Whiteface Landing

Located on the northeast corner of Lake Placid, Whiteface Landing is a popular trail in summer and winter. When the snow clears, gone are the snowshoers and cross-country skiers, but the same alpine views and quiet shores are available for those who seek them out on foot—and the trail to Whiteface Landing makes for an excellent run.

Count on Connery Pond Road to be open during the summer. This allows you to drive on the dirt road directly to the Whiteface Landing trailhead. It's not a flat road, but even humble economy cars have no trouble navigating it. Parking is sparse, but it's not usually crowded, and finding a spot is traditionally not an issue. Connery Pond Road does continue as a private road, demarcated with a chain.

The trail starts behind the register and is marked with red Department of Environmental Conservation Foot Trail markers. Technically, you're heading into backcountry trails, and there is a register. Make use of it.

For the trail runner, the trail quickly heads uphill. Stay strong; the abrupt beginning soon mellows out to an enjoyable singletrack. It doesn't last long. At the first view of Connery Pond, the trail veers left, and you're following an old gravel road doing its best to return to its natural state. The trail remains fairly level for about a half-mile or so then begins to climb consistently and persistently upward.

The trail can be muddy. Washouts and erosion have left long, deceptively tricky sections made of assorted cobbles. If you are prone to rolling your ankles, set runner's pride aside and consider walking these sections. Keep in mind that, although you are within a couple of miles of your car, there is no cell service to call for help. After the rocks, the trail smooths out and resumes its pleasant demeanor.

At about 2.25 miles, a junction sign will give you directions to Whiteface Landing, which curves to the left. If you're hiking and looking to camp, you can continue for another mile to the Whiteface Brook lean-to for a rustic shelter.

As for Whiteface Landing itself, it's grassy, and there is a firepit, but it's not a designated campsite. A warped dock still is useful for swimming and offers some mild relief from the bugs. Speaking of bugs, the marshy areas around Connery Pond combined with the trail's inclination to mud in its lower areas make it a prime spot for mosquitoes and deer flies. As a trail runner, you will have extra motivation to keep moving! Black bears are common to the overall area, so be aware. After the view or a refreshing dip, make a U-turn and retrace your steps back to the trailhead.