The Historic Staircase In New York That Leads You Straight To An Incredible Mountain View
By Lea Monroe|Updated on February 16, 2024(Originally published July 06, 2018)
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Lea Monroe
Author
Writer for Only In Your State. Scribbling about all things New York and Buffalo related while also keeping you updated on the latest travel news! Inquiries: Lmonroe@onlyinyourstate.com
All throughout New York, you can find some pretty well-known staircases that will take you on (or lead you to) some pretty unforgettable adventures. Many of us have stretched our legs out while climbing the 800 stone steps at Watkins Glen State Park, but if you happen to be heading up north there’s another set of stairs that you’ll want to climb. Leading you up to the top of our state’s fifth tallest mountain — find out why the Whiteface Mountain Stairway Ridge Trail attracts so many visitors. Trust us when we say this is one of those bucket list adventures you will want to do and will create memories that will last a lifetime.
It's time to put those New York legs to work! Because the Stairway Ridge Trail on Whiteface Mountain is an epic staircase that you're going to want to climb.
An 8-mile long drive that will have you rising over 2,300 feet in elevation, you'll eventually reach the end of the road where you'll find the designated parking areas along the mountain.
From the parking lot walk under the nearly hundred year old archway of the castle. If this trail didn't seem magical enough then add a stone castle overlooking the peaks and you have an epic and enchanting start to your hike.
Unless you're hiking all the way up Whiteface Mountain, you only have two other options to make your way to the summit — walk through a long tunnel and take an elevator ride 27 stories up or climb the staircase that makes up the Stairway Ridge Trail. The tunnel itself is awesome because you travel down a dark and narrow hallway with exposed rock and feels very much like traveling through a cave.
If you are short on time then the elevator is a good option and then take the trail down. If you have a whole day to dedicate to the trail climbing the whole mountain from top to bottom is also an option. Grab the AllTrails app and download the Whiteface Mountain Summit Trail map to keep track of where you are on the trail.
If the elevator is closed for repairs like when we went then you have no choice but to climb the stairs and soak in all of the beautiful scenery. We honestly just wanted to do the trail anyway so it wasn't a a problem for us. If you are hoping to take the elevator, however, we suggest you call ahead to make sure the elevator is operable that day.
Begin your journey by climbing the picture-perfect staircase that dates back to the early 1930s when the highway and structures on the mountain were built.
Most of the time when we're climbing a staircase we're eager to get to the top, but this is one staircase that you'll want to make stops on to soak in the breathtaking views.
There is a railing the whole way because the other side drops down hundreds of feet along jagged rocks. You will be following the ridgeline of the trail but I didn't bother us and the railing does a good job of keeping visitors safe.
The Stairway Ridge Trail is only .2 miles long, made up of both man-made and natural steps that you'll have fun navigating.
In our experience climbing the rocks and ascending up higher and higher was a blast and trust us when we say this is a must-see if you find yourself in Northern New York.
Before you know it, you'll be just steps away from Whiteface Castle at the summit.
Have you ever made it to the top of Whiteface Mountain Stairway Ridge Trail before? If you have, be sure to tell us which adventure you took to reach the top in the comments! For more information about the trail make sure you go to the Whiteface Mountain website. Check out this Adventuring in the Moment video of our trip up the mountain.
