too demanding, with good views and it had it all. Fabulous views with the added snow that just fell and the fall foliage was a treat. Beautiful, varied trail.

Natalya Harris2 months ago

Good hike with awesome views!!Want to go again sometime.

Dave Drakea year ago

Hiked Hurricane and Baxter on the same day. I did Hurricane 1st then scooted a mile or so to the Baxter Mtn. Trailhead off of Highway 9N at the top of the hill where the lanes merge as you come from Keene Valley towards Elizabethtown. This trail is on private property, so please respect it as such so all hikers can have access to this fairly easy hike. It took me 40 minutes to reach the summit (a little exhausted after hiking up and down Hurricane) and only about 20 minutes on the return. Baxter has a few summit nubbles, and the summit-proper is wooded marked only by a small cairn on a boulder. You might actually miss it if you're going from ledge to ledge. Take a few minutes to explore around the summit for its various ledges with great views. Giant peeps up over smaller peaks, Noonmark looks insignificant with Dix and Nippletop as its backdrop, and the hamlet of Keene Valley is tucked under the main jumble of Adirondack High Peaks. One ledge will give you a view of Porter and Cascade through the trees, and one vista includes Hurricane (you can see the fire tower) and the valley between it and the Giant Mountain Wilderness. Great short hike! Take it, especially if you want a nice family outing with a wonderful reward at top!

BL2 months ago

Short and easy hike with a great view at the top. Make sure to continue past the "peak" to the amazing overlook, technically not the top but the extra 1/4 mile to get there is more than worth the effort.

Brad Paradis4 months ago

This is a very easy moderate hike. It's quick and easy for the whole family or young kids. It has enough to make you feel like you hiked something but not too much for little ones. Parking is on the side of the road but there is a enough space. Due to the ease of the hike, it's obviously busy on top which is a negative.

Hiking

Hiking Baxter Mountain Trail: A Short Climb with Big Rewards