New York, home to America's largest state park, has over 40 mountains with peaks higher than 4,000 feet! Do your legs feel like Jell-O just from reading that? Mine do! While you may be familiar with the Adirondack 46, you may not know that actually a handful of those peaks have elevations that fall just under 4,000 feet. In later years, surveys were done which revealed that four of the mountains didn't quite technically make the cut, but for tradition's sake no one ever shunned these mountains off of the list. But enough about the family...let's get to our state park's golden child!
So exactly which mountain are we boasting about today? Whiteface Mountain, of course! This epic mountain has a vertical drop of 3,430 feet... that's the biggest one east of the Rockies! As you can see pictured above, Whiteface has an elevation of 4867 feet, making it New York state's fifth highest mountain.
Captured above you can get a good sense of the mountain if you have never before visited. One of the many reasons this mountain is absolutely worth visiting is because of the different ways you can access it. From May until October, Whiteface's summit is accessible by vehicle! If you look at this particular picture you can see on the right the mountain's highway parking area! The parking area has an elevation of 4,600 feet, leaving you less than 300 feet away from the top.
So, you've parked your car and now the whole gang is ready to fly up the mountain, what's next you ask? Just a little 426 foot dark tunnel waiting for you! I told you this mountain was unique. Once you face all your fears and make it through this tunnel, you'll be greeted by an elevator to help get you to the top!
If you're in the mood to tackle a new adventure at Whiteface and the elevator isn't for you, then we have another option... the "stairs." While there are definitely stairs like the ones you would generally picture in your head, this particular staircase also morphs into well, just straight rock. With handrails guiding you the whole way up, we promise whatever hard work you encounter will be fully worth the amazing views in the end.
No matter which route you choose, the breathtaking views at the summit are memorable and rewarding. Providing you with 360 views and even binoculars (as shown above), you're able to see Lake Placid and even Vermont.
Still in need of more incentive to visit this high peak? From all corners of the world, Whiteface Mountain is desired by those who have a true passion for skiing. Host of the 1980 Winter Olympics, you too can make your way down these same trails Olympic competitors once flew down themselves!
Another one of Whiteface's features? Its observatory! At the top of the mountain you can find the observation tower which can be a great source of information. Inside the observatory you'll find more seating, general information and wonderful handouts on facts about the mountain!
Whiteface Mountain has been frequently recognized over the years for being one of the best Ski Resorts in the Northeast, but just over 10 miles away you can also find the great city of Lake Placid! The historic city has an endless supply of gift shops, restaurants and outdoor activities. If you needed any further excuses to turn what could be a day trip, into a full blown weekend getaway, here you go!
Even if you've visited Whiteface Mountain, we can almost guarantee you've never quite seen it the way you can in this incredible aerial footage. Check this out!
How beautiful was that footage from above? Have we managed to convince you that Whiteface Mountain is an absolute must-see? Tell us if you've already visited this high peak and your favorite things about it in the comments below!
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