For years, the Balanced Rocks trail has been whispered about as a must-do, effortlessly beautiful hike. Finally, this year, I laced up my boots and ventured out with my two young children to see if the whispers held true. Beautiful? Absolutely breathtaking. Easy? Well, “easy-ish” might be a more accurate description, especially when you’re navigating the trail with little ones in tow.
While the relatively short distance certainly makes it more accessible than some of the longer Adirondack hikes, let’s be clear: this trail packs a punch. Steep inclines and a few technical sections definitely keep you on your toes. Conquering the Balanced Rocks with a two-year-old and a five-year-old was undeniably a challenge, but absolutely manageable and immensely rewarding. And the payoff? As promised, the Balanced Rocks themselves are simply stunning.
This hike is a fantastic choice for families who are comfortable with moderate hiking, adventurers seeking panoramic views, or anyone wanting to experience the rugged beauty of the Adirondacks without committing to an overly strenuous trek. It offers a genuine taste of Adirondack hiking, condensed into a shorter, albeit still challenging, distance.
And for those with a thirst for more adventure and even broader vistas, the Balanced Rocks trail is actually a stepping stone. It’s the initial segment of the path leading to the summit of Pitchoff Mountain. While Pitchoff’s summit itself might be treed-in, I’ve heard whispers of even more incredible views along the route to the top. Plus, summiting Pitchoff Mountain ticks off one of the peaks in the Lake Placid 9’er Hiking Challenge. Initially, I had ambitions to reach Pitchoff’s peak, but given the day’s adventures with the kids, we happily decided to make the Balanced Rocks our triumphant turnaround point.
My children and I enjoying the view from atop the Balanced Rocks in the Adirondacks.
Balanced Rocks Hike: Quick Facts
Distance: 3.45 miles (5.8 km) roundtrip
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 1108 feet (338 meters)
Trailhead Coordinates: 44.219277, -73.887048
Trailhead Washroom: Yes (Porta-potties)
Dogs Allowed: Yes
Cell Reception: Spotty
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Parking: Ample parking at the trailhead
Cost: Free
Open Year-Round: Yes (Winter hiking possible, but requires appropriate gear and caution)
Getting to the Balanced Rocks Trailhead
The Balanced Rocks trail shares its trailhead with the popular Pitchoff Mountain trail, making it easily accessible but also potentially busy. Located directly across from the trailheads for Cascade and Porter Mountains – two other beloved, moderately challenging Adirondack peaks – parking can sometimes be competitive, especially during peak season and weekends.
It’s wise to have a backup plan in mind, just in case the main parking area is full. Parking along the shoulders of Highway 73 is not safe due to narrow road edges. We hiked on a weekday and found parking without any trouble. Arriving early in the morning or choosing a day with less favorable weather can also improve your chances of securing a spot.
Use these coordinates for precise navigation: 44.219277, -73.887048. Several smaller parking lots are situated along Route 73 within a short distance (around 500 meters) of the main trailhead, offering alternative parking if the primary lot is full.
We made use of the two porta-potties located at the shared trailhead area before starting our ascent. Finding the trailhead itself required a bit of attentiveness. We identified a weathered set of wooden stairs built into the embankment beside the road, next to a very faded Adirondack trailhead sign, almost blank with age.
A barely legible trailhead sign marks the entrance to the Pitchoff Mountain and Balanced Rocks trails in the Adirondacks.
Embarking on the Trail to Balanced Rocks
Confident that we had found the correct starting point, we began climbing the stairs. Immediately, the steepness of the initial ascent signaled that this “easy-ish” hike might require a bit more effort than anticipated.
Shortly after the stairs, we reached the trail register and signed in for the day. The trail began narrow and somewhat overgrown, but quickly transitioned into a more established and well-trodden path. True to Adirondack hiking, roots and rocks were abundant underfoot, demanding mindful steps, but nothing excessively challenging in the early stages. We continued our upward trek and encountered our first significant steep incline just 0.07 miles (110 meters) into the hike.
Steep wooden stairs lead up from the roadside, marking the beginning of the Balanced Rocks hiking trail.
After conquering that initial hill and another short, steep climb, the trail generously leveled out briefly around 0.4 miles (500 meters), offering a welcome respite. We followed the standard red Adirondack trail markers, although the well-defined path made navigation straightforward.
At approximately 0.75 miles (1.2 km), a faint herd path branched off to our right. Venturing onto this short detour rewarded us with our first glimpse of the surrounding views, hinting at the panoramas to come.
A relatively flat and easy section of the Balanced Rocks trail winds through the forest.
Scrambles and Steep Climbs En Route to Balanced Rocks
Not long after enjoying the initial viewpoint, we encountered the first section that felt like a scramble – a steeper portion where using both hands and feet for upward progress felt natural, if not necessary. Fortunately, ample small footholds and handholds provided secure passage. Our five-year-old daughter navigated this section with surprising ease, requiring only a bit of verbal encouragement. My husband, carrying our two-year-old, also managed well. However, this is a point to emphasize caution: if you are not confident in your hiking abilities, especially while carrying children, this trail might present some challenging moments.
Hikers encounter a rocky scramble section on the Balanced Rocks trail, requiring careful footing.
Around 0.9 miles (1.44 km), we reached the ridgeline, and the view began to open up more expansively to our right. But the ascent wasn’t over yet. We continued upwards, tackling another rocky and steep segment of the trail.
Just past the 1-mile (1.6 km) mark, the trail presented its most precarious section. While not overly challenging for experienced hikers without children, a portion of the trail had eroded, creating a steep drop-off on one side. The other side was bordered by a cliff face or massive boulder, leaving a narrow strip of trail requiring very careful footing. Thankfully, this exposed section was brief – perhaps only 3 feet in length. Our five-year-old traversed it confidently, declaring she needed no assistance (though my hand remained firmly grasped!), and my husband also navigated it cautiously with our younger child.
A rocky and uneven portion of the Balanced Rocks trail showcases typical Adirondack terrain.
Reaching the Trail Split for Balanced Rocks
At 1.4 miles (2.24 km), we arrived at a distinct trail junction. This split appeared at the crest of yet another steep climb, fueling our hopes that we were nearing the turn-off for the Balanced Rocks.
No signposts offered explicit directions, only a couple of directional arrows. We opted for the right-hand path, optimistically anticipating the Balanced Rocks were close.
Despite the relatively short distance covered, the cumulative effort of guiding two young children uphill had taken its toll, both physically and mentally. The allure of Pitchoff Mountain’s summit began to wane, and we were more than ready to reach the Balanced Rocks and enjoy their promised spectacle.
A trail junction marked with arrows indicates the path to Balanced Rocks, diverting from the Pitchoff Mountain trail.
Discovering the Magnificent Balanced Rocks
Our chosen path proved correct! As we continued, a couple of less defined trails branched off to the left, but we stayed straight. The trail eventually opened up (around 1.6 miles/2.5 km) to a vast expanse of exposed rock face, just before the Balanced Rocks themselves.
The views were, in a word, magnificent. True to the hype, they were even more stunning in person. We spent a considerable time soaking in the panoramic vistas, scrambling across the open rocks, and enjoying a well-deserved lunch amidst this incredible natural setting.
With the looming afternoon and the thought of the return hike (perhaps slightly exaggeratedly) before dark, we opted to carry both children for the descent.
Panoramic views between the Balanced Rocks formations, showcasing the surrounding Adirondack landscape.
By the time we returned to the trailhead, we had hiked a total of 3.45 miles (5.8 km). The entire adventure, including our extended time at the Balanced Rocks, took just over 4 hours. Interestingly, my Garmin data recorded a moving time of only 50 minutes – a comical underestimation that underscores the slower pace of hiking with young children! The ascent to the Balanced Rocks took us almost exactly 2 hours, and the descent just over an hour.
And it was, without a doubt, a fantastic hike! Technically, it’s one of the more challenging hikes our daughter has completed independently, but certainly achievable with patience and encouragement. The breathtaking views made every step worthwhile, and I felt immense pride in our little family for conquering another epic Adirondack hike together.
Our family, silhouetted against the stunning Adirondack scenery, celebrates reaching the Balanced Rocks.
Map and Acknowledging the Land
This trail is located on the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee’s Mohawk Nation. Whenever I explore a new hiking area, I take a moment to reflect on and acknowledge the Indigenous people whoStewarded this land both before me and still today. I often use the website Native-land.ca as a resource to learn more about the Indigenous history of the lands I’m exploring.
It’s important to remember the history of displacement and forced removal of Indigenous peoples from their lands by the Canadian and U.S. governments, and the ongoing impacts of these actions. For me, hiking and exploring these lands is a privilege, and I am committed to deepening my understanding of how my actions today affect others and to acting as a responsible steward of the environment.
Gear We Brought for Hiking Balanced Rocks with Kids
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- Hiking Boots
- Hiking Poles (Helpful for steep sections and carrying kids)
- MEC Shuttlecraft Kid Carrier for our toddler
- Tula Preschool Carrier for our older child (rated up to 60 lbs!)
- Bug Net for the Shuttlecraft (designed for strollers, adaptable for carriers)
- Bug Spray
- Sunscreen
- First Aid Kit
- Map + Compass (and knowing how to use them)
- Garmin inReach (satellite communication device for emergencies in areas with no cell service)
- Plenty of Water, Lunch, and Snacks
- Sweaters for everyone for cooler temperatures at the summit (The kids wore their MEC Fireside Fleece sweaters – a family favorite!)
