How to Hike the Striking Indian Head Trail Adirondacks + Rainbow Falls NY
Hiking in the Adirondacks is one of the most spectacular activities to do in New York. At least 7 million people visit the Adirondacks every year to climb some of the highest peaks in the state and experience natural wonders like the Indian Head Trail Adirondacks.
The spectacular Indian Head overlooks the Lower Ausable Lake in the Adirondack Mountains which is shaped like a European Fjord. But there are more remarkable landmarks within the Adirondack Mountain Reserve which are only minutes away.
Rainbow Falls NY is a gem of the Adirondacks High Peaks. This extraordinary waterfall is a 150 cascading waterfall set in a mystical gorge filled with lush greenery, mosh, and misty rocks. The waterfall gets its name from the occasional rainbow that appears against the glistening waters as the sun hits the rocks.
We hiked dozens of trails and admired tons of waterfalls in Upstate New York, but the Adirondack Mountain Reserve is one of our favorite places in New York. We put together all the relevant information for you to have an unforgettable adventure in the mountains.
This hiking guide covers:
- How to get to the trailhead and where to park
- Best way to snatch a highly demanded hiking permit for peak season
- Various route options to find your perfect trail
- Detailed description of our preferred route in the AMR
- The best season and ideal time of the day to visit
This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps us create free content for you to enjoy. Learn more about our disclaimer here. Thanks for your support!
Top 6 Hiking Essentials
Insulated Water Bottle: We found out very quickly that having a good insulated water bottle makes a world of difference on our hiking trips. l Hydro Flask
Durable Hiking Footwear: Hiking on different terrain requires sturdy hiking boots you can trust. We totally count on the Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Hiking Boot. l Columbia
Comfortable Hiking Socks: Trust us, a quality hiking sock with a good cushion can make a huge difference in how your feet will feel after any hike. l Darn Tough
First Aid Kit: Always be prepared and equipped to handle basic emergencies while exploring. I Amazon
Head Lamp: Don’t be caught in the dark on long hikes I Black Diamond
About the Indian Head Trail in New York Adirondacks
The Indian Head Trail is located on private land of the Adirondack Mountain Reserve (AMR). This 7,000 acres of land is situated between 2 sections of the High Peaks Wilderness around the Upper and Lower Ausable Lakes.
The trails which lie within the Adirondack Mountain Reserve are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. However, there are strict regulations for hiking on AMR property.
These rules are strictly enforced:
- Having a required permit between May 1 – Oct 31
- No dogs allowed on the trails
- No vehicles or bicycles allowed on the trails
- Indian head trail parking is in the St. Huberts parking lot
- Hikers must stay on the designated hiking trails
- Entering buildings on the AMR property is prohibited
For a full list of rules and regulations visit the Adirondack Mountain Reserve website.
Top Tip: We can’t emphasize it enough! During May 1 – Oct 31 your ONLY way to hike the amazing trails of the AMR is to get a permit, even when you don’t intend to park at the AMR parking lot at the trailhead. Keep reading to find out the best way to secure your permit.
How to Get to the Indian Head Trail Adirondacks
The Indian Head Trail is located about 30 minutes south of Lake Placid, roughly 3.5 hours from the mid-Hudson Valley region, and 4.5 hours from New York City.
The best and most efficient way to get to the Indian Head Trail Adirondacks is by driving. However, you can also use a variety of public transportation to reach Keene Valley.
If you would like to avoid using public transportation or want a little more freedom to travel around, but don’t have a vehicle of your own, we recommend renting a car.
Traveling by Car
From Lake Placid, take Route 73 into Keene Valley until you reach the AMR parking area on Ausable Road. You do not want to drive to Lake Road which is where the actual start of the Indian Head Trail is located. Parking is not allowed here.
From New York’s Hudson Valley and New York City, you will want to head north up the NYS Thruway to the Adirondack Northway. Route 73 will lead you to the Indian head trail parking area.
When using Google Maps for directions to the Indian Head Trail Adirondacks, you can either enter Indian Head Trailhead, Keene Valley, NY, or St. Huberts Parking Area. Please make sure to double-check that you are heading to the parking area off of Route 73 onto Ausable Road.
Traveling by Train or Bus
From Penn Station in Manhattan, NYC take the Amtrak to Westport, NY via the Adirondack Line.
Or utilize the Greyhound Bus Line to Keene Valley Flag Stop at Market St & Route 73 and the Trailways Bus Lines to Noonmark Diner stop.
Once in Keene Valley, you will need to find a way to the Indian Head Trail Adirondack parking lot via a cab, Uber, or Lyft.
Please make sure to check the public transportation schedules ahead of time. Travel times to this specific destination are limited. There may be a high chance public transportation does not match up with your schedule to hike the Indian Head Trail Adirondacks.
Top Tip: You still need a permit to hike Indian Head Trail Adirondacks, even when you arrive via public transportation.
Important Parking Information for the St. Huberts Parking Lot
Parking for the Indian Head Trail is only designated in the St. Huberts Parking lot located off of Route 73 in Keene Valley on Ausable Road. The road to the parking lot is directly across the small parking lot for Roaring Brook Falls.
Note: You CANNOT park in the Roaring Brook Falls parking lot and walk over to the Indian Head Trail in the peak season. We saw many hikers without a permit trying to do this and were told to turn around by either the AMR security worker or DEC Forest Ranger at the gate. But since you already have a parking spot over there, you should hike the Roaring Brook Falls trail. The views from above the waterfall are amazing.
The St. Huberts Parking lot is the main and only parking lot for ALL the trails in the Adirondack Mountain Reserve, not just the Indian Head Trail. Your permit, which you will need from May 1 to October 31, will secure you a parking spot.
The Indian head trail parking lot is open from 5 AM to 7 PM unless you have obtained an overnight permit. The DEC and AMR are currently figuring out protocols for exiting the parking lot after hours. As of right now, the lot will have security until 10 PM which can accommodate overdue hikers.
Parking outside of the designated St. Huberts Parking lot will result in a large fine or having your car towed. As of 2021, the DEC has placed metal poles blocking access to the parking spots along Route 73.
Visiting Indian Head Adirondacks Off Season?
When visiting the Indian Head Trail in the off-season, when a permit is not required, parking can be hard to find in St. Hubert’s small lot. Especially on the weekends and holidays, you should plan on arriving early to secure a spot.
How to Get a Permit for Indian Head Adirondacks
To hike the Indian Head Trail during peak season, you will need to obtain a free permit from the Adirondack Mountain Reserve. Peak season is from May 1 to October 31. No permit equals no entry during this time frame.
As of 2021, the New York State Department of Conservation and Adirondack Mountain Reserve have teamed up to create a no-cost reservation system.
Indian Head Adirondacks has been a popular hiking destination in the Adirondack High Peaks causing major congestion and unsafe road conditions for hikers and drivers. This permit system has been established to help maintain the public’s safety and limit the number of people accessing the trail at any given time.
Top Tip: To get a free permit, visit the Adirondack Mountain Reserve website at hikeamr.org. Indian Head Trail reservations sell out quickly, so reserve your permit as soon as your favored day comes up in the reservation system (2 weeks in advance at 12 PM).
More essential information to know:
- Hikers need to create a new profile or log in to sign up for a day and time slot
- Permits are at no cost to hikers
- Walk-ins are not allowed
- 70 permits are issued a day by the AMR
- Indian Head Trail reservations for the permits can be made 2 weeks in advance up to 24 hours before the date
- New reservations open on a day to day basis at 12 PM
- Reservations are necessary for parking, daily access, and overnight access to specific trails
- Overnight parking reservation is allowed for up to 3 nights for hikers planning on camping
- To avoid unused permits, AMR strongly encourages hikers to cancel reservations if your plans have changed
- All hikers need a permit no matter how they arrive to the Indian Head Trail
- 1 permit is valid for 8 people (Vehicles with more than 8 people will need multiple permits)
- If you arrive in Keene Valley via Greyhound or Trailways bus lines, you may present a valid bus ticket within 24 hours of arrival to the AMR parking lot attendant as a substitute for a Indian Head Trail reservations
- St. Huberts Parking Area is open from 5 AM to 7 PM daily, unless you have an overnight permit
- Hikers arriving by foot or bicycle who arrive before 5 AM will be asked to show a valid permit on their way out
- The Indian head trail parking lot is staffed with DEC Forest Rangers and AMR security staff
Didn’t get a permit for Indian Head Trail Adirondacks?
It can be tough to get a permit for hiking Indian Head Adirondacks. In case it doesn’t work out immediately, go back to their website frequently to check if people canceled their reservation. It happens a lot, so it might be your lucky day.
Remember that you can always come back in the low season when you don’t need a permit. There are plenty of beautiful days in April or early November to enjoy Indian Head Adirondacks and Rainbow waterfalls.
If you want to find some more recommendations for hiking in the Adirondacks or visit some other areas in the Adirondack region, check out these alternative trip options:
- Visit Lake Placid
- Explore Saranac Lake
- Tackle another Adirondack High Peak Trail
- Head up to Ausable Chasm – the Adirondacks Oldest Natural Attraction
- Chase the Adirondack Waterfalls
Hiking Route Options to See Indian Head Adirondacks
Depending on what you want to see and how long you want to hike, there are 3 different routes we can recommend. All of them will bring you to the stunning Indian Heads but routes 2 and 3 showcase some more of the area’s highlights.
Besides these 3 trail options, you can create your own loop using any of the trails for a little more solitude. Check out the Indian Head Trail Adirondacks Map at the parking lot and also use a hiking app like Alltrails to make sure you find your way.
Top Tip: Alltrails Pro version allows you to download trail maps to use offline. But make sure to download the map ahead of time because service is very limited in the Adirondacks. Once you are done with the trail, save it as completed to keep track of all the trails you hike.
Route 1: Admire the Impressive Indian Head
Lake Road to Indian Head Trail
This is the quickest, and easiest way (but also the most boring option) to get directly to the infamous Indian Head overlook. You will travel on Lake Road for 3 miles after passing the AMR gate. Be aware that you will have to share the dirt road with buses.
To find the astonishing landmark, simply keep a lookout for the trail junction with the Indian Head Trail on your left. You will know that you have made it to the Indian Head Adirondacks when you are able to see a little bit of Lower Ausable Lake.
Top Tip: Make sure not to follow earlier signs for Indian Head as these will bring you on additional trails through the woods.
Route 2: Visit Indian Head and the Gorgeous Adirondack Waterfalls
West River Trail to Rainbow Falls New York to Indian Head Trail and back on Lake Road – You can also do this route in reverse
In addition to seeing Indian Head NY, you will also get to visit Rainbow Falls NY, and Beaver Meadow Falls along this route.
This route is way more scenic since you won’t have to hike on Lake Road for the entire time. It will lead you more into the backcountry, where the two Adirondack waterfalls are located.
Top Tip: If you have a little more time and energy, we would suggest taking route 3 to explore all of the highlights and scenic lookouts the area has to offer.
Route 3: Enjoy All the Highlights of the Adirondack Mountain Reserve Trail System – Our Preferred Route
Lake Road to Gill Brook Trail to Indian Head Crossover Trail to Fish Hawk Cliffs Trail to Indian Head Trail to Rainbow Falls Adirondacks to West River Trail Loop
This is our preferred hiking route for Indian Head Trail Adirondacks because it highlights all the main features in the area such as the North Overlook, Fish Hawk Cliffs Overlook, Indian Head, Rainbow Falls New York, and Beaver Meadow Falls.
For this route, you also begin on Lake Road. After about an hour of walking, you will reach the trail junction with Gill Brook Trail on your left. Gill Brook Trail leads you along a stream through the woods up to the North Overlook, Fish Hawk Cliffs Trail, and Indian Head. Then you head down Indian Head Adirondacks on the opposite side to Rainbow Falls NY. Lastly, you have to hike on the West River Trail which will eventually lead to Lake Road and to the parking lot.
Top Tip: That hiking description was a little too fast? Then keep reading for a more detailed description of this route for the Indian Head Trail.
Detailed Description on the Indian Head Trail & Rainbow Falls Loop Trail
Route: Lake Road to Gill Brook Trail to Indian Head Crossover Trail to Fish Hawk Cliffs Trail to Indian Head Trail to Rainbow Falls New York to West River Trail Loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 10.8 miles
Type of Hike: Loop
Elevation Change: 1,978 feet
Hike Time: anywhere from 6.5 to 8 hours
The following route is our absolute favorite but it is also the most strenuous one. To figure out if this route is for you, we will provide you with details on the different sections of the trail, what you will see along the way, time frames, and more.
Ausable Road to the AMR Checkpoint
Once you have arrived at the St. Huberts parking area, you will have to present proof of your reservation. There will be an AMR security guard at the gate to the Indian head trail parking lot asking you for a printed or digital copy, or simply your name and time of the reservation.
After parking in a designated spot and packing up your gear, you are ready to start your hike on the Indian Head Trail.
To begin your hike, head up Ausable Road next to the parking lot gate. After 0.5 miles (10 minutes), and passing the Golf Course on your right, you will reach a hiker sign on your left.
Turn left at this sign. Walk another 3 minutes or so to the checkpoint station just before the AMR gate. Here, a Forest Ranger will ask for your name and the time of your reservation again. Sign in to the hiker registry and enjoy your hike to Indian Head Adirondacks and Rainbow waterfalls.
Lake Road to Gill Brook Trail
You will continue hiking along the wide gravel Lake Road. After about a 20 minutes walk, you reach a trail junction and a wooden bridge crossing the stream for the West River Trail leading to Rainbow Falls New York. You would turn here if you were taking the Route 2 option mentioned above.
Otherwise, just continue straight on Lake Road. The road starts out kind of flat but slowly increases to a steady incline.
Next, you will cross the river on a wooden bridge. Here, the stream will change from being on your right to now on your left.
Once you have reached about 45 minutes of walking, you will arrive at the trail junction for Gill Brook Trail.
Note: Please keep in mind, the times are approximate, based on our hiking experience. You may reach the trail junction earlier or later.
We would suggest keeping an eye out for this narrow trail and the small sign indicating the Gill Brook Trail. It is extremely easy to miss the turn. We were on a roll and didn’t pay much attention to our Alltrails offline map, so it actually happened to us too.
Top Tip: If you happen to miss this trail junction, you can take the Gill Brook Cutoff Trail about 20 minutes up Lake Road.
The Gill Brook Trail will be on your left off of Lake Road. This scenic trail will lead you along the side of the stream showcasing waterfalls through the woods before you have to turn right on the Indian Head Crossover Trail.
Indian Head Crossover Trail
The Indian Head Crossover Trail will bring you to the summit where the North Overlook, Fish Hawk Cliffs Trail, and Indian Head Adirondacks are located. To reach the top, you will have to climb a series of wooden ladders along the trail to tackle the steep inclines.
In just under 2 hours from the start of the hike, you will see a sign pointing to the right for the North Overlook. From the sign, the overlook is only a few hundred yards away. So go take a look and enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views. This is a good pre-taste of the beautiful landmarks you will see in the next miles.
After heading back to the sign, continue straight across the ridge until you spot the sign for Indian Head and Fish Hawk. It will take around 15 minutes to walk from the North Overlook to the Indian Head lookout.
Indian Head Trail
At the trail junction for Fish Hawk Cliffs Trail and Indian Head Trail, you will want to go straight ahead on the Indian Head Adirondacks.
You are almost standing on the famous Indian Head rock formation. Just a short way and the view opens up to a magnificent overlook of Lower Ausable Lake. Make sure to check out the panoramas from all the different advantage points on Indian Head.
Top Tip: Our favorite hidden spot was on the left side along the edge of the rock. Away from the crowds, we enjoyed a little picnic and our own little photoshoot from a different perspective.
After you have snapped plenty of pictures or grabbed a bite to eat, head back to the sign for Indian Head Trail and Fish Hawk Trail. Now would be a great time to take the Fish Hawk Trail detour for another spectacular view.
Fish Hawk Cliffs Trail Detour Option
Fish Hawk Cliffs Overlook is a second viewpoint overlooking Indian Head lake which gets overseen a lot. This detour will add some elevation to your hike but it is well worth all the effort because you will be able to see the actual Indian head mountain NY. On top of that, it provides more solitude. We had the whole viewpoint for ourselves for at least 15 minutes.
The trail is relatively easy to follow but immediately takes a steep, strenuous descent down the rocky ridge. Plan around 10 to 15 minutes to get to the overlook.
Once you reach the rocky edge and can see Lower Ausable Lake, you have made it to the Fish Hawk Overlook. Here you are provided with a different perspective of the surrounding area.
Don’t forget to take a look back at Indian Head Adirondacks while standing out on the Fish Hawk Overlook. You will get a good view of the rock formation and see why it has been named Indian Head.
When you are ready to head back, just follow the Fish Hawk Cliffs Trail the way you came. Once you reach the trail junction with the Indian Head Trail, continue straight ahead on the Indian Head Trail to Rainbow Falls NY.
Indian Head Trail to Rainbow Falls NY
The Indian Head Trail begins to slowly decline back down to Lake Road. It is a narrow rocky trail with wooden ladders and switchbacks.
As you carefully descend from Indian Head, take the time to enjoy the outdoors. After about a 20 minute walk, you will reach a sign for Gothic Window. This is a viewpoint about a few yards from the Indian Head Trail. It is not the most phenomenal viewpoint but since it is only a few steps off the trail, it doesn’t hurt to check it out.
Then, continue heading down the Indian Head Trail for about another 10 minutes before reaching Lake Road. Once on Lake Road, head to the long bridge on your right crossing the stream from Lower Ausable Lake.
Take the bridge over to the other side. At the end of the bridge, you will be at a trail junction for Rainbow Falls NY, and the West River Trail. Take the Rainbow Falls Adirondacks trail to the left. The trail will wind through the woods for a short distance before entering a mossy canyon.
As you get closer to Rainbow Falls New York, the trail becomes increasingly more rocky and slippery from the overspray of the waterfall. Make sure you take caution as you proceed to the base of the waterfall. It took us about 4 hours and 45 minutes to make it to Rainbow Falls Adirondacks from the start of the hike.
After admiring Rainbow Falls New York, head back to the trail junction for the West River Trail at the bridge.
West River Trail to Parking Lot
Cross over the wooden bridge to your left and follow the trail along the stream through the woods. The West River Trail has a lot of natural obstacles along the way that you will need to climb over and around. We would recommend paying close attention to the trail markers as you can easily become confused about where the trail is. As long as you stay close to the stream you should be okay.
Once you start the West River Trail it will take about 35 minutes to reach another of the Adirondacks waterfalls, called Beaver Meadow Falls. This is a beautiful cascading waterfall set back in the woods.
To continue on the West River Trail, use the trail on the right side of the waterfall. You should still be following the stream on your right-hand side. Although the trail is not overly exciting, it is nicer than walking along Lake Road.
In about an hour and 15 minutes, you will reach Canyon Bridge. This is a very scenic bridge that allows you to cross back over the stream. From the bridge, it is another 10-minute walk before meeting back up with Lake Road.
Turn left onto Lake Road and it is a straight shot back to the AMR gate. From this point, you can plan to walk another 30 minutes back to St. Hubert’s parking lot.
We completed this 10.8-mile hike in about 7 hours and 45 minutes but with fewer photo stops or breaks, it is absolutely doable in less time.
Best Time to Visit Indian Head NY
The absolute best time to visit Indian Head is during the exemplary New York fall foliage. During this time the colors of vivid yellows, glowing oranges, and blazing reds with occasional fluorescent greens sweep through the forest, mirrored in the glassy waters of Indian Head Lake in the valley below.
Fall (Mid September to November)
Indian Head vista is by far one of the most spectacular places to view fall foliage in the New England area. However, to witness this beautiful natural masterpiece can be a bit tricky.
The peak fall foliage season is forever changing, depending on the unpredictable weather of the Adirondacks. It is crucial to track New York’s fall foliage to find the best time to visit. Fall foliage in New York is roughly around late September to mid to late October each year.
If you can’t find the time or secure a permit to visit during the fall season, don’t worry. You can still experience the Indian Head Trail Adirondacks throughout the other seasons.
Winter (late November to March)
If you don’t like the snow and cold temperatures, then visiting Indianhead during the winter is not your best option. If you don’t mind the cold, you can experience a winter wonderland in the Adirondacks.
- Microspikes: Microspikes are great for trails with densely packed snow and little ice to provide more tread and stability when hiking. I Yaktrax
- Snowshoes: For powdery and deep snow trails, you will want to use snowshoes. I Amazon
- Gaiters: Hiking gaiters are helpful to ensure snow and ice stay out of your boots. I Outdoor Research
- Trekking Poles: We mainly use our trekking poles in the winter. They provide more stability when walking on a snowy trail. I Black Diamond
- Waterproof Pants: It won’t be much fun hiking in the cold wet weather in the Adirondacks without waterproof pants. I Outdoor Research
- Insulated Jackets: Stay warm from the harsh winter weather conditions with the protection of an insulated jacket. I Columbia
- Gloves: A good pair of gloves can make all the difference when hiking in cold, wet, windy conditions. I Columbia
- Warm Hat: Don’t let your body heat escape, trap it in with a warm hat. I Columbia
Spring (March to June)
The backcountry trails may be a little muddier after heavy snowmelt, but spring is one of the best times to go chasing waterfalls in NY. On a trip to Indian Head in the spring, you can find splendid waterfalls along the Gill Brook Trail, Beaver Meadow Falls along the West River Trail, and Rainbow Falls New York.
Summer (June to early September)
Summertime in the Adirondacks is always a great time for outdoor fun. The weather is warm and the days are long. Since the Indian Head Adirondacks loop is quite a long hike, the more daylight the better to enjoy the beauty along the trail. Just make sure to pick one of the cooler days of summer.
Best Time of Day to Hike the Indian Head Trail
If you are looking for the best time to photograph the Indian Head vista then we would recommend arriving in the later afternoon (around 1-2 PM). We made it to Indian Head NY around 11 AM and even though it was a sunny day, the sun was still not high enough to lighten up all of the beautiful valley.
For a unique photo opportunity, do the Indian Head hike for sunrise or sunset. These times of day will most likely be less crowded with the average hiker due to more challenges like hiking in the dark.
Sunrise: Arriving for the sunrise, you will most likely catch the fog lifting off of Lower Ausable Lake. However, the valley will stay shaded until the afternoon, so chances are the lighting may not be the greatest.
Sunset: Sunset is probably the best option for capturing the iconic Indian Head Adirondacks photo. The fading sunlight over the valley creates optimal lighting for photographers. You will want to start your journey about 3 or so hours before sunset to make sure to catch the “golden hour.”
Note: In peak season, double-check your hiking times correspond with the opening hours of the parking area (5 AM to 10 PM daily), otherwise you will need to obtain an overnight permit.
- Camera: You will want to have some type of camera device even if that is just your phone. Besides phones we use our Olympus OM-D Mark ii Mirrorless camera and GoPro. I GoPro, Olympus
- Tripod: Help stabilize your camera by using a tripod. I Rollei, Peak Design
- Camera Remote: Help avoid camera shake for sharper images and to be present in your own photo. I Amazon
- Polarizer Filter: Using a polarizer filter can help remove sun glare. I Hama
- Lens Hood: Help protect your lens from the direct sunlight. I Amazon
- Photography Gear: Peak Design with its many smart photography accessories makes capturing our adventurous hiking moments so much easier. l Peak Design
- Battery Pack: Don’t be left without a battery. We always recommend having some type of battery backup to charge your devices. I Amazon
Where to Stay Near Indian Head Trail Adirondacks
The closest places to stay near the Indian Head Trail Adirondacks is in the more popular Lake Placid area or the small quaint Adirondack town of Keene.
Lake Placid is about a 30 minutes drive northwest of the trailhead. Here you can find an abundance of hotels and motels ranging from luxurious to moderately priced. If you are looking for a more budget option, you will have to stay a little bit outside of downtown Lake Placid.
The town of Keene is about a 10 minutes drive north of the Indian Head Trail. Staying in Keene will give you the small mountain town feel of the Adirondacks rather than the touristic Lake Placid.
FAQ: Indian Head Trail
Where is the Indian Head Trail in the Adirondacks?
Indian Head is located in New York’s Adirondack Region in the Adirondack Mountain Reserve. This 7,000 acres of private land is situated between 2 sections of the High Peaks Wilderness around the Upper and Lower Ausable Lakes. To access this area, you will need to park at the St. Huberts parking lot off of Route 73 in Keene Valley.
Is the Indian Head Trail Difficult?
The Indian Head Adirondacks hike is rated as a moderate to difficult hike. What makes this hiking loop difficult is the length. The overall elevation gain is quite moderate for the length of the trail.
How Long is the Indian Head Trail Adirondacks?
The actual length of the Indian Head Trail is not that long. However, getting to the trailhead takes a while. Depending on the route you choose, the round trip can be just shy of 11 miles. If you choose to do a different route option than the one explained above, your hike will most likely be shorter.
How Long Does it Take to Hike the Indian Head Trail Adirondacks?
If you are hiking the route 3 option, it can take anywhere from 6.5 to 8.5 hours to complete. This time frame includes hiking on the trail, break times, and enjoying the views at the summit. Your hike time may vary depending on how fast you hike, how many times you stop, how large your group is, and the age of your hiking companions. We were able to hike the 11-mile loop in just under 8 hours.
Do You Need a Permit to Hike Indian Head?
Yes, you will need a permit to hike Indian Head in the peak season from May 1 to October 31. A hiking permit is free of cost and can be reserved at hikeamr.org. You do NOT need a permit if you plan on hiking to Indian Head Adirondacks from November 1 to April 30.
Is Indian Head Hike Free?
Yes, it is FREE to hike to Indian Head and other trails within the Adirondack Mountain Reserve. Permits have been put into place to help with safety concerns and give all hikers access to the hiking trails.
Can You Camp Near Indian Head?
There is no camping within the Adirondack Mountain Reserve since it is private land. We stayed about 20 miles away, a roughly 25 minutes drive, at the Wilmington Notch Campground.
Are Dogs Allowed on the Indian Head Trail?
Dogs are NOT allowed on the Indian Head Trail or any other hiking trail in the Adirondack Mountain Reserve. Unfortunately, your dog will have to sit this one out.
Are There Restrooms on the Indian Head Trail?
There are no restrooms along the Indian Head Trail or other trails within the AMR. Porta-Potties are available at the St. Hubert’s parking lot. Once you leave the parking lot, you will not have access to a facility. If you have to go while on the trail, please remember to pack out all your trash.
What Are the Leave No Trace Principles?
Like always when you enjoy nature, please remember to also follow the Leave No Trace Principles. Recreate responsibly. Anytime you are exploring and enjoying the outdoors, it is important to remember to follow the Leave No Trace principles. Respect and appreciate nature, so that future generations can enjoy the same beauty.
If you happen to find trash along the Indian Head Trail, pick it up for the fellow hiker who did not practice Leave No Trace, and dispose of it properly.
If you aren’t familiar with the Leave No Trace Principles, here they are:
- Plan Ahead & Prepare
- Travel on Durable Surfaces
- Properly Dispose of Waste
- Leave What You Find
- Minimize Campfire Impacts
- Respect Wildlife
- Be Considerate of Others
How did you like hiking Indian Head Trail Adirondacks? Which route option did you choose?
Let us know in the comments below!
More Resources for Hiking in New York
- 33 Most Beautiful Trails for Hiking in Hudson Valley
- 34 Top Rated Best Hikes Upstate New York
- 13 Most Scenic Minnewaska State Park Trails
- The Ultimate Guide to 11 Best Cold Spring Hiking Trails
- Hiking Breakneck Ridge: How Tough Actually is this Hike
- Beautiful Anthony’s Nose Hike: All You Need to Know
- How to Hike the Indian Ladder Trail at Thacher State Park
You Might Also Like
- Waterfalls: 57 Spectacular Waterfalls in NY You Have to See
- Waterfalls: The Most Picturesque Finger Lakes Waterfalls You Have to See
- Lake Placid: 20 Exciting Things to Enjoy Winter in Lake Placid
- Upstate New York: A Complete Guide to Fall in Upstate New York
- Quotes: 100+ Hiking Quotes to Inspire your Future Adventures
- Quotes: 90+ Best Quotes about Falls to Inspire Your Wanderlust
- Hiking: 15 Most Helpful Hiking Apps to Download
- Hiking: What You Should be Packing for a Hike: The Essentials + Extras
- Hiking: 100+ Best Gifts for Hikers to Buy
Save this Post for later on Pinterest!
Did you like this post? Subscribe to our newsletter and we’ll send you more unique travel tips, updates, and even FREE content!
Hi.. just discovered your site. Love the article on the Indian head trail. Fantastic details!! I will try to plan a trip there. Can you share the day and month you hiked the trail? Looked like you had a purrfect day.
Thanks
Hi Terry,
Thank you so much! We started the Indian Head Trail on 10/11/2021 in the morning. We were extremely lucky with the weather. The next time we would start the hike a little later though. When you arrive at Indian Head in the late afternoon, the sun will be higher up and the valley won’t be in the shade anymore. Just make sure you don’t start too late because the adventure will take a while when you also want to visit Rainbow Falls.
Good luck and enjoy the trail!
From a fellow travel blogger, Absolutely LOVED the detail in this post! Excited to go on my trip to Indian head this weekend and can’t wait to stay updated on all things travel & adventure!
Thanks Veronica! We hope you had an amazing time hiking Indian Head. We can’t wait to go back one day!
Thank you so much for your thorough tips and descriptions! They are super helpful! Hope you continue to enjoy and explore amazing places.
Thank you so much for your kind words! We are glad you found the post useful. We will definitely continue exploring new places, that is our addiction. I don’t think we could ever stop. Enjoy Indian Head!
How long does it take to complete each of the three trails on average? And are hiking boots absolutely required for each?
In our opinion, we would recommed hiking boots, but you could technically get away with not wearing hiking boots. It honestly depends on your comfort and what trails you decide to take. We hiked the Route 3 option we mentioned in the post and that trail can take anywhere from 6.5 hours to 8 hours depending on your hiking speed. Hiking the Route 1 option is the least amount of time. And Hiking the Route 2 option would be in the middle.
Hello, your posts are really helpful for my hiking plan. I’ll visit Lake Placid from Oct. 5 to 10 and want to go to Indian Head Trail, but the parking is fully booked. I checked if any cancel, but no slot. Any idea to hike that area?
I read also your another article to recommend Roaring Brook Fall and it is just in front of Indian Head and no reservation required. Is the parking space enough to go at 9 am?
Thanks so much.
Roaring Brook Falls parking lot is not very big, but I do remember not having an issue getting a spot. But of course this will always vary.