A year-round Adirondack hiking challenge

The Adirondacks is the home of hiking challenges, and the most family-friendly of those is conveniently located in Tupper Lake. In 2015, a new hiking challenge called the Tupper Lake Triad was launched in the Tupper Lake region of the Adirondacks. The three family-friendly mountains, each of which is within a few minutes of the village, boast outstanding views of the surrounding mountains and lakes from their summits, which are reached via well-maintained and well-marked state Department of Environmental Conservation trails.

After successfully hiking all three peaks, register on the official Triad roster and receive a patch -- and bragging rights, of course. Registration can even be done online, leaving you more time to get out and discover Tupper Lake.

With just three mountains needed to complete the Tupper Lake Triad, you can work on this one over a weekend or wrap it up in the morning and have lunch in town in the afternoon. The Triad is the perfect starter challenge for those just getting in to hiking or for hikers looking to expand their patch and sticker collection. Eternal fame and glory is just three mountains away!

Meet the peaks

Ready to hit the trails? Already on your way to the trailhead? Slow down! Make sure you have all the hiking essentials first to ensure your trip is safe and enjoyable. Okay, now that you all have the gear, it's time to introduce the peaks.

Mount Arab
A fire tower awaits those who make the moderately steep climb up this mountain. Mount Arab also counts as one of the Adirondack fire tower hiking challenge peaks.
Distance, one way: 1 mile | Elevation: 2545 feet | Ascent: 764 feet

Coney Mountain
Enjoy superior views with little effort from Coney's rocky summit. Not only is this a great hike, the summit is also a great place to go stargazing.
Distance, one way: 1.1 miles | Elevation: 2280 feet | Ascent: 548 feet

Goodman Mountain
Goodman Mountain, named after civil rights activist Andrew Goodman, has it all: history, a superb trail, and great views from the summit.
Distance, one way: 1.7 miles | Elevation: 2178 feet | Ascent: 581 feet

Try the Triad in summer and winter

There are two different patches, summer and winter, that you can receive for completing the Tupper Lake Triad.

Summer Triad: hike all three peaks between March 21 and Dec. 19 to receive the summer hiking patch.
Winter Triad: hike all three peaks between Dec. 20 and March 20 to receive the winter hiking patch.

Register for the Tupper Lake Triad online today!

Once completed, fill out the online Tupper Lake Triad registration form.

If you prefer to send in your registration by mail, download and print out the Tupper Lake Triad registration form and mail it with your $5 registration fee (please make checks payable to ROOST). Registration can be sent to: Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism attn: TL Triad, 121 Park Street, Tupper Lake, NY 12986.

Disclaimer: Patches could take up to 3 weeks to be received.

Ready for more?

The Tupper Lake Triad is a great way to get warmed up for some of the other hiking challenges in the Adirondacks. Check out the Saranac Lake 6er, the Lake Placid 9'er, or the Wonders of Wilmington challenges! Or, if you want to explore trails that aren't in the spotlight, there are plenty of options around the area. All you need is a map and a sense of adventure.

For more cool fun, check out the Paddling Triad, too!

Love Your ADK

By taking the Love Your Adirondacks Pledge and practicing Leave No Trace ethics you can help ensure that the forests, waterways, and communities of the Adirondacks remain beautiful and unique for generations to come.