Riding the Adirondacks



I asked someone in town about getting to the summit of Whiteface Mountain and it was simply to follow Rt. 86 until I saw the signs on the left. The entrance is to Whiteface Mountain Memorial Highway (431). Once on 431, the first entrance turned out to be for the ski slopes, I quickly figured that out since the sign simply said “entrance to summit not here!”. I turned around and went just a couple of more miles to find the entrance. Along the way I see a sign on the left about 400ft waterfalls. Sounds like something to check out until I saw a building out front charging admission to see it. I can understand those places that send you with a tour guide inside a cavern, but charge to look at falls? Forget it. Soon I’m at the road to the summit and start to head on up to the gate. On the way you’ll pass the “North Pole” and Santa’s workshop. My parents took my sisters there shortly before I was born to see Santa and the refrigerated pole they had inside. It’s the North Pole to the 4 year old mind or how ever far the parents want to take the story. Having not ever been there I figured I’d take some pictures. I can remember the old family photos and it seems the place hasn’t changed.











Another mile or so brings you to the gate to enter the summit. It was $9 to get inside on a bike which stunned me. How much is a mini-van with kids?


A poor picture of the gatehouse.




From the gate it’s a cool ride to the top with switchback roads offering views around each corner. Each view had a small sign to let you know how many feet up you were. This is the third highest point of the park at 4867 feet. Upon arriving at the top parking lot I was greeted by a parking attendant who checked for my ticket and gave instructions on where things were. First, there’s a 476 foot tunnel cut into the peak of the mountain to the center where you then take a 276 foot elevator ride to the top! Ok now, that’s taking some of the sting out of the $9.


Tunnel to the center of the mountain’s peak



Entering



Inside, the floor was wet from water dripping through the rock above.



Elevator to the top.






ON TO THE TOP!!!


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