Hiking the Lake Placid 9

The Lake Placid 9 Challenge is an excellent introduction to Adirondack hiking, offering a mix of accessible and moderately challenging peaks that provide stunning views and rewarding experiences. The challenge is the perfect warm up to the 46 High Peaks with over 3,000 finishers to date. This guidebook is designed to be the definitive resource for completing the challenge successfully, equipping hikers with the practical knowledge they need to plan, train, and hike each peak efficiently and safely. This guide provides a structured breakdown of each peak, including detailed trail descriptions, difficulty ratings, route strategies, safety considerations, and seasonal tips. This guide will ensure that readers—from beginners to experienced hikers—can approach the challenge with confidence and a clear plan. This is a great resource for Adirondack hikers, particularly those looking to sample more attainable hikes in the Adirondacks or those that are working towards the 46 High Peaks.

James Appleton is a licensed hiking guide, fitness coach, and the founder of the Lake Placid 9'er challenge. He's the host of The 46 of 46 Podcast (500,000+ downloads), and has personally guided and trained countless hikers to tackle Adirondack summits. With deep experience in strength and conditioning and hiking, he equips hikers with the tools they need to feel confident and prepared on the trail. James is the author of The Adirondack 46 in 18 Hikes: The Complete Guide to Hiking the High Peaks and Adirondack Campfire Stories. He lives in Lake Placid, NY, with his wife and three daughters, exploring the Adirondack mountains year-round.