Hike Peaked Mountain

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.

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).

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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Similar Hikes

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

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The parent mountain for this hike is Peaked Mountain.