Cobble Hill

Cobble Hill, standing at 2,332 feet, is a perfect mountain for a beginning climber or families looking for an easy, yet rewarding hike.

Originally named Kobl Hill when set up as a downhill ski operation in the late 1950s, Cobble Hill has since become a popular hike due to the views of the Village of Lake Placid as well as the High Peaks.

The trail begins next to the parking area at the Northwood School parking lot and leads to a junction that give hikers the option to ascend via the steep, 0.4-mile trail or the longer 1.1-mile trail with much easier grades.

Hikers who chose to ascend the shorter trail will find the trail immediately turning upward and maintaining the incline the entire way, only leveling out briefly in spots. As the climb continues, hikers will come to a large rock wall where the first lookout awaits above.

The trail leads up to the right where an almost vertical climb is necessary over an open rock face. There is a rope attached between two trees to assist with the climb. This is a very steep area with a number of exposed roots from trees that have grown through cracks in the rock.

Once this section is passed, the first lookout is immediately to the left. The view is of the Village of Lake Placid with Scarface Mountain (3,058 feet) directly in the background. The High Peaks lie just to the left.

Continuing up the trail, it is only a short distance to reach the summit where the views shift to the High Peaks. Hikers will pass a foundation, which most likely supported one of the chairlifts of the Kobl Hill ski operation.

Once at the summit, hikers will see the High Peaks, Olympic Ski Jumps and the Olympic Bobsled Run on Mount Van Hoevenberg directly in front. Looking to the left, Cascade Mountain and the Sentinel Range can be seen. Cascade Mountain is easily identified by the slide that resembles the number 7.

Heading back to the trailhead, the longer trail is considerably easier with smoother, more level grades and switchbacks that reduce the decline. There were, however, a number of muddy spots.

Before reaching the trailhead, the trail takes you past Echo Pond; a large pond on private land that is home to the Echo Pond Lodge.