Though a bit further from NYC, the Adirondacks are, in our opinion, one of the best places to go for a 3-day weekend escape from New York City. With over 6 million acres Adirondack Park offers incredible options for exploration.
Many head to the Adirondacks to become part of the "46ers" - a designation given to those who have done all 46 of the Adirondacks High Peaks. To get started on this journey we recommend Cascade Mountain (4098') and nearby Porter (4058') for a great day on the trail and a relatively easy introduction to the High Peaks. Note: while this hike is easy compared to other High Peaks routes there is significant incline and general fitness and a good pair of shoes are needed to reach the summit.
View from the top
GETTING TO CASCADE:
Rent a car & drive north to the town of Keene, New York. From there you'll follow NY 73 West for about 9 miles until you pass both Upper Cascade Lake & Lower Cascade lake on your left. The start will be apparent on the south side of the road at the Cascade Trailhead.
FOLLOW THE TRAIL:
Red markers will lead you from the road towards Cascade with a gradual incline including a few steep rocky sections. After 2.1 miles you'll reach a signposts directing you to the RIGHT to Porter Mountain or to the LEFT to Cascade Mountain.
Follow the trail to the right to do the 1.5 mile "add on" to Porter Mountain before doing Cascade (believe us, this is the move). After bagging your first peak, Porter, you'll head back to the junction for a short hike to the summit of Cascade. Here you'll see some of the best views in the Adirondacks and have successfully summited your second High Peak of the day.
After your hike there are camping options throughout the area including an easy "drive in" campground at the Adirondack Loj (or bunkrooms if that's your style).
BE PREPARED:
Below is a map to give you a sense of the hike, we recommend printing this or purchasing a map online to bring with you just in case. And of course: remember your layers (windy at the top!), water, and solid footwear.
Map from CNYhiking.com