Driving the Veterans Memorial Highway at Whiteface Mountain in Upstate New York
Whiteface Mountain is the fifth largest peak in the Adirondack Mountain range. It is the only mountain in the Adirondacks that offers accessibility by vehicle, nearly to the top, providing outdoor enthusiasts and spectators alike the opportunity to view some of the most beautiful wilderness in the North Country.
It is an eight mile climb from the crossroads at the mountain’s base, in Wilmington, NY, to the top. The winding roadway offers several scenic lookout points and picnic areas for visitors to stop and enjoy some relaxing moments. Be sure to wear comfortable clothing, appropriate shoes for hiking and carry some bug repellent, as black flies and mosquitoes are frequently encountered along the way. However, once you arrive at the top level parking area, the nuisance of these bugs seems to reduce dramatically.
After parking, guests can visit the “castle” which includes a small gift shop and dining area, or begin their trek up the mountain side to reach the top. For those who are physically unable to make it on foot, there is an elevator available that will lift you the remaining twenty-six stories to the summit’s observation deck. Free tours are also offered at the peak on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1:00pm and last approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Passenger rates to travel the highway are as follows:
Vehicle and Driver – $9
Each Additional Passenger – $5 each, Under age 6 is free.
For groups of 20 or more call 518-946-2223 ext 214 or email groups@whiteface.com for discount information.
Whiteface Mountain also offers a number of other Summer activities, such as, rides on their Cloudsplitter Gondola, guided nature treks along the AuSable River, mountain biking and a number of other featured events. Find out more about Whiteface Mountain by visiting their website at www.whiteface.com.
Other nearby attractions include Santa’s Workshop (www.northpoleny.com), Lake Placid’s Olympic Region (www.orda.org) and AuSable Chasm (www.ausablechasm.com).
Lori St-Germain is a freelancer who lives in the Adirondack mountain region of upstate New York. She is an accomplished writer, graphic/web designer and dedicated wife. She has two children (miniature schnauzers) named Scooter and Radar. To contact the author, please write to lori@jingledog.com.
