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Dog Friendly Trails
In Lake Placid

Yellow lab hiking Baker Mountain

Bringing your dog to Lake Placid means more than just pet-friendly lodging—it means easy access to some of the best dog-friendly trails in the Adirondacks. From peaceful forest walks and lakeside paths to scenic mountain views and quick nature loops, there are plenty of places where your pup can stretch their legs and explore with you.

Whether you’re looking for an easy morning walk before breakfast or a longer outdoor adventure, these dog-friendly trails near Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort make it easy to get outside together. Just remember to keep your dog leashed where required, clean up after them, and be respectful of fellow hikers and wildlife.

Peninsula Trail

Peninsula Way
Lake Placid, NY

The Peninsula Nature Trails, located off Peninsula Way, offer amazing views of the lake with a backdrop of Whiteface Mountain. The trails are situated on 133 acres and provide opportunities to observe plants and wildlife that are found in mixed woods, hardwood forest, and swampland.

The trails include Old Road (.75miles), Lakeshore Trail (.45 miles), Boundary Trail, and Ridge Trail (1.3 miles).

These multi-use trails allow for runners and mountain bikers, as well as cross-country skiers and snowshoers. The Outlet Brook is a common spot for dogs to take a dip.

Heaven Hill

161 Bear Cub Road
Lake Placid, NY

The Heaven Hill trail system is a year-round, community preserve located just outside of the village of Lake Placid. It is owned and maintained by the Uihlein Foundation and encompasses 940 acres. The Heaven Hills trails opened to public in 201, with more trails being added in 2017. The various walking trails offer access to a wide variety of habitats, including hardwood forests, fields, and swamps. You’ll also get great views of the High Peaks in the open areas. The Heaven Hill trails are multi-use, offering a great spot for runners, mountain bikers, and cross-country skiers. It’s also a great spot for dogs to run off leash, provided they’re well behaved! The five-mile plus trail system includes the original three trails; Big Field Loop (.9 miles), the Old Orchard Loop (1.5 miles), and the Bear Cub Loop (1.5 miles). Four other trails were added in 2017; Sugar Maple, Short Drop, Maple Drop, and Sugar Side.

Henry's Woods

Bear Cub Road
Lake Placid, NY

If you’re looking for a peaceful wooded trail close to town, Henry’s Woods is a great choice. The trails are well-marked, relatively easy, and offer a nice balance of shaded forest and open views.

It’s a favorite for locals because it feels quiet and scenic without requiring a full-day hike. Many dog owners love it for morning walks or a quick afternoon outing before heading back to Main Street.

Yellow Labrador laying down at henry's woods

John Brown Farm

115 John Brown Rd
Lake Placid, NY

dog swimming at dog friendly spot john brown farm
Image from lakeplacid.com

John Brown’s Farm is located in Lake Placid, NY, close to the Olympic Ski Jumping Complex. The farm is the historic home and gravesite of abolitionist John Brown, most notably remembered for his assault on Harper’s Ferry prior to the Civil War. John’s Brown’s Farm is a historic site which provides a unique opportunity for visiting tourists in the northeast since much of the Civil War historical landmarks are located in the south.

Today John Brown’s Farm is open to public as part of the New York state Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation. This landmark is a staple of the area and holds significant importance in the history of slavery.

Locals also enjoy the farm for the three interconnected walking paths, which are open all year. The three trails provide access to varied habitats and are a big draw for dog owners. It’s important to note that although the tail rules call for dogs to be kept on a leash, you may encounter numerous unleashed dogs in the open meadows.

The three trails included the Potato Field Loop (1.8 miles), the Maple Grove Trail (.3 miles) and the Ski Jump Trail (.8 miles). During the winter these trails are open to snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

Mirror Lake

Lake Placid, NY

If you’re looking for a nice walk in the center of town, you need to take the 2.7 mile walk around Mirror Lake. This scenic walk will take you down Main Street and past numerous shops and restaurants. Many locations offer water bowls for your furry friends to enjoy along the way. On the other side of the lake you’ll walk past gorgeous Adirondack themed homes. There are also many spots where dogs can take a dip in the lake – don’t be surprised to see the locals playing fetch near the public beach – it’s a great spot to make new doggie friends! Bonus; Lake Placid provides dog poop bag stations the entire way around the lake, plus a large number of garbage bins (so you don’t have to carry the waste!)

Dogs playing in mirror lake, a dog friendly spot in lake placid
Image from lakeplacid.com

Horseshow Grounds

5514 Cascade Rd
Lake Placid, NY 12946

Located across the street from the Olympic Jumping Complex, the horseshow grounds is a great spot to take your dog, especially if you want an enclosed area. The dog park is located in the back away from the road, and offers incredible views of the ski jumps and Whiteface Mountain. The grounds are also next to the airport, so you may see some smaller planes taking off or landing. It’s usually pretty quiet, so your pup won’t get spooked! 

Getting there: when you turn off Cascade Road into the grounds, stay straight on the road and go to the back (there are signs for the off leash area).

Eden jumping in a field in winter

Helpful Tips

Before heading out, always bring water, waste bags, and a leash—even on quieter trail systems. Some trails are more dog-friendly than others, and trail conditions can change quickly depending on the season.

Spring mud season, summer heat, fall foliage crowds, and winter snow all affect trail conditions, so planning ahead helps make the experience better for both you and your pup.

The goal is simple: happy dog, happy hike.

The only thing we overlook is the lake

Surrender yourself to the natural and untouched beauty of the Adirondack Mountains at the first resort in the U.S. to receive the Audubon International’s Platinum Eco Rating for Hotels. There are now only six hotels in the United States to obtain this honor! It’s a place to renew yourself on the serene shores of Mirror Lake, and take in the history of the town, just steps away from the famed Olympic Village and the heart of Lake Placid, New York. No other place on earth provides this unique blend of comfort, rejuvenation, or one-of-a-kind experiences. Start planning your stay at the Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort now!

Après Ski in Lake Placid: The Ultimate Guide to Warming Up, Winding Down & Savoring Winter Vibes

There’s something magical about stepping off the slopes at Whiteface, cheeks rosy, legs tired in the best way, and realizing the day isn’t over — it’s just getting good. In Lake Placid, après ski isn’t just a drink… It’s a whole mood. Think crackling fires, craft cocktails, comfort foods, live music, and that moment you trade ski boots for cozy socks and a warm drink in hand.

Whether you spent the day chasing fresh powder, exploring new terrain at Whiteface, or just here for the winter vibes, this guide is your roadmap to the perfect après ski experience in Lake Placid, NY.

What is Après Ski, Really?

“Après” is French for “after,” and “après ski” literally means after skiing.
But in Lake Placid? It means:

  • Toasting a great run with a cold local brew

  • Sinking into a hot tub or sauna

  • Sharing cheese boards, wings, or gooey s’mores

  • Swapping slope stories by the fire

  • Listening to live music in ski-base layers

  • Relaxing with friends, family — or a date night

It’s relaxing. It’s social. And it’s one of the best parts of a ski trip.

Where to Après in Lake Placid

Here are a few local-favorite spots for post-mountain indulgence.

Bars & Breweries

 

🍺 Lake Placid Pub & Brewery – Craft beer + casual ski town energy
🍺 Big Slide Brewery – Creative brews & great shareable apps
🍸The Cottage – Fire-side views, cozy atmosphere
🍹 Top of the Park – Craft cocktails with a scenic overlook

Warm & Cozy Food Spots

🍲 Hearty Comfort Food: Smoke Signals
🍕 Pizza & Pubs: 
🥘 Tapas & Sharing Plates: Top of the Park
🫕 Add:
Fries & Dip
Calories don’t count after skiing, right? 😉

Après Ski at the Resort

Skip the crowds and enjoy après-ski without leaving your slippers.

Ideas to highlight (customize based on your amenities):

🔥 Hot tubs & sauna = the cure for tired legs
🧖 Spa treatments or massages to recover your quads
🍷 Cocktails or mulled wine by the firepit
👣 Indoor pool to stretch + relax
🛁 Fireplace or whirlpool suites for peak cozy vibes
🍫 Make-your-own s’mores kits for the family

Because sometimes the best après ski is a fluffy robe and a view of Mirror Lake.

Not Skiing? Still Après.

Après isn’t only for skiers — it’s for any winter adventurer.

Great after:

  • A day of ice skating on Mirror Lake

  • Snowshoeing or winter hiking

  • Toboggan chute runs

  • Exploring downtown shops

  • Watching the pros at an event

You earned the hot chocolate either way.

Après Ski Drinks to Try

Rotate seasonally or feature hotel menu items later.

  • Hot Toddy with Adirondack maple syrup

  • Irish Coffee with whipped cream peaks

  • Local craft beer sampler

  • Mulled wine or spiced cider

  • Peppermint hot cocoa with marshmallows

Make this section shoppable later with a signature house drink!

If you’re dreaming of that perfect balance of powder days and cozy nights, Lake Placid is the place to après right — and our lakeside location means you can unwind just steps from the snow.

Stay, ski, soak, sip — this is winter done ri

More Blogs

The only thing we overlook is the lake

Surrender yourself to the natural and untouched beauty of the Adirondack Mountains at the first resort in the U.S. to receive the Audubon International’s Platinum Eco Rating for Hotels. There are now only six hotels in the United States to obtain this honor! It’s a place to renew yourself on the serene shores of Mirror Lake, and take in the history of the town, just steps away from the famed Olympic Village and the heart of Lake Placid, New York. No other place on earth provides this unique blend of comfort, rejuvenation, or one-of-a-kind experiences. Start planning your stay at the Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort now!

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