If you're looking for the perfect spot in nature to really get away from it all, you should hike out to Avalanche Lake in New York in the heart of the Adirondacks. There are a lot of remote lakes in New York and in this part of the state in particular, so this may not be the most remote lake there is, but it's pretty close. No matter which way you approach it, you'll have to hike most of the day to reach it. When you do, you'll be rewarded; this lake is so beautiful and peaceful. Read on to learn more.
Avalanche Lake, NY is in the High Peaks Wilderness. The High Peaks Wilderness is the largest forest preserve in New York and it covers an area of 301 square miles. To give you an idea of how remote Avalanche Lake is, it's pretty much right in the middle of the wilderness area.
This lake is beautiful in every season. Here it is in the fall.
You can hike to it in the winter and see it covered with snow.
Or, you can visit in the springtime as the lake begins to thaw and as the snow melts.
The best time to go, though, is summertime. Look how beautiful, quiet, still, and serene it is. This is one of the most peaceful places in Adirondack Park.
No matter which way you choose to approach this lake, you're going to have to hike to get there. The shortest way to get there on foot is to start at the Adirondack Mountain Club's Adirondak Loj and hike south for six miles. Follow signs to Marcy Dam, then take the Avalanche Pass Trail the rest of the way. This trail is rated difficult.
Alternatively, you can start from the south. Park at the Dudley Brook Trail Trailhead. Follow the Dudley Brook Trail to the East River Trail North. Then take that to the Calamity Brook Trail near Flowed Lake. Take that to the Mount Marcy Trail and then get on the Avalanche Pass Trail the rest of the way. This hike covers over 21 miles, so be prepared for it! All of these trails are rated moderate or difficult, so it will be slow going the entire journey.
When you get to Avalanche Lake, it's all worth it. This lake is at 2885' of elevation. It is about a half a mile long and it is 250 feet wide; it covers about nine acres total.
An avalanche happened at this lake on August 20, 1869 that caused rock slides that raised the level of the lake. Another one happened in 1942 that raised it even more.
To get around the lake, you'll need to walk on wooden catwalks. These were first installed in the 1920s and are bolted into the face of the cliff.
You'll have to stay close to the cliff walls where no catwalk exists. This will be a hike that you'll surely never forget.
Avalanche Lake is a very worthwhile hike for experienced and energetic hikers. This lake is so remote and peaceful. You'll love it.
Although the hike is long and arduous, you'll love your trip to Avalanche Lake. This is one of the quietest and most peaceful lakes in the Adirondacks and it's well worth a visit.
If you love Adirondack Lakes, maybe you'll want to visit another after this one. Raquette Lake is a lot easier to get to! Learn more here: Why The Largest Natural Lake In The Adirondacks Belongs On Your New York Bucket List.
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