Hiking Owl’s Head in Lake Placid, New York

If you want your holiday to end on a fun note, you got to set aside the last day for a short, scenic hike. With that logic in mind, we checked out of our hotel in Lake Placid and followed Route 73 towards Keene. After about 12 miles, we came upon Owl’s Head Lane to our right. On taking the dirt road that is Owl’s Head Lane, we reached a fork, at the end of which lay the trail-head. Parking our car in an unmarked parking lot, we headed into the woods.

Owl’s Head (not to be confused with Owl Head Lookout) is a well-kept secret. Right near the trailhead, there are signs declaring the surrounding area as private property so it’s best to stay on the not-so-well-marked trail. The good thing about less rigid trails are that you can choose your own path. As in hiking, so in life.

The path was dusty and wasted no time in going uphill but the sudden flashes of the autumn-hued Adirondacks more than made up for the precipitous parts. Also, the fact that this hike is not on any top ten list, and mostly favored by locals, made for a very calming climb.

Just when we thought we have made it, we came upon a sheer block of mountain, carved out of bare rocks, to the top of which lay the coveted summit. Rock climbers could be seen practising their skills along its side. Regular folks like us had to scramble up the other side. With no clear trail to guide us, the dizzying height looked unattainable for a moment. We paused, debating the risks of taking along a five year old with us. But then we took it slow, making sure we got each step right, before moving to the next. The mountains aren’t going anywhere, so where’s the rush?

On reaching the peak (2120′), we sat down to enjoy the sprawling vistas of Pitchoff, Giant and Hurricane Mountains. Fall colors could be seen peeking through patches of green. Modern and solid gray, Route 73 winded in between the colorful mountainous terrain, purpose written all over it. For a mere 2.2 miles RT, Owl’s Head sure does deliver the goods.