A day trip from The Whiteface Lodge: High Falls Gorge and Wilmington
High Falls Gorge and the small town of Wilmington make an easy half-day or full-day outing from The Whiteface Lodge. The Gorge is about a 15–20 minute drive from the lodge and features a short main walk over bridges with waterfalls and a longer nature trail if you want more hiking.
In this guide
Getting there from The Whiteface Lodge
High Falls Gorge in Wilmington is reached most easily by car; the lodge lists the attraction as roughly a 15–20 minute drive. The Whiteface Lodge also provides a complimentary area shuttle to town for guests, though shuttle schedules vary.
If you prefer not to drive, check with the Front Desk about shuttle availability or seasonal shuttles such as the Mountain Valley Shuttle, which connects Lake Placid and Wilmington during winter season. Ride services can be sparse in the region, so plan transportation in advance.
- Drive time: about 15–20 minutes from The Whiteface Lodge (by car).
- Ask Front Desk about the complimentary lodge shuttle to town and to the Canoe Club.
- Seasonal Mountain Valley Shuttle runs mid-December to mid-March (check current schedule).
| Option | Notes |
|---|---|
| Car (rental or personal) | Most direct; recommended for flexible timing |
| Lodge shuttle / seasonal shuttles | Subject to schedule — confirm with Front Desk |
| Taxi / ride service | Sparse locally; best to reserve ahead |
What to expect at High Falls Gorge
High Falls Gorge is a 22-acre nature park along the Ausable River with four waterfalls. The main walk is about a half-mile round trip across bridges and elevated walkways and usually takes roughly 30 minutes to complete.
There is also a quarter-mile wheelchair-accessible path and a longer one-mile nature trail for visitors who want more walking. The Gorge's seasonal schedule includes closures for a spring/early-winter period and certain weekdays, so check hours before you go.
- Main walk: ~0.5 mile round trip, about 30 minutes.
- Wheelchair-accessible path: ~0.25 mile.
- Longer nature trail: ~1 mile (for extra hiking).
- Park schedule: generally open Friday–Tuesday with variable closing days and seasonal closures; check current hours before visiting.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Area | 22-acre nature park |
| Waterfalls | Four waterfalls on the Ausable River |
| Walk options | 0.5-mile main walk; 0.25-mile accessible path; 1-mile nature trail |
Sample half-day itinerary
This sample plan fits a morning or afternoon trip from The Whiteface Lodge and keeps timing relaxed so you can enjoy the walk, photos, and a stop in Wilmington.
Adjust start times to match High Falls Gorge's opening hours and to allow time for travel and any shuttle scheduling.
- 9:00 AM — Depart The Whiteface Lodge after coffee; drive or shuttle to Wilmington.
- 9:30 AM — Arrive at High Falls Gorge; walk the main trail and take photos.
- 10:15 AM — Explore the longer nature trail or visitor center if open.
- 11:00 AM — Head into Wilmington for a quick lunch or return to Lake Placid and The Whiteface Lodge.
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 0 minutes | Leave The Whiteface Lodge (allow 15–20 minute drive) |
| 30–60 minutes | Main walk at High Falls Gorge (~30 minutes) + photos |
| Optional +30–60 minutes | Longer nature trail or visit Wilmington |
What to pack and practical tips
Wear sturdy shoes for the walkways and plan for variable weather — the Adirondacks can be cool and wet even in summer. Bring a light rain jacket and a water bottle.
Photography is one of the main attractions at the Gorge; bring a camera or phone with a charged battery and a small towel or protective case if conditions are misty near the falls.
- Footwear: closed-toe, non-slip shoes or hiking shoes.
- Clothing: layers and a lightweight rain shell.
- Essentials: camera/phone, water, small snack, and any accessibility gear.
- Accessibility: quarter-mile accessible path available — call ahead for facility details.
| If you're traveling with | Tip |
|---|---|
| Children | Supervised walking and short distances make this manageable; check seasonal programs at the lodge for childcare options |
| Guests with mobility needs | Use the 0.25-mile accessible path at the Gorge; confirm access with the park |
| No car | Ask the Front Desk about shuttle options or reserve transport in advance |
Combine the Gorge with Wilmington and nearby stops
Wilmington is a small town near High Falls Gorge where visitors often stop for a short break or lunch. If you want to extend the outing, consider nearby scenic drives and short hikes in the Whiteface region.
Other local options listed by The Whiteface Lodge include Whiteface Mountain and its Veterans' Memorial Highway, as well as attractions in Lake Placid if you prefer to return to town after the Gorge.
- Wilmington: quick stop for food or relaxation after the Gorge.
- Whiteface Mountain: about 20 minutes from the lodge — listed as a common excursion from The Whiteface Lodge.
- Combine with a Mirror Lake visit back in Lake Placid if you plan a longer day.
| Nearby attraction | From The Whiteface Lodge |
|---|---|
| High Falls Gorge (Wilmington) | About 15–20 minute drive |
| Whiteface Mountain | About 20 minute drive |
| Mirror Lake / downtown Lake Placid | Short drive; shuttle available for guests |
Returning to The Whiteface Lodge
After your outing, return to The Whiteface Lodge to use on-site amenities such as the pool complex, spa, or dining at KANU or Peak 47. Check KANU and Peak 47 hours if you plan dinner after your trip.
If you need childcare, the property offers supervised children’s programming (third-party reviews mention 'Kamp Kanu'); check with the Front Desk for current availability and any fees.
- Pool complex hours are listed as 8:00 AM–10:00 PM (no lifeguard on duty).
- The Spa at Whiteface Lodge is open Tuesday–Sunday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (closed Mondays); reservations are recommended.
- KANU serves breakfast and dinner (check current dinner schedule); Peak 47 offers casual lunch and dinner.
| On-site option | Notes |
|---|---|
| The Spa at Whiteface Lodge | Open Tue–Sun, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM — appointments recommended |
| KANU Dining Room | Breakfast and dinner service; dinner closed Monday (confirm times) |
| Peak 47 | Casual lunch/dinner; check hours for same-day plans |
