Heaven Hill Trails Offer Stress-Free Stroll

Tom and Betsy Sharrow, of Hannawa Falls, smile as their three dogs “Lexie, Peanut and Benji” make friends with two dogs from a different group near the entrance to the Heaven Hill Trails network near Lake Placid on Tuesday, Oct. 8. The trails are owned and managed by the Uihlein Foundation and are open to the public. (News photo -Chris Gaige)

The following is from the October 10, 2024 issue of Lake Placid News.

LAKE PLACID - One of the marquee features of the Olympic Region is being at the figurative doorstep of, so, so many hiking trails. High Peaks hikers often brag big time about harrowing rock scrambles, epic distances or my personal favorite to roll my eyes at their early morning wake-up times that aren’t too far off from the last call at Zig Zags.

While legions are drawn to such seemingly ridiculous antics — there are over 15,000 registered 46ers, yours truly being one of those knuckleheads — I have some good news to pass along: not every hike around town needs to sound like we’re at Joint Base Loj gearing up for a Navy SEAL mission.

Some of the area’s truly hidden gems happen to be shorter, flatter hikes that do not venture deep into the backcountry wilderness and, yes, have reliable cell phone coverage throughout. Not only does this provide a sense of relief and expanded options for those newer to hiking, getting back into it, or not able or in the mood for a strenuous excursion, but are intrinsically worthy destinations for anyone, of all abilities, looking to get outside.

Ok, I’ve teased it enough. This week, Visiting Lake Placid heads down Bear Cub Lane to the Heaven Hill Trails — a mere four-mile drive from downtown.

The Heaven Hill Trails are a fairly recent addition to the village, first opening to the public in 2015 and expanding in 2017. The area is a community preserve, owned and maintained by the Uihlein Foundation. In addition to walking, bikes are also allowed, although must yield to those on foot. Skiing is permitted in the winter, with those in boots or on snowshoes asked to stay off of the ski tracks to avoid damage.

The trail map at the Heaven Hill Trail's entrance off of Bear Cub Lane near Lake Placid on Tuesday, Oct. 8. The area is managed by the Uihlein Foundation and is open to the public. (News photo — Chris Gaige)

 Horses, motorized vehicles, “including electric bicycles,” camping and fires are all prohibited.

Foliage was ever-so-slightly past peak, although plentiful color remained, given the trail systems lower elevation. Some deciduous trees were even still green, providing the opportunity for extended foliage for those hitting the trails this week. It’s not too late.

Driving down Bear Cub Lane en route to the trailhead, a possible point of confusion arises, as the road passes the Heaven Hill Farm driveway on the right. Fortunately, a large well-placed sign lets motorists know the trailhead is still a mile down the road. Take care driving, as the road makes a sharp 90-degree turn to the right. Here, on a clear day, brilliant glimpses of some of the High Peaks come into view.

While it is an opportune spot for photos, don’t get distracted if you are driving, and exercise caution if you pull over.

About half a mile beyond the sharp turn, the trailhead parking area emerges on the right. A one-way circle, with parking to the side, provides for a smooth flow and stress-free parking. After steeping out of my car, making sure my camera battery was charged and lacing up my hiking boots, I headed into the woods. Signs are posted at the entrance that list trail rules and etiquette, which everyone embarking on the property should be familiar with and abide by. At the trailhead, a large map lets hikers know where in they are and what route options they have at their disposal.

Trail markers along the Big Field Loop and Old Orchard Connector nailed into a birch tree near Lake Placid on Tuesday, Oct. 8. The trails are part of the Heaven Hill Trails network, which is managed by the Uihlein Foundation and open to the public. (News photo — Chris Gaige)

I first headed to the left, along the Big Field Loop past the Black Ash Swamp. Fortunately, autumns crisp air and cool nights meant that I did not encounter a single insect buzzing about as I neared the swamp, a treat not to take for granted while hiking in the Adirondacks and a superb reason to get outside this time of year.

The trail was level and wide, about 10 to 15 feet in most areas. This is especially helpful this time of year, as freshly fallen leaves can obscure the delineation of narrower trails, presenting navigational difficulties. Beyond the width, the trails were also excellently marked. Colorful disks, similar in size to state foot trail markers one would encounter on paths through public lands, were commonplace and evenly spaced, making for easy and confident navigation.

I did not have time to complete the full Big Field Loop, and rain was soon forecasted to arrive, so I quickly doubled back to the Bear Cub Loop, to the right from the parking lot’s trailhead. Just as with the Big Field Group, the trail was level, wide and well-marked. Some small rocks here or there require trail users to be mindful of their footing but pose no difficulty beyond easily walking over or around them.

Each trail junction I encountered off of the Bear Cub Loop had a sign, clearly marking each diverging path’s trail name. For those new to the trails and who happen to have a camera on hand, I suggest snapping a photo of the map at the trailhead in case you need to refer back to the “bigger picture” if you are confused at a junction. As a backup to this, signs pointing in the direction of the trailhead at most junctions let people know the most direct way back to the parking lot.

The trail loops are a mixture of woodlands and open meadows, with prominent mountains like Marcy, Algonquin and Iroquois visible at different points along the trails on a clear day. After about an hour spent walking the network, I made my way back to the parking lot.

Although the trails were not too busy on the Tuesday afternoon that I visited, those I crossed paths with almost all had dogs with them. They were all well-behaved and were enjoying the outing as much as their owners. Many hiking trails in the area prohibit dogs or require them to be leashed at all times. This is not the case at Heaven Hill, where dogs can roam with a bit more freedom. Absolutely crucial to this privilege remaining in place are dog owners following the rules below: First and foremost, aggressive dogs, either to humans or other canines, are not allowed. While dogs do not have to be leashed, owners must always carry a leash and immediately put it on if there is any signs of aggressive behavior. Dogs must always remain in sight of their owners, and be able to respond to their voice commands. No more than three dogs per person or group are allowed. Owners must pick up and pack out any dog waste. Pouches for waste were available at the trailhead as of press time, although owners should be prepared and have their own on hand if provided pouches are unavailable in the future.

A full list of dog rules are posted at the trailhead. Review them if you are considering bringing a dog.

The Heaven Hill Trails provide an excellent opportunity for anyone looking to get outside in a safe and relaxing environment. Smooth trails and open vistas allow for the quintessential Adirondack experience without having to venture deep into the desolate wilderness. All in all, a great stop for anyone looking to stretch their legs in the outdoors without straying too far from Lake Placid.

More details, including trail mileage and descriptions, can be found at

tinyurl.com/mr2zkkyw.