View from the summit
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Whiteface Mountain

4.7
·1k reviews·, United States

Iconic Adirondack peak offering stunning summit views via scenic highway, hiking, and world-class skiing.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Fall mornings

Spectacular foliage, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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View from the summit

Whiteface Mountain

Best Time

Fall mornings

Spectacular foliage, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Iconic Adirondack peak offering stunning summit views via scenic highway, hiking, and world-class skiing.

4.7
(1k reviews)

"The views from the top are magnificent on the drive up and on the top."

Vertical photo
TIP

🥾 Wear Proper Footwear

Sturdy shoes are a must for hiking to the summit or exploring trails.

🦟 Bring Insect Repellent

Insects can be prevalent, especially in September.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.7 · 1,332 reviews

Type

Mountain Peak

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Whiteface Veterans' Memorial Highway

Whiteface Veterans' Memorial Highway

Summit Road

Scenic drive to the summit with breathtaking panoramic views of the Adirondacks.

Summit Trail

Summit Trail

Top of Whiteface Mountain

A short, rewarding hike with railings to the highest point for unparalleled vistas.

Olympic Ski Resort

Olympic Ski Resort

Whiteface Ski Resort

Experience world-class skiing and snowboarding on 'The Face,' known for its challenging terrain.

High Falls Gorge

High Falls Gorge

Near Whiteface Mountain

Easy-access trails lead to stunning waterfalls, perfect for a nature walk.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

Visit during the shoulder seasons (late spring, early fall) for fewer crowds and stunning foliage. Summer offers scenic drives, while winter is prime for skiing. Book accommodations and any tours in advance, especially during peak times.

Prepare for the Summit

The drive up Whiteface Memorial Highway is spectacular but steep. Wear sturdy shoes for hiking to the summit, even if you plan to use the elevator. Be aware of potential insects in warmer months and check weather conditions before you go.

Best Times

When
Fall mornings
Why
Spectacular foliage, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Summer weekdays
Why
Scenic drives, pleasant weather
Crowd
Medium
When
Winter weekends
Why
Prime skiing conditions
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

If you’re looking for the perfect family-friendly winter retreat, check out Whiteface Lodge in Lake Placid, NY ❄️❤️ #lakeplacid #whiteface #whitefacemountain #cabin #wintervacation #snow #upstatenewyork
@dianakonfederat
136.2K likes • 1.6M views

🥾 Wear Proper Footwear

Sturdy shoes are a must for hiking to the summit or exploring trails. Reddit

🦟 Bring Insect Repellent

Insects can be prevalent, especially in September. Reddit

Views from the top of the Adirondacks 🍁 #whitefacemountain #adk #adirondacks #upstateny #adirondackmountains #lakeplacidny #autumn
@jameskblundell
108.3K likes • 892.3K views
A snowy winter wonderland greeting us at the top of Whiteface Mountain ❄️
navigateourlives
496 likes • 6.1K views

🚗 Scenic Drive Toll

The Whiteface Memorial Highway has a toll; check current rates. Veterans may get discounts. Reddit

⬆️ Elevator to the Top

An elevator is available for easy access to the summit if hiking isn't preferred. TikTokInstagram

You know where to be this weekend📍 #WhitefaceMountain
whiteface_mt
3.2K likes • 43.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🥾 Wear Proper Footwear

Sturdy shoes are a must for hiking to the summit or exploring trails. Reddit

🦟 Bring Insect Repellent

Insects can be prevalent, especially in September. Reddit

🚗 Scenic Drive Toll

The Whiteface Memorial Highway has a toll; check current rates. Veterans may get discounts. Reddit

⬆️ Elevator to the Top

An elevator is available for easy access to the summit if hiking isn't preferred. TikTokInstagram

📸 Arrive Early for Parking

Limited parking at the summit, especially during peak foliage. Reddit

⛷️ Ski Pass Options

Consider the Mountain Collective pass for access to Whiteface and other resorts. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.7
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Whiteface Mountain for its absolutely breathtaking views and spectacular scenery, especially from the summit. The drive up the Veterans' Memorial Highway is a highlight, offering numerous scenic stops. While the toll can be steep, many find the experience well worth the cost. Some visitors note the presence of insects during certain times of the year and advise on proper footwear for the summit hike.

"Breathtaking views, not overcrowded. Amazing hiking trails. Please bring your insect repellent as when we visit on September 16th it had a lot of insects flying everywhere that we have never seen before. HAVE TO WEAR PROPER SHOES!"

Hasna “Captiveats”

"Great visit on the last Monday of June. We drove to the top. I took advantage of the discounted toll for veterans. We went at approximately 10 a.m. and there was plenty of parking available. The views are magnificient on the drive up and on the top. The hike from the parking lot at the top to the summit is fun. There is also an elevator from the parking lot to the summit for people with limited mobility, or for anyone not willing to hike. It is worth visiting the tunnel to the elevator even if you're not using it. There are plenty of spots to stop on the side of the road on your way up or down to enjoy the view, some with picnic tables. We stopped on our way down, took our camping chairs out and had a picnic with an incredible view. I really enjoyed this visit and would go back."

JF Piché

"Very fun. Elevator ride takes you up maybe 280 feet to the top of the mountain. We were lucky, clear weather so spectacular views in all directions"

John Hinch

What People Like

Breathtaking summit views
Scenic highway drive
Well-maintained trails

What People Dislike

Steep toll fees
Insects in warmer months

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Whiteface Mountain is located in Wilmington, NY, in the Adirondacks. It's accessible by car via I-87 Northway. The Whiteface Veterans' Memorial Highway offers a scenic drive to the summit. TikTokInstagram

Yes, Whiteface Mountain is very close to Lake Placid, making it a popular destination for those staying in the area. It's about a 15-20 minute drive. TikTok+1

You can drive up the Whiteface Veterans' Memorial Highway, hike the summit trail, or take the elevator from the parking lot. TikTokInstagram

Public transportation directly to Whiteface Mountain is limited. Most visitors drive. Taxis or ride-sharing services from Lake Placid may be available. Instagram

Whiteface Mountain is approximately a 2.5-hour drive from Montreal, Canada. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The Whiteface Veterans' Memorial Highway has a toll, typically around $25 per car and driver, plus $20 per passenger. Check the official website for current pricing. InstagramReddit

For the scenic highway and summit access, it's recommended to check if advance booking is required, especially during peak seasons. For skiing, lift tickets should ideally be purchased in advance online for potential savings. Instagram

Discounts may be available for veterans on the highway toll, and various passes like the Mountain Collective offer access for skiers. InstagramReddit

Operating hours vary significantly by season. The scenic highway is typically open from late May through mid-October. The ski resort operates during the winter months. Always check the official website for the most up-to-date hours. TikTok

Yes, an elevator is available from the upper parking lot to the summit, providing easy access for those with mobility issues or who prefer not to hike. TikTokInstagram

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

During warmer months, you can drive the scenic highway, hike to the summit, explore High Falls Gorge, and enjoy the stunning Adirondack views. TikTok+1

Absolutely! Whiteface is part of the High Peaks region and offers numerous hiking trails, including the challenging but rewarding hike to its summit. TikTokInstagram

The views from the summit are breathtaking and panoramic, offering expansive vistas of the Adirondack Mountains and surrounding lakes. TikTokReddit

Yes, Whiteface offers activities for all ages. The scenic drive, accessible summit via elevator, and nearby High Falls Gorge are great for families. The ski resort also has options for beginners. TikTok

Pack layers of clothing, comfortable walking or hiking shoes, sunscreen, a hat, and insect repellent, especially for warmer months. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The summit offers incredible panoramic shots. The scenic highway pull-offs provide stunning landscape views, and High Falls Gorge offers beautiful waterfall photography. TikTok+1

Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Sunrise and sunset can be spectacular. TikTok

Drone usage is typically restricted in national parks and protected areas. Always check local regulations and park rules before flying a drone. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for distant mountain details. A sturdy tripod is helpful for low-light conditions or long exposures. TikTok

Weather can change rapidly at higher elevations, so be prepared for wind, fog, or rain. The sun can be intense at the summit, so polarized filters can be useful. Instagram

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