Where To Find Family-Friendly Hikes In The Adirondacks

The Adirondacks, NY is a beautiful place to go out and explore. With more than 2,000 miles of trails and 46 peaks to choose from, to choose from, it can be quite challenging to decide where to start. On my visits over the years, I’ve been lucky enough to explore some great trails that are family-friendly. Whether you’re a movie, out for a family hike, or just want to spend some time hiking with friends, one of these trails will offer you the perfect adventure. These trails are perfect for kids of all ages and dog friendly.

Pinnacle Mountain

The pinnacle mountain trail is perfect for a family outing. This 2-mile hike takes 25 minutes with taking a short water break. There are some muddy spots, so do wear waterproof boots. Especially if you go, what we like to call here in the Adirondack is “mud season.” Which is all of April and the beginning of May. The trails are nicely marked with red trail markers, and some people even put up orange flags to help with the navigation. Once you reach the top, there is a picnic table, which we took full advantage of. I packed us a small lunch to enjoy while taking in the views.

The trail to Pinnacle begins at the new large parking area on Edgecomb road near Bolton Landing.

Tenant Creek Falls

Looking for an easy hike that will lead you to a swimming spot? One short hike with three different falls! Tenant Creek is a great spot. The kids and I had a fun time with this one. The trail starts in the back of the parking area and heads off into the woods. The woods are full of mature hardwoods and gorgeous white pines. It is only 0.9 miles to the first waterfall, and it makes for a nice easy hike with a fantastic reward. I also like this because if you happen to have a child that starts getting antsy and not in the mood for an extended hike to get to the good stuff, it doesn’t take long to get to the very first waterfall, which is 50 feet! That will keep them entertained. If you wish to continue on, the 2nd waterfall is only 2.0 miles, and the 3rd is 2.1. Each of them has its own small swimming hole at the bottom for the kiddos to jump into.

Tell everyone to bring their fishing poles! Fishing is allowed there, and there are plenty in there. Just standing over the water, you can see them swimming around. Near that same area, you can see the occasional frog hopping around. Which was fun for the little ones to chase around. When we started walking towards the second falls, we came across two Gardner snakes! Don’t worry, they won’t bother you if you don’t bother them. There is plenty of wildlife, impressive cascading waterfalls, and only a short 2.1 miles hike to get there. 

Located in Wilcox Lake Wild Forest, North of the small village of Northville. The road is paved except for the last mile. 

Copperas Pond

After hiking trails listed above, I could only get one kid out this time. She is nine years old, and taking her on this trail was quick and easy. It was a little hilly in the beginning but only 1.0 miles out and back, and it took us about a half-hour to make the entire loop. 

This hike leads you to a crystal clear pond full of minnows and frogs. There are rocks 10-12 feet high that some people jump off into the water, and their dogs are even jumping in. Near the pond, there is a great spot to throw down a blanket and have lunch. 

Copperas Falls is located between Wilmington and Lake Placid. From Route 86, it’s a 0.5-mile climb to the pond.

Baxter Mountain

An easy hike with a mountain view. This is a trendy hiking spot here and tends to be crowded. We went at 9 am, and there were already many people there. Leave as early as you can to avoid the crowd. It’s easy to see why it’s so popular. After about one mile of hiking, we saw blueberry bushes, large oak trees, mountain views, and easy-to-follow blue trail markers. After about 0.9 miles, you can catch a glimpse of Mount Marcy to your right. Mount Marcy is the largest peak in the Adirondacks. The trail passes through private land that the gracious owner has open to the public, so please be respectful and leave no trace.

This trail begins off of NY9 in the town of Keene. You go past the Baxter Mountain Tavern, you have gone too far.

Protecting the Adirondacks with the LEAVE NO TRACE rule. Here are some helpful tips how:

When you leave, it should look like no one was ever there.

Don’t trample on vegetation.

Know the regulations before heading out to your destination.

Carry out everything that you carry in.

Camp 200 feet away from water.

Do not feed wildlife.

Leave what you find.

Keep fires small and do not burn trash.

Avoid places where things are just starting to grow.