Take a Drive up Whiteface Veterans' Memorial Highway

Come with us as we take a Drive up Whiteface Veterans’ Memorial Highway, then walk to the summit for stunning 360° views. 

In 1935, President Franklin D. Roosevelt opened Whiteface Veterans’ Memorial Highway, six years after he first commissioned the project as Governor of New York State. It was named in honor of the veterans of World War I. Today, the highway continues to be a popular attraction for locals and visitors alike.

Read on to learn about our visit up the Highway in June 2023. 

Greetings from the Toll House

It’s important to know that the Highway is not located at the base of the ski resort. If you are traveling from Lake Placid, you will actually go past the entrance to the mountain and continue to Wilmington. At the four corners, you will turn left and go past Santa’s Workshop, before being greeted by the Toll House.

Whiteface Memorial Highway Toll House
Weather report for Whiteface Mountain Summit

The Toll House has a convenient weather report that lets you know the temperature, winds, and visibility at the summit. The temperature tends to be cooler, so dress in layers! During our visit, it was almost 20° cooler at the summit compared to at the Toll House. There is also a forecast online.

First Impressions

When you arrive at the top of the highway, you will park near the castle. Yes, there is a two-story castle (built with granite excavated from the highway construction) at the top of the highway. Inside the castle, you can visit the gift shop, or take the elevator to the top of the mountain. You do not have to take the elevator and have the option to walk the Nature Trail to the top, which is what we did on this visit. The Nature Trail is not wheelchair accessible. 

It’s important to note that the elevator is not always running. You can check the status online, but also know that it can change by the time you get there, or even during your visit (it was open when we were at the Toll House, was closed by the time we drove to the top, and then reopened when it was time to head back down.)

Whiteface Memorial Highway Castle
Whiteface Memorial Highway Castle

Hungry? Grab a bite before you head up, or when you come back down at the 4610′ Grill.

Food Truck at Whiteface Memorial Highway
Guy with baby looking at Whiteface Elevation Sign at Memorial Highway

Ready for the Views

The elevator was closed, but we were planning on walking to the summit anyways. You start your climb at 4,610 feet above sea level and have stunning views of Lake Placid Lake.

You climb up rock steps, so make sure to wear appropriate shoes. Some of the rocks can be slippery. They do have sandpaper patches on some of the rocks, but they are worn down in spots. There is also a railing in most spots that can be very helpful when climbing up the rocks, especially if you have short legs!

Summit of Whiteface Memorial Highway
Informational signs on Whiteface Memorial Highway

Look for the fun facts & informational signs along the way.

Informational signs on Whiteface Memorial Highway

360° Views

After about 15 minutes, we arrived at the summit! We walk pretty fast, but also stop to take photos, so the time it takes you may vary. At the top, you have amazing 360° views of the Adirondacks, Vermont, and if it’s clear enough, Canada.

There are a number of great lookout spots to take in all the beautiful views! Some people will even bring a picnic lunch or snacks to enjoy at the summit. 

lookout at summit of Whiteface Mountain
Elevation sign on Whiteface Mountain

There are also tower viewers at the top, so bring your quarters! Each one has a list so you know what you are looking at.

If you’re looking for a fun family adventure, add this to your list!  It’s also dog friendly, so your four-legged friends can join!

If you’re looking to visit multiple Olympic Venues, check out the Passport for savings!

Tower Viewer on Whiteface Mountain

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