Have a look at one of the best mountain climbs in the Adirondacks without summiting a 46er.
About The Hike
Balanced Rocks is a summit in the Sentinel Range Wilderness close to Lake Placid, NY. The hike is commonly combined with Pitchoff Mountain for a 7.8-mile out & back type of hike. I've heard reports that there aren't great views at the summit of Pitchoff and with lack of time I was satisfied with making Balanced Rocks my turn around point.
Balanced Rocks & Pitchoff Mountain:
Distance: 7.8 Miles
Type: Out & Back
Elevation: 3493 feet
Ascent: 2132 feet
Only Balanced Rocks:
Distance: 3.2 Miles
Type: Out & Back
Elevation: 2975 feet
Ascent: 800 feet
Summit Fun
Balancing Rocks is popular for its open summit views but even more for the two boulders propped up on the peak. They make for a fun natural playground for kids and adults alike. It's also has west facing views making it a great place to catch the sunset and then run back down the mountain before dark. Bring a flashlight of head lamp just in case!
Getting There and Important Information
Parking for the Balanced Rocks trailhead is located off of RT 73 near the Cascade Lakes and is the same parking areas used for the high peaks, Cascade and Porter. Parking will require crossing the road or a short road walk where extra caution should be exercised. People who frequent this route will know it's a single lane, winding highway with no shoulder for hikers making it dangerous.
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DISCLAIMER:
This website is provided for entertainment purposes only, and is not meant to serve as an instructional guide, or present itself as an authority for any of the locations written about. The locations mentioned, written, and photographed herein are nothing more than my personal adventure archive. If you are interested in visiting any locations you should not depend on the information in this website to plan any excursions. You should research a wide variety of informational sources, websites, hiking guide books and maps found elsewhere. Many locations are dangerous and potentially illegal to access which can lead to fines, injury or death even when prepared. I do not encourage anyone to trespass or put themselves or others in way of harm. This website, and therefore its’ owner/author, cannot assume any responsibility for anything you may incur while hiking or exploring any of these locations or anywhere on planet earth. Thank you for viewing!