If you are planning a leisurely day trip to Lake Placid, this marvel has all the elements of the perfect "stopping place": a short, easy walk; adventure for all; verdant shade; and a cool, green setting on even the hottest of days.
Roaring Brook Falls
From the highway, you often see climbers ascending the precipitous rock face of this Adirondack hiking excursion.
The Base of the Falls is littered with boulders of all sizes – perfect climbing for the youngsters (or the oldsters). The towering rock walls offer climbing for the more adventurous and sure-footed. The waters rush down from the top of Giant Mountain, crashing to the rocks below, forming a perfect wading pool.
The short, well-marked “trail” to the Base is actually a wide, flat path that even the youngest child can easily handle. Learn about other kid-friendly hikes in the Adirondacks. Another trail takes you farther up on Giant, along and across the Falls, and into a network of trails that honeycomb the mountain.
CAUTION: The Base is easily one of the safest “natural playgrounds” that can be found. However, it is still wilderness. Children should be watched carefully. A fall can result in a head injury. Wandering even a few yards into the woods may result in an inexperienced person’s getting disoriented, or even lost.
GETTING THERE FROM LAKE GEORGE
Head north on I-87 to exit # 30. Turn left on Route 9, and follow it to a bizarre, confusing intersection with Route 73. Go straight (carefully!) on Route 73. You will soon see the incredible, beautiful vastness of Giant Mountain on your right. The road is dotted with pull-offs that offer opportunities for some fantastic scenic views.
Relax until you pass Chapel Pond (well-marked) and be ready to pull into the Giant Mountain/Roaring Brook parking lot on the right. Bear right for the Base Of Falls trail.
To get to Lake Placid, continue north along Route 73, and enjoy the scenery. As you get closer to your destination, you will see the magnificent Upper and Lower Cascade Lakes, and the Olympic ski jumps, both on your left.
Shortly after you enter the village, Route 73 will end at the intersection of Route 86. Turn left for downtown Lake Placid (and Saranac Lake), and right for Whiteface Mountain and Wilmington.
RETURN TRIP
Enjoy the scenery! After you pass Kenne Valley and St. Huberts, you can catch a glimse of Roaring Brook Falls on the left.