Mount Jo Lake Placid
A moderate Adirondack hike with two trail options, offering stunning panoramic views of Heart Lake and the High Peaks.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Spectacular fall foliage
Mount Jo Lake Placid
Best Time
Spectacular fall foliage
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A moderate Adirondack hike with two trail options, offering stunning panoramic views of Heart Lake and the High Peaks.
"Perfect amount of difficulty for a day hike with a great payoff."
🚗 Parking Strategy
Arrive early to secure parking at the Adirondack Loj trailhead, or research alternative parking options.
🥾 Trail Choice Matters
The short trail is steep and more challenging; the long trail is gradual. Choose based on your fitness!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Summit Views
Mount Jo Summit
Panoramic vistas of Heart Lake and the surrounding High Peaks. Absolutely breathtaking!
Two Trail Choices
Adirondack Loj Trailhead
Opt for the steep, shorter trail or the longer, more gradual path to the top. Choose your adventure!
Heart Lake Scenery
Along the trails
Enjoy picturesque views of Heart Lake as you ascend or descend Mount Jo.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trail Options & Parking
Best Time for Views & Comfort
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Strategy
Arrive early to secure parking at the Adirondack Loj trailhead, or research alternative parking options.
🥾 Trail Choice Matters
The short trail is steep and more challenging; the long trail is gradual. Choose based on your fitness!
🦟 Bug Spray is Key
Especially in warmer months, bring insect repellent to ward off black flies.
🐶 Pet-Friendly Hike
Mount Jo is a great option for dogs on leash, making it a perfect outing for furry friends.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Strategy
Arrive early to secure parking at the Adirondack Loj trailhead, or research alternative parking options.
🥾 Trail Choice Matters
The short trail is steep and more challenging; the long trail is gradual. Choose based on your fitness!
🦟 Bug Spray is Key
Especially in warmer months, bring insect repellent to ward off black flies.
🐶 Pet-Friendly Hike
Mount Jo is a great option for dogs on leash, making it a perfect outing for furry friends.
📸 Summit Photo Ops
The views from the top are incredible, perfect for capturing memorable photos.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Mount Jo is highly praised for its rewarding summit views and the choice between a steep or gradual trail, making it accessible for various fitness levels. While parking can be challenging, the overall experience is considered a fantastic day hike with beautiful scenery, especially during fall. Some find the steep trail more strenuous than anticipated.
"Such a great experience. We did the steep shorter hike up and the long way down. The summit is amazing. The steep path is more physical than I thought it would be and less marked so be ready for that."
Steve Kania
"Perfect amount of difficulty for a day hike with a great payoff. $18 to park. Views on the way up were even better than the summit imo!"
Jessica Tirone
"Fantastic mountain with options for both long and short trails. Moderately challenging hike with a gorgeous view waiting once you reach the top."
Afnan Aqdus
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mount Jo is located near the Adirondack Loj Trailhead, which is accessible by car. The drive itself offers scenic views of the Adirondacks.
Yes, there is parking at the Adirondack Loj Trailhead, but it can fill up quickly, especially during peak season. Arriving early is highly recommended.
Public transportation options directly to the Mount Jo trailhead are limited. Driving is the most common method of access.
The drive to the Adirondack Loj Trailhead is scenic, winding through the beautiful Adirondack Mountains.
Mount Jo is a short drive from the town of Lake Placid, making it an easily accessible destination for visitors staying in the area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is a parking fee at the Adirondack Loj Trailhead, which typically covers access to the trails. The fee is usually around $18 per vehicle.
Mount Jo is generally accessible year-round during daylight hours. However, trail conditions can vary significantly with the seasons.
While there isn't a specific entrance fee for the mountain itself, there is a parking fee at the Adirondack Loj Trailhead.
Advance booking is not typically required for hiking Mount Jo. Access is usually on a first-come, first-served basis for parking.
No specific permits are generally required for hiking Mount Jo, but always check local regulations for any updates.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
Mount Jo offers moderate difficulty. The shorter trail is steep and more strenuous, while the longer trail is more gradual. Both are manageable for most hikers.
The hike typically takes about 1.5 to 2.5 hours roundtrip, depending on the trail chosen and your pace.
The summit offers stunning panoramic views of Heart Lake and the surrounding Adirondack High Peaks, especially beautiful during fall foliage.
Restroom facilities are typically available at the Adirondack Loj Trailhead, where the hike begins.
Yes, Mount Jo is considered family-friendly, especially the longer, more gradual trail. It's a great option for adventurous young ones.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour, during sunrise or sunset, offers beautiful lighting for photography. Fall foliage season also provides vibrant colors.
You can capture stunning landscape shots of Heart Lake and the High Peaks, as well as wildlife if you're lucky.
Drone usage may be restricted in certain areas, especially within protected park lands. It's best to check with local authorities or the DEC before flying.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife.
Absolutely! The trails themselves offer beautiful scenery, especially with the changing seasons.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to pack plenty of snacks and water, and consider the longer trail for younger hikers. The summit views provide a great sense of accomplishment for the whole family. Dogs on a leash are also welcome, making it a fun outing for furry family members too!
🐶 Dog Owners
+1This makes it an ideal spot for those who don't want to leave their furry friends behind. The moderate trails and beautiful scenery offer a great adventure for both you and your dog. Just be sure to bring water for your pet and clean up after them.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+2Capture panoramic shots of Heart Lake and the surrounding High Peaks. The trails themselves also provide scenic backdrops, and if you're lucky, you might even spot some local wildlife for unique shots.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Choosing Your Mount Jo Trail
Conversely, the long trail offers a more gradual climb, spreading the elevation gain over a greater distance. This option is generally considered easier and more accessible for a wider range of hikers, including families and those seeking a less strenuous experience. Both trails ultimately converge at the summit, promising equally rewarding views.
Many visitors opt to ascend via one trail and descend via the other to experience both aspects of the Mount Jo hike. Regardless of your choice, proper footwear is essential for navigating the varied terrain.
The Magic of Fall Foliage at Mount Jo
+1Hiking Mount Jo in the fall offers an immersive experience in this natural beauty. The crisp air and the stunning visual display make for an unforgettable outing. It's a prime time for photographers and nature enthusiasts alike to capture the essence of an Adirondack autumn.
+1To make the most of a fall visit, plan for cooler temperatures and potentially busier trails due to the popularity of fall foliage viewing. Dressing in layers is advisable, and checking the peak foliage times for the season can help you time your visit perfectly.
Wildlife Encounters on Mount Jo
One particularly memorable sighting shared by hikers is that of a white-tailed deer. These encounters are often peaceful, with the animals seeming accustomed to human presence, allowing for quiet observation and photography.
Remember to always maintain a respectful distance from wildlife and avoid feeding them. These encounters are a privilege, and preserving the natural behavior of these animals is crucial for their well-being and the ecosystem.
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