Wilmington to Whiteface Mountain Trail #82

This trail takes you to the summit of Whiteface Mountain. Because there is a road to the summit of Whiteface Mountain, this trail gets little traffic. It has two very steep sections and a very flat section in between that tends to be full of water or at least very muddy even when it is not raining. After about two miles, the trail levels out. Soon after, you'll pass a trail junction (marked by a massive cairn and orange post) with the trail to the summit of Esther Mountain (Esther Mountain Trail). About a quarter mile past this, you'll pass the remnants of an old section of a ski resort lift. This is at almost exactly 4,000 feet in elevation and the trail becomes steep again after this point. Just before the summit ridge, the trail parallels Route 431 but does not cross the road. The summit ridge is long and exposed. Be prepared for the possibility of very high winds. Unfortunately, you'll not be alone on the summit because of the road to the top. You'll have the satisfaction of climbing to the top of a 46'er while all the others drove up. The view is amazing with great views of Lake Placid.