McCauley Mountain
McCauley Mountain offers breathtaking summit views, scenic chairlift rides, and hiking trails, especially stunning during fall foliage.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak fall colors, fewer crowds
McCauley Mountain
Best Time
Peak fall colors, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
McCauley Mountain offers breathtaking summit views, scenic chairlift rides, and hiking trails, especially stunning during fall foliage.
"The views are incredible. The pictures don't do it justice."
🥾 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Trails can be rooty and have inclines/declines. Good walking shoes are a must for the summit loop.
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera! The summit views are incredible and worth photographing, especially during peak foliage.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Summit Views
McCauley Mountain Summit
Breathtaking panoramic views, especially during fall foliage season. Pictures truly don't do it justice.
Scenic Chairlift Ride
McCauley Mountain Base to Summit
A relaxing 30-45 minute ride offering incredible vistas, perfect for all ages and abilities.
Summit Loop Trail
McCauley Mountain Summit
An easy, 1-mile loop trail through dense forest with unique, uncrowded paths.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Fall Foliage & Summer Fun
Chairlift Access & Hiking
Best Times
Insider Tips
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Anyone have any recommendations for the best skiing in the adirondacks??
🥾 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Trails can be rooty and have inclines/declines. Good walking shoes are a must for the summit loop.
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera! The summit views are incredible and worth photographing, especially during peak foliage.
Things to see / do in Old Forge now?
Smallest ski areas that feels like a “real mountain”?
📅 Check Operating Days
McCauley Mountain operates Wed-Sun in fall. Always confirm hours before your visit.
⬆️ Chairlift for Easy Access
Opt for the chairlift if hiking isn't preferred; it's a scenic ride to the top.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Trails can be rooty and have inclines/declines. Good walking shoes are a must for the summit loop.
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera! The summit views are incredible and worth photographing, especially during peak foliage.
📅 Check Operating Days
McCauley Mountain operates Wed-Sun in fall. Always confirm hours before your visit.
⬆️ Chairlift for Easy Access
Opt for the chairlift if hiking isn't preferred; it's a scenic ride to the top.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the incredible summit views, especially during fall foliage season, and the enjoyable chairlift rides. The easy summit trail is also a plus for families. Some mention the need for sturdy shoes and checking operating days, as hours can vary.
"In the Winter months the mountain is a ski resort but during the Summer & Fall months you can do a 30-45 minute hike up it to a beautiful view! There's also lots of bike trails as well & for a fee they offer a chairlift ride to the top as an option. If you're in the Old Forge area I highly recommend this as a must see & do!"
Derek M. Puma
"Even if you're afraid of heights, get on. The views are incredible. The pictures don't do it justice. There is a 20-25 minute loop that you can hike once at the top. Wear good walking shoes for it, as its a narrow trail with lots of roots and some incline/declines. The walk is fairly easy, we did it with kids. Its neat because you aren't likely to pass anyone else and its dense forest."
LPMaike
"Great fall views on this very clear day. Easy 1 mile trail we enjoyed as well ! Will be back next year during peak leaf season."
Jim Sauer
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
McCauley Mountain is located in Old Forge, NY. It's accessible by car. The drive offers scenic views of the Adirondack Park.
No, McCauley Mountain operates as a ski resort in winter. During summer and fall, it offers hiking and chairlift rides.
Major routes like NY-28 lead directly to Old Forge, providing a straightforward drive into the Adirondack region.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, there's a fee for the chairlift ride. Hiking to the summit is free, but the chairlift offers a convenient way up.
Operating hours vary by season. In the fall, it's typically open Wednesdays through Sundays. Always check the official schedule.
Pricing details for the chairlift are usually available on their website or by calling ahead.
Yes, hiking to the summit is a free activity. The chairlift is an optional paid service for easier access.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
In the fall, you can enjoy hiking, take a scenic chairlift ride, and experience beautiful autumn leaf-peeping.
The summit loop trail is generally considered easy, about 1 mile long, with some roots and moderate inclines/declines. Suitable for families with kids.
Yes, McCauley Mountain has numerous bike trails for various skill levels.
Expect incredible panoramic views of the surrounding Adirondack landscape, especially stunning during the fall foliage season.
Absolutely! The easy summit trail and scenic chairlift make it a great destination for families with children.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit offers the most spectacular panoramic views. Look for clearings along the summit loop trail for unique forest shots.
Early morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful golden hour shots, especially during fall foliage.
Focus on the expansive mountain vistas, the vibrant fall colors, and the textures of the forest along the trails.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Lovers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring McCauley Mountain: Hiking vs. Chairlift
Alternatively, the chairlift provides a more relaxed and accessible journey to the top. This 30-45 minute ride is perfect for those who prefer to save their energy for exploring the summit or have mobility concerns. The chairlift offers continuous, stunning views throughout the ascent, making it a highlight for many visitors.
Key takeaway: Whether you hike or ride, the summit experience at McCauley Mountain is rewarding. Consider your fitness level and desired experience when choosing your ascent method. The chairlift is particularly recommended for its scenic value and accessibility.
The Magic of Fall Foliage at McCauley Mountain
Many visitors recommend visiting during peak leaf season for the most dramatic colors. The combination of the expansive views from the summit and the rich hues of the changing leaves creates a truly unforgettable scene. It's an ideal location for photographers and nature enthusiasts alike.
Pro-tip: While the fall colors are the main draw, remember that the mountain also offers other activities like hiking and biking during this season. Plan your visit to coincide with the peak foliage for the best experience, but be aware that popular times might see more visitors.
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