Pitchoff Mountain and Balancing Rocks via Pitchoff and Cascade Trailhead is a 4.2 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Lake Placid, New York that offers scenic views and is rated as difficult. The trail offers a number of activity options. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
This peak (more of a rocky outcropping) delivers an amazing effort to view ratio and is definitely one of the most underrated views in the high peaks.
December 29, 2020December 15, 2020November 26, 2020A few places with some scrambling to get to the top, but otherwise a pretty mellow, pleasant trail. Very muddy (and slippery) the day we went, with some ice on rocks. The summit is tree covered, without a view, but there are beautiful views from balancing rock, so don't skip the side trail to get there.
November 24, 2020Great hike and great views. A few moderately challenging parts and not the best markings at times however overall just a fun trail.
November 8, 2020November 8, 2020November 8, 2020Trails were very washed out in some places and trail markers were sparse. Otherwise a very nice hike. The view from Balancing Rock was beautiful. Be sure to look for the trail marker so you don’t miss it!
October 23, 2020October 13, 2020Challenging but fun - we were super lucky the rain held off and it wasn’t as slippery as I anticipated.
October 11, 2020A moderate climb with a few scrambles added in. This hike gives you the option to end the hike early at Balanced Rock or continue to Pitchoff Mountain. The views at Pitchoff Mountain isn't as grandeur as Balanced Rock. If your hiking for views, you can stop at Balanced Rock and not continue to Pitchoff. However, the footpath to Pitchoff is beautiful and scenic. It's a lovely trail hiking under the canopy!
October 6, 2020October 3, 2020Just ended up doing Balancing Rock. Conditions were slick with the past rain. Besides a couple challenging steep rock climbs, it is overall a nice, enjoyable hike.
October 2, 2020October 2, 2020September 27, 2020Some scrambling and eroded sections, but amazing views from Balanced Rock. I tried for sunrise but it was cloudy. Foliage is peak this week, check out some pictures on my recording. I will come back and go up Pitchoff when I have more time.
September 23, 2020Great hike. Challenging yet fun. Mountain six of my LP9er!
September 12, 2020awesome view from balanced rocks!
September 10, 2020August 28, 2020Only went to the balancing rocks section, which is a bit shorter than the full summit hike. Probably one of the best views for the effort in the region. Some fun rock scrambling. Just a warning...Some Lake Placid website calls this a top 5 easy trail or something similar. The distance is easy, the terrain is not. There’s one quick move that wouldn’t be out of place on an easy rock climb followed by a quick sketchy traverse on a washed out trail section where a fall could easily lead to a serious tumble.
August 21, 2020Great short hike to wrap up our Wilmington stay. Views are numerous and rewarding. Balanced rocks are worth enjoying very a long period. Not very busy for a Friday and parking wasn’t bad.
August 17, 2020August 8, 2020Great hike. There are some steeper scrambles that you’ll have to get on all fours for. Just go slow. It was a little slick when we went. The summit itself is not marked well, there’s a large Boulder with a small rock that marks it. Walk past this about a quarter mile and there’s a nice overlook. Don’t miss the balancing rocks. We did this on the way down as a reward for climbing. Really awesome views. I’d say one of the best views for a non high peak!
August 7, 2020January 2, 2021December 27, 2020December 26, 2020December 20, 2020December 13, 2020
