Cascade Mountain — Local services in Town of Keene

Great hike for aspiring 46ers.

After doing a little research, this hike was recommended as the “easiest” of the 46.

An added bonus is that you can also pop right over to Porter very easily and check that off your list as well (I actually believe that hiking Cascade is the main trail to Porter either way.)

I hiked both peaks with my 15 and 10 year old in about 6 hours. However, we added a solid hour extra Google maps GPS lead us PAST the peak of Porter mountain. (The peak is a very very small rocky out crop with no pin, signage, or view and I would not suggest hiking there unless you’re specifically trying to hit all 46 peaks).

I’m a young man in decent shape and I have done some casual hiking before but this by far my biggest. Both of my nephews had never even seen a real mountain before, let alone hiked one. Even still, we found the trail to be only mildly challenging and were able to climb it without too much difficulty.

I do recommend that you avoid hiking this trail after a rainy night, as the trail quickly transforms into a shallow creek and you will find yourself hopping on top of rocks the entire way up.

I also witnessed several dogs, young children, and elderly folks along the trail. So that might give you some encouragement to try it if...

Cascade Mountain in New York is an absolute five-star adventure waiting to be explored! This iconic hike is a true testament to the natural beauty of the Adirondacks and a favorite among hikers.

The trail to Cascade Mountain is well-maintained and relatively short, making it accessible to hikers of various skill levels. Even though the hike isn't overly strenuous, it offers a sense of accomplishment as you ascend through lush forests and rocky terrain.

But the real magic happens at the summit. The view from Cascade Mountain is a jaw-dropping spectacle, with a sweeping vista of the High Peaks region that includes Whiteface Mountain and the surrounding peaks. Whether you're hiking in the summer, surrounded by vibrant greenery, or conquering it in the winter when the landscape is blanketed in snow, the view is nothing short of breathtaking.

Cascade Mountain is also a popular choice for those seeking to become Adirondack 46ers, as it's one of the required peaks on the list. Whether you're a seasoned hiker chasing that goal or just looking for a memorable day in the Adirondacks, Cascade Mountain delivers an experience that's hard to beat. It's a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the beauty of upstate...

Started after lunch and it took me about 3 hours and that included a 45 minute side trip to Porter Mountain. I'm experienced, so this wasn't hard by the standard of other high peaks or the hikes I've done out west and in the Appalachians. It's family friendly for sure. The hike isn't an endless vertical slog. You get short, rocky, steep slogs. But again, they are short and broken up by flatter and cleaner sections. Thus it is easy to catch your breath and keep moving. The side trail to Porter was pretty muddy in several sections and there were a few smaller muddy sections on the main trail as well. But all in all it was an amazing hike. It provided a great view of Marcy, the queen of the high peaks, and the numerous other high peaks that flank her. I could also seek several small mountain ranges in Canada, couldn't make out Montreal though. I recommend this if you have a little time and are looking for a couple of quick high...