You’ll feel as if you have transported to the Fjords of Norway when you reach the summer of this New York Hike. Indian Head Trail in the Adirondack Mountains is one of the most spectacular treks in the entire East Coast. This spot has increased in popularity since pictures of it have gone viral. It’s no wonder, with dark blue waters that cut between majestic mountains in a serene landscape.
Once you’ve reached the peak, you’ll never want to leave. I have gone on over 100 trails this past year and this one of my all time favorites. I couldn’t believe that these views were in the US! It truly feels like a ✨magical destination✨. You have to add this hike to your bucket list.
While hikers of all levels can access this hike, it is a bit more difficult. I recommend it more for individuals that are moderately fit 💪🏻. The trail is both steep and long, so it can be draining. Read more hiking tips, trail information, and important advice below.
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Table of Contents
Indian Head Trail Information
Quick Hike Details
Length: 10.8 miles
Elevation: 1,978 ft
Difficulty: Hard
Type: Loop
Where is Indian Head?
Indian Head Trail is located in the Adirondack Mountains in Keene, New York or 30 minutes from Lake Placid. This area of the Adirondacks is called the High Peaks region. If you plan on hiking the high peaks, you will need to make a reservation on hikeAMR.org. This area is known for having 46 mountains 🏔 that are above 4,000 feet high. It’s a great area for avid hikers to explore.
The Adirondack Mountains are located in the Northeastern area of New York state. The park is so vast that it is larger than Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon combined 🤯. However, it is not a national park and some of this park even encompasses private land. Therefore, you need to know which areas that you can explore. These rugged mountains are stunning and are one of the most beautiful destinations along the East Coast.
Things to Know Before You Go:
💵 It’s free to visit the Adirondacks and to go on this hike. However, you will need to make a no-cost reservation on hikeAMR.org.
☀️ Weather changes quickly in the Adirondacks. Make sure to be prepared for inclement weather as you hike on these trails.
⛺️Camping is prohibited above 4000 feet in the Adirondacks. This means there are no primitive campsites on Indian Head. However, you can find a few primitive campsites along the Gill Brook trail, but these are first come-first served.
🐻 The Adirondacks are home to a large population of black bears. So make sure to stay bear aware and make loud noises when hiking on the trails. Use the rule of thumb when viewing wildlife, so that you stay the correct distance away.
🦮 Pets are not allowed on this trail or in the high peaks region.
⚠️You may not bring a vehicle or a bicycle on any of the High Peaks trails in this area.
🍃 Remember to follow the Leave No Trace Principles. As always, you want to leave nature looking better than you found it.
Indian Head Trail Routes:
There are three routes that you can choose to get to the Indian Head peak: easy, medium, and hard. All of them leave from the same trailhead. However, the trailhead is a bit of distance from the parking.
Once you get to the parking lot for Indian Head, you’ll continue for about half a mile, along a golf course, until you see two tennis courts 🎾. Then, turn left and walk past the courts and a small house until you see the trail register. Another worker will check your registration there before you can continue through the AMR gates and onto the trail.
Easiest: Lake Road
If you want to take the quickest way to get to Indian Head, then you should take the Lake Road Trail. This route is the most direct, but also the least interesting. You will continue along Lake Road for 3 miles. Continue following the road until the very end, you will pass many signs 🪧 for Indian Head along the way. However, you can ignore those and continue straight ahead.
You’ll know you have reached the end of the road, once you get to the shores of Lake Ausable 💧. At this point, you will see another sign for Indian Head Trail. Follow the sign and take the trail to the summit. The trail will open up at the peak to stunning views over the lake below.
Medium: Lake Road to Gill Brook Road
This route is the most popular, you can choose to either take the Lake Road on the way up or on the way down. I recommend taking it on the way up ⬆️, because Gill Brook trail is steep. So, it’s more difficult to navigate on the way down. It also passes by Fish Hawk Cliffs, where you can get some of the most stunning views along the trail.
In order to take this trail, you will walk up 3 miles until the end of the Lake Road. Then, follow the signs towards Fish Hawk Cliffs. On your way back down, you can take the junction towards Gill Brook Road. This is fairly easy to follow and is a great way to take this hike. I plan on returning and taking this route next time I go.
Hardest: West River Trail
The West River trail follows the river and is the toughest route, but it is very scenic. This path follows the river and along the way you’ll see some nice water features 💦. You can choose to take the Lake Road one way and follow the West River trail the other way. The junction for this trail is immediately on the right as you walk through the gates.
If you choose this route, make sure that you have good shoes and watch your footing. The trail gets incredibly narrow and muddy at points. It meanders up and down hills that follow the water’s edge. I took this route on the way down from the summit and it exhausted me 😥, so just make sure that you know what you’re getting into!
Trail Description:
After walking along the road for a while, you will finally make it to the Gates that lead to the beginning of the trailhead 🥾. You can choose to continue up the Lake Road, which climbs at a mild, steady pace. Or, you can choose to hike along the river or up into the mountains right away.
Regardless of which way you choose, you will take the wooded paths to reach the summit at the top. These trails up through the forest can get muddy and often have sticks poking out. Make sure to watch your step as you continue up the trail.
Once you reach the top of the wooded trail, you will get to the peaks of the mountain. You will either come up to the great views from Fish Hawk Cliffs or directly to the summit of Indian Head. At this point, it opens up to rocky outcrops and views out over Lake Ausable. On windy days, you’ll feel the wind whip around you from all sides.
Pictures cannot do the Indian Head summit justice. Deep blue water 💙 extends below as two rocky cliffs jut up to either side of the Lake. Luckily the summit has a flat face with multiple areas to take in the panoramic views. There are a variety of spots that are great for photos or to sit, take a break, and eat something. Even when it is crowded, you can find a spot for your group to sit and take it all in. You may never want to leave.
Optional Add On: Rainbow Falls
Rainbow Falls is a wonderful waterfall that you can add to your journey if you have energy. Visiting this waterfall will add about an hour and an extra mile to your hike. If you want to go to the Falls, you will head down the mountain and then take a right at the fork. Along the way you will get a stunning vista where the mountains and trees reflect in the water with a bridge.
After you cross a bridge, continue on the path to the right and you’ll eventually get to the falls. You will need to climb over a few slippery rocks to finally get to the waterfall. It is definitely a worthwhile stop!
How to Get to The Indian Head Trail:
Parking for the Indian Head hike is located in Keene, NY 📍. If you are staying in Lake Placid, then you will need to take NY-73 East for about 20 miles. Then, after 20 miles you will come to the parking area for the trail on the right side of the highway. When you see Ausable Road, then you will turn right and follow the signs to the parking lot. Make sure to have your reservation ready to show the attendant.
The best way to get to the Adirondacks is to drive 🚗. However, there are both bus lines and Amtrak routes that depart from New York City. The Amtrak line follows the Hudson, traveling through the Adirondacks and up to Montreal. While, the Adirondack Trailways bus has stops in Keene Valley. You will have to show your bus ticket when getting to the trail register. Once you get to the Adirondacks it is best to have a car so that you can get around easily.
How to Get Reservations to Hike Indian Head:
Reservations for Indian Head are released two weeks in advance at 12 pm EST on hikeAMR.org and are required from May through October. Once you get on the site, you will need to register. Then, you can search for the Indian Head trail and make a reservation for the date and the time 🗓 that you want. They have time slots for every half hour. You can include up to 6 people in one reservation. Weekends are particularly popular and reservations go quickly, so make sure to plan ahead if you want to do the hike.
Before you get to the trailhead, make sure to download your email 📧 with the reservation details. Workers will check you in at the parking lot and then once again at the trailhead itself. They take them very seriously, so you must be sure to have them before you go! If you change your plans, try to cancel them more than 24 hours in advance, so others may use them.
The Best Time of Year to Go:
There’s never a bad time to hike the Indian Head trail. If you go anytime from late Spring to early Fall you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views. It really depends on what you want to see along the trailhead and the temperatures you like best.
Spring
If you go in the spring, then wildflowers 🌸 will begin to bloom and trees will begin to get their leaves back. Early spring may still have icy or snowy moments, with warmer temperatures settling in late May. You will want to bring layers on a spring hike to Indian head. It’s a great option for a spring hike in the area.
Summer
In the summer, you’ll be surrounded by lush green trees and warmer temperatures ☀️. The warmest month in the Adirondacks is July, with temperatures in the 70s. Some flowers will still be in bloom and trees will be full of green leaves. Although many people are on vacation, so you’re likely to see other people on the trail even on weekdays. Try to start earlier to avoid any crowds.
Fall
In my opinion, autumn is the best time to hike this trail if you want to be wowed. The Fall colors cover the mountain side and are truly vibrant 🍁. Temperatures are still mild with a crisp in the air. It’s one of the best hikes that you can take during this time of year and people flock from all over. If you do choose to go during the Fall, then try to go on the weekdays so that you have a quieter experience.
Winter
You should only go on the Indian Head trail in the winter, if you have experience hiking in colder weather. Snow ❄️ is likely to cover much of the way up and it can be dangerously icy. But, you also may have the trail to yourself as less people hit the trail. You should pack showshoes or microspikes as well as hiking poles. Bring plenty of layers and take your time as you make your way to the breathtaking summit.
Gear List:
Hiking into the rugged Adirondack mountains can be risky. You must be prepared before you set off on the trails. Always make sure to pack the 10 essentials and look into the weather forecast. If there is inclement weather in the forecast, you should stay at home. However, storms roll in quickly ⛈ in the mountains so stay vigilant. Below you’ll find a list of gear that you should bring with you.
- Comfortable Hiking Boots
- Merino Wool Socks
- Hiking Poles
- Small Pack
- 3-4 Liters of Water
- Snacks and Food
- First Aid Kit
- Sunscreen
- Bug Spray
- Sunglasses
- Hat to block sun
- Shelter
- Rain jacket or light winter jacket
- Satellite phone
- Downloaded Maps
Final Thoughts:
Visit the incredible “fjord” in the East Coast. Indian Head Trail is one of the very best hikes in the Adirondack Mountains. It is a bucket list destination, so you should make plans to see this beautiful sight. You will remember this hike for years to come!
Let me know in the comments if you enjoyed this trail guide
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