Exploring Whiteface Mountain in the Adirondacks
Ever wished you could drive to the top of a mountain? Well, you’re in luck! Head on over to Wilmington, New York where you’ll find the Veterans’ Memorial Toll Road that leads to the top of Whiteface Mountain. The toll road actually starts in Wilmington, making it 8 miles long, but from the toll house, the drive is only 5 miles. The road rises up from there about 2,300 feet in elevation, but don’t worry, it’s a gradual elevation change with lots of twists and turns.
Note: there are other ways to the top that I’ll mention at the end of this post, but I’ll be focusing on the Toll Road.
View from a scenic stop along the toll road
About Wilmington and Whiteface Mountain
The town of Wilmington is located in the valley of the West Branch of the Ausable River in Upstate New York. This branch of the river is widely known for trout fishing, the location of the 1980 Olympic Downhill Skiing Races, and is home to Whiteface Mountain. The town is about 20 minutes northeast of Lake Placid.
The Adirondack High Peaks consist of 46 mountains that are over 4,000 feet tall. Whiteface Mountain is the fifth-highest peak in the state of New York, with an elevation of 4,867 feet. The mountain is a very popular skiing destination, with the highest vertical drop (3,430 feet) in the eastern United States. The name “Whiteface” is believed to have come from the Algonquins, who called it Wa-ho-par-te-nie, which translated means “it is white,” and a group of nomadic Canadian Indians referred to it as Thei-a-no-guen, which translates to “white head.” Others believe that it’s due to the rockslide in 1830 that exposed the white rock beneath.
The first formal path to the top of the mountain was completed in 1860. Fast forward to 1929, and then Gov. FDR initiated the construction of the road which was a $1.2 billion project.
Whiteface Veterans’ Memorial Toll Road
Unless you want to make the trek to the top via hiking trails, then the toll road is the main way to the top. The road actually predates the ski area by about 20 years. In 1929, then-Governor Franklin Delanor Roosevelt dedicated the road to World War 1 veterans, though the road didn’t actually open until 1936 after FDR became president. Whiteface Castle, the elevator, and the Summit House were completed three years later, and the alpine-style gatehouse was built in 1934. Many years later in 1985, New York Governor Mario Cuomo re-dedicated the road to veterans of all wars.
Entering the Toll Road
The official entrance to the toll road is an alpine-style gatehouse where you pay to get in, and the pricing is $20 for the driver and vehicle, with an additional fee for more passengers. The toll road is typically open right before Memorial Day and closes on Columbus Day, but dates vary so be sure to visit the Whiteface Mountain website for up-to-date information. Also at the gatehouse, you’ll find Lake Stevens; a small, pristine pond that you can walk around or go fishing at. The pond is named after 1932 Olympic Bobsledder, Hubert Stevens.
On your way up you will be provided with about 9 designated scenic spots where you can pull off on the side of the road. Most of these spots have informational signs and picnic tables. The informational signs vary from details about the surrounding trees and critters, and other ecology facts.
View of the parking area at the end of the toll road
Ways to the Mountain summit
Upon reaching the top you will be directed by employees to turn around at the castle and park in the designated spots on the side of the road. They will also inform you of your options to the summit, which is either by elevator or a short hiking trail. The elevator is reached by walking through a 426-foot long tunnel and then going up 246 feet to the top and exiting at the weather station. Workers had to remove over 10 million pounds of rock to dig out the tunnel and it only took them a little over a year.
The other option is to head through the castle and hike up the rocky Stairway Ridge trail, which is only about 0.2 miles but is very rocky so be sure to wear sturdy shoes and hold onto the railing if needed. Both options will lead you to the same area at the summit. I personally took the elevator up and the trail back down.
View of the Stairway Ridge trail looking up
Whiteface Castle was actually built from the native stone of the mountain that was removed during the construction of the road. That stone was also used to construct the weather station at the summit. The walls at the summit were also built from this stone.
Outside of the castle, you’ll find the 4610’ Grill food truck, which offers gourmet rustic cuisine from the highest food truck in the state. Head inside and you’ll find a gift shop and the restrooms.
View from the summit
At the summit of Whiteface
Regardless of how you get to the top, you will be greeted with 360-degree panoramic views of the surrounding Adirondack region (including Lake Placid), as well as Vermont and Canada. There’s an informational sign on one of the viewing platforms that shows you which high peaks you’re looking at.
>> Related: Chasing Fall Colors In Lake Placid, New York <<
The summit is rocky, with no specific path laid out - so be sure to watch your step as it can be slippery when wet. Weather at the top can vary due to the high elevation. Plan on it being chillier (and windier) than when you started your drive at the gatehouse. And expect the clouds to change, just because it’s cloudy doesn’t mean it won’t pass quickly.
Whiteface Observatory
You’ll also find the Summit Weather Observatory (or Whiteface Observatory to the locals). It was built in 1961 by the University of New York.
Other ways to view whiteface mountain
Not interested in driving up to the top? No worries, you can take a 15-minute ride via the Cloudsplitter Gondola which will take you to the top of Little Whiteface (a lower elevation part of the mountain - 3,676 feet). You’ll find an observation deck and picnic tables there. When you get back to the base, be sure to check out Cloudspin Bar and Grill for lunch.
If you’re really adventurous you can hike to the summit of Whiteface via the Wilmington Trail. This is about a 10 mile out and back trail, which can be very hard so be sure to do your research beforehand. View the trail on AllTrails.
Winter Activities at Whiteface
Known for its winter activities, you can find six different trails for skiers and riders with a variety of terrains for all skill levels. As stated before, Whiteface was the home of the 1980 Olympic Winter Games. The mountain has the greatest vertical lift in the northeast and 98% snowmaking coverage. The winter trails typically open at the end of November. The ski area also offers lessons for those that need them. Learn more about winter at Whiteface here.
Popular winter activities include:
