Coming from the New York City metro area, it’s easy for me to forget at times that New York is so much more—and much of it is unspoiled, beautiful landscape filled with towering peaks and challenging hiking trails. Many of the trails in the Adirondacks and Catskills are well-known and highly accessible to beginning and intermediate hikers, but for those seeking the most extreme hike in New York, they’d be well advised to head off the beaten path. High Peaks Wilderness, a sprawling expanse located in Central New York, isn’t in the middle of nowhere—you’re less than half an hour’s drive from the famous town of Lake Placid—but that’s where you’ll find a thrilling mountain hike well worth taking.

Ampersand Mountain Trail is a mighty quest, spanning 5.4 miles and boasting a whopping 1,784-foot elevation gain. This is already a high-elevation area, so this is one of those hikes that make you feel like you’re truly ascending into the clouds. It’s definitely a challenging adventure, one best suited for experienced hikers, but those who have taken it agree that the payoff is one of the most beautiful sights in all of the Empire State.

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The High Peaks Wilderness is a sprawling landscape far away from the nearest big city, home to almost 200 unique trails and dozens of mountain peaks. Each one is an adventure, but Ampersand Mountain might be the best. The trailhead, located in Saranac Lake, is your pathway to a 5.4-mile trek ideal for adventurous hikers.

This is an out-and-back trail, so you should plan to reverse once you hit the summit. While parts of the trail are navigated via a boardwalk trail, many sections have some rough terrain and are best navigated with a good pair of hiking boots. Dogs are welcome, as long as they’re on a leash.

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During the winter, this trail is especially beautiful—and even more challenging. Particularly during the later segments, you’ll encounter some bouldering conditions and a steep ascent that’s all worth it once you make it to the top of Ampersand Mountain.

Ampersand Mountain isn’t the tallest mountain in New York or even close, but it is in a high-elevation area, which means the 1,784-foot elevation gain ultimately puts you a good 3,352 feet above sea level. That makes it the perfect place to get some truly unforgettable pictures.

One of the most amazing things about this mountain is that you can see from all around, giving you a panoramic view of one of the most beautiful areas in the state. And you’re so high up, it can feel like you’re walking right into the clouds.

Have you braved the peaks of Ampersand Mountain? If you’re excited to see what lies at the end of what some call the most extreme hike in New York, tell a hiking buddy about this article and set out on the trailhead yourself! You can see more photos of the trail on the official AllTrails trail listing, and we highly recommend subscribing to AllTrails + before you head out—a challenging hike like this is the perfect place for the app’s helpful features, including point-by-point trail directions and downloadable trail maps that are accessible even in remote areas with spotty cell service.

While you’re in the area, make sure to drop into the town of Lake Placid and explore its charming small-town vibe for yourself. You can even book a stay at the Lake Placid Lodge, one of the state’s most beautiful resorts. If you’d like some more ideas on how to spend your getaway here, pay a visit to Only in Your State’s AI-powered travel planner and let it create a custom itinerary based on your priorities!

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