2026 Summer
Opening Weekend: July 3
Daylight Hours Only
This schedule is subject to change based on weather and other variables. See our Activities Report for updates.
Our network of hiking trails offer something for all abilities, ranging from a short stroll through the forest to peak-to-peak adventures. Start your adventure at either the Main Base Area or the North Creek Ski Bowl.
Visit our multi-trail network and 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 North Creek Ski Bowl.
Please be sure to sign in and out at our the Hiking Registries. The Main Base Area registry is located near the Northwoods Lodge. The Ski Bowl registry is at the base of the Schaeffer Foot Trail. Please note that hiking trails are not regularly monitored or checked at the end of each day.
Start your adventure from the Main Base Area to explore Gore Mountain and Bear Mountain. 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!
Trail Rating: Easier
Distance: 0.5-mile loop
Average Hiking Time: 30 minutes
This trail entrance is located to the right of our J-bar and Starting Gate ski slope, on the northeast side of the Base Lodge. Hikers 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 an extended trek with interpretive signage.
Trail Rating: Easier
Distance: 1.2-mile loop
Average Hiking Time: 45 minutes
From the Bobcat Loop, take a relaxing stroll through oaks, maples, and birches with interpretative signage to learn about the local flora and fauna. This trail is great for kids and adults alike looking for a short, easy, and fun hike.
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. This route mainly follows the easier Sunway ski trail and can be a great way to soak up the sun on a nice day. Enjoy the scenic views on the way!
Trail Rating: More Difficult
Distance: 3.3 miles one way
Average Hiking Time: 2.5 hours one way
From the base, this trail gives you a moderate trek up to the Saddle Area. Start up Bear Cub Run, before dipping into the woods near the top of the Bear Cub Quad lift. Discover rugged boulders and flowing streams as you weave through the woods. Eventually as you make your way through Gore’s classic Northwoods Area, you will cross wide-open ski trails and scenic lift lines before the final ascent to the Saddle lodge. From here, head on over to Twister Cliffs for a scenic overlook or continue on to the summits of Bear Mountain and Gore Mountain.
Trail Rating: More Difficult
Distance: 0.65 mile
Average Hiking Time: 30 minutes
An alternate and shorter route to get you started up the mountain. Take this from the base area to connect to sidewinder for the remainder of your journey to the Saddle.
Trail Rating: Most Difficult
Distance: 1.5 miles one way
Average Hiking Time: 1 hour one way
This is our most challenging, but rewarding route up the mountain. Expect a direct path cutting up The Cirque glades, flanked by the glacial erratics of Burnt Ridge. As you grab on-to the ropes anchored on the trail, rest assured that unbeatable views lie ahead! The trail ends at Twister Cliffs, a scenic overlook providing views of the Northwoods Area. Continue up the Twister Cliffs trail to reach the Saddle Lodge.
On your trek, see if you can spot Lean-to rocks. These cool rock formations are located right around the midpoint of the Trillium Trek hiking trail.
Trail Rating: More Difficult
Distance: 0.8 miles one way
Average Hiking Time: 30 minutes one way
Explore this moderate and less-traveled hiking trail near the top of the Sidewinder trail. Head towards the Twister ski trail and head downhill, following the signs 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 back to the Base Area.
Trail Rating: More Difficult
Distance: 0.4 miles one way
Average Hiking Time: 15 minutes one way
Earn stunning views of the northeast High Peaks and beyond by entering this trail at the Saddle Area and following it up to the Summit of Bear Mountain. Near the top of the trail, be sure to stop at the Fairview Observation Deck for stunning panoramic views. Look out for Gore’s true summit and the Barton 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.
Trail Rating: Easier
Distance: 0.36-mile loop
Average Hiking Time: 30 minutes
Once at the summit of Bear Mountain, take a gentle stroll on the Alpine Sky Loop. Soak in scenic views while reading some interpretive signage about the unique alpine environment, local ecology and vistas, plus more.
Trail Rating: Most Difficult
Distance: 1.2 miles one way
Average Hiking Time: 1 hour one way
Access this trail near the summit of Bear Mountain off of the Ruby Run Trail. Head west to your destination: the summit of Gore Mountain. This challenging peak adventure rewards hikers with exquisite panoramic views of the Adirondack wilderness, mountains, waterways, and forests. At 3,600 feet of elevation, you’re at the highest point of Gore Mountain!
Check out a live view from the Summit Webcam.
Trail Rating: Most Difficult
Distance: 0.6 miles one way
Average Hiking Time: 30 minutes one way
As a challenging alternative to the lower portion of the Cloud Hiking Trail, hang a right onto this route from the Saddle Area. You will follow a flat gravel trail (Lower Cloud Traverse) before a steep final ascent towards the summit of Gore Mountain. The extensive effort rewards you with some of the best views Gore has to offer. At the Windy Hill lookout, the High Peaks can be seen stretching over the horizon for miles. If you know your peaks, try identifying them. Mt. Marcy shines beautifully in the distance!
Whether you are looking to tackle the 4 peaks of Gore or take a short scenic stroll through the woods, the hiking trails at the North Creek Ski Bowl have you covered!
Trail Rating: Easier
Distance: 0.3 miles one way
Take this short trail to downtown North Creek and enjoy the local shops, dining, and services!
Trail Rating: More Difficult
Distance: 1.3 miles loop
Trail Rating: More Difficult
Distance: 1.4 miles one way
Trail Rating: Most Difficult
Distance: 4.7 miles one way