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Nature|Mountains

This Breathtaking Winter Gondola Ride In New York Will Take You High Above The Clouds

Experience breathtaking winter views on the Cloudsplitter Gondola ride at Whiteface Mountain in Lake Placid, New York.

Updated Feb 6, 2022

Written by 

Lea Monroe

Heading to the top of one of New York's underrated snow tubing parks is always a great way to achieve panoramic winter views of our state. During that time of year, though, when everything is beautifully covered in fresh layers of snow, some New Yorkers might be interested in finding a view that takes them even further above the clouds. Take the ride of a lifetime and see why an afternoon on this winter gondola ride in New York will leave you speechless.

In the scenic town of Lake Placid, one of the many seasonal adventures is waiting for you right on this beautiful mountain.

Snow-covered mountains with ski trails, surrounded by trees and flags, under a cloudy sky.
Whiteface/Facebook

Come winter, people from all over the state (and country, for that matter) travel to the Adirondacks to hit the slopes at ski resorts in New York like Whiteface Mountain.

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A skier descends a snowy slope, surrounded by mountains and a misty valley below.
Whiteface/Facebook

But going skiing or snowboarding aren't the only adventures that you can take here!

A snowboarder descends a snowy slope with ski lifts and trees in the background on a sunny day.
Whiteface/Facebook

At the base of the mountain, you'll see the Cloudsplitter Gondola ride.

A snowy landscape with a ski lift, mountain in the background, and empty outdoor seating areas.
Whiteface/Facebook

Open all throughout the year, during the ski season the gondola operates daily - weather permitting.

A snowy landscape with a ski lift, snowmaking machines, and mountains in the background under a cloudy sky.
Whiteface/Facebook

Quite the view, wouldn't you say? In total, this epic gondola ride is 8,000-feet long and each gondola can hold up to 8 passengers.

A scenic view from a ski lift, overlooking snow-covered mountains and valleys under a clear sky.
wouldtravelmorebut/TripAdvisor

Before you know it, you'll be up above the clouds.

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Two ski gondolas suspended on cables against a snowy mountain backdrop.
Whiteface/Facebook

Going each way, the Cloudsplitter Gondola ride generally takes about 15 minutes.

Two gondolas on a ski lift against a backdrop of mountains and a sunset sky. Snow covers the ground below.
Whiteface/Facebook

Taking you to the top of Little Whiteface Mountain (the neighbor to Whiteface Mountain, New York's 5th tallest mountain), at an elevation of 3,676 feet you'll find an observation deck where you can gaze out at the High Peaks, Lake Placid, the Ausable River, and other breathtaking natural wonders.

Person in a red and black checkered blanket stands on a snowy balcony, overlooking a winter landscape with mountains.
Whiteface/Facebook

Before heading back down, you can also make use of the picnic areas on the mountain - some people like to bring lunch with them on the way up.

A ski gondola ascends a mountain, surrounded by clouds and trees, with skis leaning against a nearby structure.
Whiteface/Facebook

After enjoying the winter scenery outside of the Cloudsplitter Gondola, you might be in need of a little bit of warming up.

Skiers on a snowy slope with a gondola overhead and mountains in the background, all covered in frost.
Whiteface/Facebook

Before or after you ride the gondola, visitors are welcome to stop into the J. Lohr Cafe and Wine Bar to enjoy things like hot chocolate and other locally-sourced treats.

A glass of hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and cocoa, surrounded by mini marshmallows on a decorative plate.
Whiteface/Facebook

Don't put this adventure off any longer! Let this be the winter that you experience New York's Cloudsplitter Gondola ride.

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A ski lift tower silhouetted against a colorful sunset over a sea of clouds and distant mountains.
Whiteface/Facebook

To find out more about Whiteface Mountain's winter Cloudsplitter Gondola ride, including ticket prices and scheduling, click here.

How to get here:

5021 NY-86,Wilmington, NY 12997

Need some extra motivation to head up north? Then make sure you watch the incredible footage of Whiteface Mountain and the Cloudsplitter Gondola captured by Mark Deff below.

If you're in need of more epic seasonal adventures, take a look at how This Winter Mountain Coaster In New York Will Take You Through A Snowy Mountain Wonderland!

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Nature|Hiking

The Most Iconic View in New York Is Also a Stunning Slice of History

There are many iconic views in New York, but few more rewarding and stunning than the view from the Prospect Mountain Trail in Lake George Wild Forest

Published Sep 5, 2024

Written by 

Raymond Goldfield

It's almost impossible to pick the best view in New York State, as this incredible state has spots from towering skyscrapers to the world's most famous waterfall. Many of them are busy year-round and can be accessed at any time - well, for a fee. But there's just something special about a view that makes you work a little to get there, and there's no better example of this than the Prospect Mountain Trail. This 2.9-mile hike in Lake George Wild Forest takes you to the top of Prospect Mountain for one of the most iconic vistas in the state, but there's a little something extra here too. Along the way, you'll get to see a fascinating historic site in the area, as well as take on one of the most challenging and enjoyable hikes in the Empire State.

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A winding road curves around a rocky cliff with greenery on top under a blue sky with scattered clouds.
Sabrina Brazeau/AllTrails

The Prospect Mountain Scenic Drive is one of the best views in the state - but there's another way to see this incredible mountain, one that takes you to the very top for a scenic vista that's unlike anything else in New York State.

A lush forest scene with trees, rocks, and fallen logs, showcasing dense greenery and a natural, serene environment.
Michael Chropka/AllTrails

Welcome to the Prospect Mountain Trail, a 2.9-mile out-and-back trail. This is one of the most challenging popular trails in New York, with a hefty elevation gain of 1,532 feet and plenty of rough terrain - so bring your hiking boots. Dogs are not allowed on this trail, so it's break time for Spot.

A panoramic view of lush green mountains under a partly cloudy sky, with a winding road and a lake in the distance.
JP Pensabene/AllTrails

The trail can technically be hiked in around an hour - but most hikers take longer. Both because it's wise to rest on a challenging trail like this, and because you'll want to take in some of the sights along the way.

Sign for the Old Cable Railway with a large gear, surrounded by greenery and mountains in the background.
Brian Weber/AllTrails

One of the most incredible spots on the trail is the remnants of the old cable car that used to run here, first being built in the 19th century. Today all that's left is some of the machinery of the summit terminal - so there are no shortcuts up the mountain!

A scenic view of a lake surrounded by green hills under a blue sky with fluffy white clouds.
Kara Haboian/AllTrails

But it's well worth it - because the summit provides some incredible views of Lake George, and a sense of accomplishment that only comes with conquering a mountain. There's a reason that despite its challenges, it's one of the most popular trails in New York.

Have you taken the Prospect Mountain Trail before? Let us know about your efforts in conquering this unique trail in the comments section, and check out the AllTrails trail listing for more pictures! This is the kind of trail AllTrails + was made for - when tackling a challenging trail with unpredictable terrain, it's great to have an app that provides point-by-point directions that can be downloaded if you're out of cell phone range. And if you're up for a very different kind of adventure, there's still time to head over to nearby Six Flags Great Escape to ride their newest roller coaster!

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Nature|Mountains

Walk Across The Bear Mountain Bridge For A Gorgeous View Of New York’s Fall Colors

Experience the vibrant fall colors of New York by walking across the historic Bear Mountain Bridge in the Hudson Valley.

Updated Aug 1, 2024

Written by 

Lea Monroe

We don't know about you, but as soon as the air starts to cool down, we start looking forward to viewing the fall foliage in New York. Autumn is such an amazing time and it's so great to see the vivid colors of the season sneaking up on us in the Empire State. There is a huge variety of ways to get out and enjoy leaf-peeping opportunities in New York, from hikes to road trips. However, none of them are quite like the adventure that we have in store for you today. This trip will take you down into the breathtaking Hudson Valley region to a very special bridge. The Bear Mountain Bridge Walkway will let you surround yourself with fall colors in New York like nowhere else.

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The Bear Mountain Bridge in New York stretches across the Hudson River. At over 2,200 feet in length, it's quite impressive, but never more so than in the fall, when it is surrounded by amazing colors.

A scenic view of a bridge over a river, surrounded by vibrant autumn foliage and rolling hills under a blue sky.
Tony Shi Photography/Getty Images

The bridge is actually formally known as the Purple Heart Veterans Memorial Bridge, but colloquially called the Bear Mountain Bridge. By any name, it's been wowing residents and out-of-towners alike for nearly 100 years now.

A low-angle view of a metal bridge structure against a blue sky with clouds, featuring a directional road sign.
Jordan Confino/Flickr

The Bear Mountain Bridge was opened up in the fall of 1924. It's actually the oldest structure that is part of the New York State Bridge Authority.

Aerial view of a white suspension bridge over a river, surrounded by vibrant autumn foliage.
dmathies/Getty Images

Since opening up almost a century ago, the bridge has become a popular route to travel along via car. However, it's also a beloved spot for taking a stroll on foot!

A scenic view of a river with bridges, surrounded by lush green hills and autumn foliage under a cloudy sky.
Gregory Bidwell/Google Maps

That's right: if you want to soak in the sights from Bear Mountain Bridge, there's no better way to experience this historic structure than via the walkway that will allow you to cross it on foot.

A train with colorful shipping containers travels along a river under a tall bridge, surrounded by autumn foliage.
Tim Taylor/Google Maps

Some may come to walk across the bridge after exploring nearby gems like Bear Mountain State Park. Others end up crossing it due to the fact that it's the Hudson River crossing on the Appalachian Trail.

A scenic view of a river surrounded by autumn foliage and rolling hills under a clear blue sky.
Aung Thu/Google Maps

The bridge spans a total of 2,255 feet. You'll be amazed by all of the vibrant fall colors that surround you here, right above one of the narrowest points on the Hudson River.

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Aerial view of a bridge spanning a river, surrounded by vibrant autumn foliage in shades of orange and yellow.
Carlos Albert Reck/Getty Images

Every inch of the Hudson Valley is absolutely magnificent. Walking across this great bridge will give you a bird's eye view of it all, even the trains passing by along the riverfront.

A scenic view of a river bordered by colorful autumn foliage and a train track along the water's edge.
Jordan Confino/Flickr

This will be your new favorite pedestrian walkway. It was once the world record holder for the longest suspension bridge in the world. See what it's like to view the fall foliage in New York reflecting off the river and sweeping across the mountains as you stand out on the Bear Mountain Bridge Walkway this year.

A scenic view of a river surrounded by vibrant autumn foliage and a bridge in the background under a blue sky.
Tony Shi Photography/Getty Images

So put on your coziest flannel and get ready to embark on an amazing fall adventure in NY. If you're interested in checking out Bear Mountain State Park, you can make it a multi-day excursion with a stay at the lovely Bear Mountain Hotel. It's right inside the 5,000-acre park, so it's ultra-convenient!

Looking for another natural wonder to explore in NY? Check out this stunning footage of Niagara Falls at night:

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