Avalanche Lake
A narrow alpine lake squeezed between the steep cliffs of Colden and Avalanche Mountains, with a wooden boardwalk, the 'Crossover Bridge', clinging to the rock face.
Avalanche Lake lies deep in the High Peaks Wilderness. From the Adirondak Loj via Marcy Dam, the round trip is about 16 km and takes 5-7 hours over gentle gradients. Cliffs drop straight down to the water on both sides. The most famous feature is the Hitch-Up Bridge, a wooden boardwalk pinned to the rock face. At the north end, the landslide gully on Colden Mountain is a rock-climbing route. Register at the trailhead. After rain the trail is muddy and slippery, so wear waterproof hiking boots.
Opening hours
All day (daytime recommended)
Nearby sights
- Mount Marcy
- Adirondak Loj, Heart Lake & Mount Jo
- Mt Van Hoevenberg Olympic Sports Complex
- John Brown Farm State Historic Site
- Lake Placid Olympic Ski Jumping Complex
- Cascade Mountain
- Lake Placid Olympic Center & Olympic Museum
- Mirror Lake & Main Street