Whiteface Mountain, New York in Summer

Whiteface Mountain, Wilmington in New York's Lake Placid region in Adirondack Mountains, is one of the most popular ski destinations.



Wilmington, New York is the home of White Face Mountain. The small pretty town is at the foothills of this gorgeous mountain, well visited in summer and winter, being a great skiing destination.

The drive from Route 86 on Whiteface Veteran's Memorial Highway to the summit is in itself delightful with many scenic viewpoints to stop and breath in the crisp clean air of the Adirondacks.

Stop at the toll booth at the entrance to the Whiteface Veteran's Memorial Highway and pay a fee of $16 for the vehicle and driver plus $9 per additional person. Children under 6 years of age go free while bicycle ride costs $11. These prices are good as of summer 2019 and subject to change. There is a discount if you show your military ID.

The fee appears to be a little steep, but it’s worth every dollar. If the day is too cloudy or the weather is bad, the pleasant toll booth operator will let you know that there may not be any views from the higher elevation giving you and option to turn around.

If you still wish you can purchase the ticket and drive up to the café. This is a wise decision if the winds are higher than 5 miles an hour, which will give you gorgeous ever changing views of the magnificent landscape below. Weather changes in minutes when you are at the top more so if it’s windy. You’ll be surprised to see all what you expected to see.







In one day we saw so many different shades of blue in the sky. The wind moved the clouds fast to light up different parts of the mountains and landscape, casting artistic shadows. A new look on every turn. No matter cloudy, clear or windy, the views were just magnificent.





If you want to wait out the weather, then go back to the town of Wilmington, NY to get a cup of coffee and pick up some lunch. From the town if you can see the castle at the top of the Whiteface Mountain, the clouds have cleared up for your drive to the summit.





The Whiteface Veteran's Memorial Highway takes you on a breathtaking 8 mile drive to the parking area and Castle Café, from the ticket booth.







In the Castle Café you can enjoy the hot coffee, fresh warm pretzels, other foods and a hidden secret – THE most unique vegetarian flatbread in the Northeast!





This is the only place with restrooms and there is a gift shop too.
A naturally climate controlled 400 foot tunnel inside the stone mountain take you to an elevator that goes up 27 stories stepping out to capture 360 degree views of the Adirondacks High Peaks.





Hear valuable details about the place, the construction of the elevator, weather and everything under the sun on top of the Whiteface Mountain, from the elevator operator while going up or riding down the newly renovated elevator.



Not many know a well-kept secret that this beautiful 4865 foot elevation mountain is a spectacular summer location worth visiting for people of all ages.









Whiteface Mountain top has 360 degree stunning views of Adirondacks. On a clear day you can see Vermont and even Canada!









You can choose to hike/climb to the summit which is moderately difficult. The path has quite slippery uneven stone steps but there are hand rails. Climbing down can be a bit more difficult than going up.













You will be rewarded with the amazing views atop







The town of Lake Placid is not that far on Route 86. The area is touristy and crowded but does offer wide variety of hotels, restaurants & of course shopping! Parking is metered & is limited.

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Smartphone cameras have come a long way and are good enough for most pictures, however a good SLR will definitely get you exceptional pictures. The smartphone camera will surely be useful for good panoramic photos.

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Parking is limited at the summit, so going early does help.

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You can take the elevator to the top and walk down back to the parking area.

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Even in the summer, keep extra clothing to add layers as the temperatures may drop by 20 – 30 degrees at the peak, especially on a windy day.

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