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Easy-to-navigate out-and-back along beautiful trail. Trailhead info at bottom of this post.

If you’re looking for one of the Adirondacks’ most rewarding moderate hikes (with solitude, scenery, and a genuine mountain summit) Peaked Mountain near Thirteenth Lake should be high on your list.

Situated in the Siamese Ponds Wilderness , near the quiet hamlet of North River , this lesser-known trail leads from the edge of a beautiful glacial lake, through classic Adirondack forest, past beaver ponds and wetland crossings, all the way up to a rocky, open summit with wide-ranging views. It’s not as famous as the High Peaks, but that’s part of its appeal: fewer people, quieter trails, and the sense of having truly arrived somewhere special when you get to the top.

Peaked Mountain tops out at just under 2,900 feet , but the hike is often described as “High Peaks–like” because of its variety and visual rewards. This is a solid half-day outing and a great fit for hikers looking to challenge themselves a little without committing to an all-day slog.

This trail is especially beautiful in autumn , when the mixed hardwood forest along the brook turns gold and red, and again in early summer , when wildflowers and ferns crowd the understory. Because it’s part of the Siamese Ponds Wilderness , the trail is unblazed and minimally marked. Navigation is straightforward, but always bring a map, and be prepared for some muddy spots and slippery roots after rain.

Thirteenth Lake itself is worth a visit on its own—clear, cold, and ringed by forested hills. The DEC-maintained parking area and access point (see exact location below) make it easy to launch a canoe or kayak, or simply sit by the shore and take it all in after your hike. If you want to make a weekend of it, nearby primitive campsites and lean-tos offer plenty of backcountry overnight options.

This is a quiet, meditative hike that offers a lot: water, woods, wildlife, and an airy summit—all in one manageable loop. It’s a great reminder that you don’t need to hike 15 miles or summit a 4,000-footer to find that sense of reset and awe. Sometimes, a steady walk beside a brook and a short, honest climb are enough to make the world feel wide open again.

Table of Contents

Peaked Mountain Hike Time

Peaked Mountain Elevation Gain

Peaked Mountain Trail Notes & Gallery

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Peaked Mountain Hiking Trail

The Peaked Mountain hiking trail includes…

Good parking

Beautiful lake-side and stream-side trail

Classic moderate ADK scrambles

A stunning open summit with banger views

A full breakdown is provided below in the hike notes with 10 photos.

Peaked Mountain Hike Time

Allow 4-5 hours for this hike.

Peaked Mountain Elevation Gain

The elevation gain for this hike is 1,260 feet (apx 384 meters).

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Peaked Mountain Trail Notes & Gallery

The route begins at the Thirteenth Lake trailhead , where a short spur leads to a scenic lakeshore perfect for lingering.

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This is one of many incredible lower peaks hikes in the Adirondacks, like Baxter , Moxham , and Big Crow .

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Hike Peaked Mountain Trailhead

Large lot for a very popular area. Get there early in summer.

Google Maps Location: 43.718690, -74.118410

The map below shows the exact topographic location of the trailhead

Cell Service

Very patchy. My network is Verizon. YMMV.

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The parent mountain for this hike is Peaked Mountain .