Overview
Join Us for Adventurous Activities this Summer!
Thank you for an amazing summer/fall, we’ll see you this winter! See below for information from the 2024 summer/fall and stay tuned for next season.
10am – 4pm
Opening Weekend: Friday-Sunday, July 5-7
Thursdays – Sundays: July 11 – September 1
Saturdays – Sundays: September 7 – October 13
Visit our multi-trail network to explore the beautiful Adirondacks in the fresh mountain air. Self-guided hiking opportunities range from interpretive strolls through wooded loops to challenging peak-to-peak quests. Depart from the Base Area or start your adventure from the top of our scenic skyride. We offer parking with EV charging stations located in Lot C, plus we have food, retail, and restrooms on-site.
Please be sure to sign in and out at our Hiking Registry located near the ticket windows in the base area and let us know which trails you’re planning to visit. Note that hiking trails are not regularly monitored or checked at the end of each day.
2024/25 season passes include free scenic skyrides during summer/fall 2024 – show your pass at the lift. Check out year-round perks for passholders!
2024 Skyride & Bike Season Pass: Enjoy lift-serviced hiking/downhill mountain biking and unlimited scenic skyrides during scheduled operating hours this summer and fall! These passes are non-transferable and is valid from July 6, 2024, through October 13, 2024.
$89 for ages 7+
$10 for ages 6 & under
Hiking Trails
Start your adventure from the top of the scenic skyride or begin hiking right out of the Base Area for an extra uphill challenge. These hikes range from 30 minutes to 5 hours, with your efforts rewarded by unmatched Adirondack views and the memories made along the way. Combine them all for a full-day trek or explore a different route each time you visit this summer and fall!
Ruby Run Hiking Trail*
Trail Rating: More Difficult
Distance: 0.4 miles one way
Average Hiking Time: 15 minutes one way
This main thoroughfare from the top of the gondola skyride to the mid-mountain Saddle Area is shared by hikers and bikers, offering stunning views to the northeast of the High Peaks and beyond. Use this trail to access Cloud to Gore’s highest peak, Sidewinder (downhill), and the Saddle Area.
Cloud Hiking Trail*
Trail Rating: Most Difficult
Distance: 1.2 miles one way
Average Hiking Time: 1 hour one way
Access this trail from Ruby Run Hiking Trail, heading west your destination is Gore’s true summit. This challenging adventure rewards both hikers and bikers with exquisite panoramic views of the Adirondack wilderness, mountains, waterways, and forests. Use this independent round-trip hike to access Gore’s highest peak, or continue on Ruby Run (downhill) to the Saddle Area and all other hiking trails in our network.
Windy Hill
Trail Rating: Most Difficult
Distance: 0.6 miles one way
Average Hiking Time: 30 minutes one way
As a scenic alternative to the lower portion of the Cloud Hiking Trail, flip-flop onto this route either near the intersection of Ruby Run Hiking Trail and Sidewinder for the uphill leg. Or, from the summit descend Cloud to about halfway down, turn left at the trail intersection and take a moment to soak in the stunning views of the High Peaks before continuing your descent to the Saddle Area.
Alpine Sky Loop
Trail Rating: Easier
Distance: 0.36-mile loop
Average Hiking Time: 30 minutes
Interpretive signage keeps hikers on track as they circle the summit of Bear Mountain with several breathtaking Adirondack vistas including the Fairview observation deck.
Sidewinder*
Trail Rating: More Difficult
Distance: 3.3 miles one way
Average Hiking Time: 2.5 hours one way
Hikers and bikers can conveniently access the downhill leg of this moderate trek near the unloading platform of AE chairlift skyride and mid-mountain Saddle Area at the base of Ruby Run. Make your way down this winding trail through Gore’s classic Northwoods Area, first on wide-open ski trails and under both skyride lift lines, followed by a trek through the woods where you can discover rugged boulders and flowing steams, ending with an open stroll through the tall grass and wildflowers of Bear Cub Run, the same gentle slope where many of our winter visitors learned to ski or ride. Use this trail for uphill access to Ruby Run and downhill access to Twister Cliffs and Sunway.
Twister Cliffs
Trail Rating: More Difficult
Distance: 0.8 miles one way
Average Hiking Time: 30 minutes one way
Conveniently access the downhill leg of this moderate and less-traveled hiking trail from the unloading platform of the open-air chairlift by following the Sidewinder trail downhill. Branch to the left for this short rewarding hike through the woods to the Twister Cliffs Outlook. From the outlook, backtrack to Sidewinder for more intermediate hiking options, or continue downhill on the black diamond Trillium Trek trail to the Base Area.
Trillium Trek
Trail Rating: Most Difficult
Distance: 1.5 miles one way
Average Hiking Time: 1 hour one way
Explore wilderness portions of Burnt Ridge Mountain’s glacial erratics and scenic views before this trail enters the forest, meandering through The Cirque (the longest ski glades in the Northeast), and exits into the Base Area. Reverse the route for a challenging uphill adventure continuing on Twister Cliffs to the intersection with Sidewinder, near the Saddle Area and top of the Adirondack Express open-air chairlift.
Sunway Hiking Trail
Trail Rating: More Difficult
Distance: 1.2 miles one way
Average Hiking Time: 45 minutes one way
Enjoy the sounds of nature and chance encounters with wildlife on this popular route in and out of the Base Area. As a downhill adventure, this option veers northeast off Sidewinder and continues on a combination of sunny ski slopes and shaded forests for the most direct hiking route back to the Base Area. Or, start your uphill journey here, reversing the route to merge midway up Sidewinder.
The Hollow*
Trail Rating: More Difficult
Distance: 0.65 mile
Average Hiking Time: 30 minutes
Our newest multi-use trail addition, previously known as Sidetracked for downhill biking. The Hollow is the last opportunity to divert from Sidewinder, branching to the left and meandering down a more direct route to the Base Area. This trail has a steady downhill flow.
Please note that The Hollow will be closed this summer/fall season due to construction for the new ski lift in the vicinity.
Hardwood Forest Loop*
Trail Rating: Easier
Distance: 1.2-mile loop
Average Hiking Time: 45 minutes
Take a relaxing stroll through oaks, maples, and birches with interesting signage to keep hikers on track. This is a great warm-up trail for downhill bikers too.
Bobcat Loop*
Trail Rating: Easier
Distance: 0.5-mile loop
Average Hiking Time: 30 minutes
This trail entrance is located near our J-bar and Starting Gate ski slope, on the northeast side of the Base Lodge, opposite the skyrides. Both hikers and bikers are welcome on this short, easier-rated loop through the hardwoods of the Base Area, and it makes for the perfect warmup lap before you embark toward higher elevations within our trail network. Visitors should also check out the Hardwood Forest Loop for a similar trek with interpretive signage.
*Shared trail for downhill mountain biking & hiking, please be aware of bike traffic. Hikers always have the right-of-way.
Points of Interest
Fairview Observation Deck
Located just a short walk away from where the gondola skyride unloads near the top of the Ruby Run Hiking Trail, this deck is easily accessible to all visitors. Don’t miss this stunning panoramic view with Gore’s true summit and Barton’s garnet mines to the west, nearby peaks like Blue and Pete Gay Mountains to the North, and the Adirondack’s legendary High Peaks in the distance.
Check out a live view from the Bear Mountain Webcam.
Mountaintop Labyrinth
Take a relaxing stroll through our labyrinth, located near the top of the gondola skyride where the Alpine Sky Loop interpretive trail meets our black diamond Fairview ski trail. Labyrinths are ancient patterns over 4,000 years old, and walking them has been known to help quiet the mind and offer relaxation, balance, and well-being.
Interpretive Trails
Our “eco-loops” are designed for approximately a 30-45 minute walk, offering interpretive signage to keep you on track, as well as some education if you’re interested! The Hardwood Forest Loop* is located in the Base Area. Take this relaxing stroll through oaks, maples, and birches with interesting signage to keep hikers on track. This is a great warm-up trail for downhill bikers too. The Alpine Sky Loop is at the top of Bear Mountain near where the gondola skyride unloads. Interpretive signage keeps hikers on track as they circle the summit of Bear Mountain with several breathtaking Adirondack vistas including the Fairview Observation Deck.
Cloud Lookout (Gore Summit)
Congratulations – you’ve made it to the top! Now relax and soak in Gore’s signature views. Access to this location is via a challenging hike up the Cloud Trail*. If you are starting out from the top of the gondola skyride, head west down Ruby Run* until that hiking trail intersects with Cloud on the left. If you are hiking the whole way up, there are a few uphill options that will bring you to the Saddle Lodge– take your pick. Then from the Saddle, take Ruby Run to the intersection with Windy Hill on the right, or head a little farther uphill to the Cloud Trail (also on the right) and head directly to the summit.
Check out a live view from the Summit Webcam.
Windy Hill Lookout
This favorite location can be your destination or a waypoint on your hike to and from the top. Make your way to the top of this open grassy slope located near the intersection of Windy Hill and Cloud hiking trails, and enjoy these northeasterly views of the Adirondack peaks, forests, and valleys.
Twister Cliffs Lookout
Access this stunning view from the Saddle Lodge via Sidewinder* and the intermediate-rated Twister Cliffs trail, or take the more challenging uphill journey out of the base area via Trillium Trek. The lookout is located where the two trails intersect on the south side of Burnt Ridge Mountain.
Lean-To Rocks
Check out these cool rock formations located right around the midpoint of the Trillium Trek hiking trail. The surrounding forest is known to winter guests as the Cirque Glades, the longest tree-skiing trail in the Northeast!
Base Area Lookout
If you’re headed up the mountain on foot via the challenging Trillium Trek trail, this is the first scenic vista you will arrive at which offers a look back toward the base with Crane Mountain and the southern peaks just coming into view on the horizon. Keep going, there’s so much more to on your climb. If you are hiking down Trillium Trek, this will be the last lookout as you approach the Base Area.
Check out a live view from the Base Area Webcam.
*Shared trail for cross-country mountain biking & hiking, please be aware of bike traffic and disc golf in progress. Hikers always have the right-of-way.