Whiteface Veterans Memorial Highway Reviews

The views are phenomenal, but make sure to pick a clear day to get the best out of a trip to the top. Even clear days can get cloudy, as tall mountains like Whiteface can generate their own clouds depending on the wind direction. The price of $16 for car and driver and $9 for each passenger is a decent deal for a fun day climbing around the top to see the sights.

The price of this is defantly a bit obserd to be charging per personinstead of per car like most scenic roads do. The views along the road were absolutely beautiful and there are plenty of viewpoints to stop at along the way. The elevator up to the summit was a really fun and interesting experience as well. It was so fun to take in the views and just relax.

We took this trip on a cooler day. The drive up was wonderful, and we didn't know what to expect at the top. We were parked near the tunnel. We walked up the tunnel and took the elevator to the top. We couldn't believe how windy it was. We were warned that if we heard thunder or saw lightning we were to come inside the building immediately. The view from the top was amazing. 1/2 hour before we got there the people were clouded in and didn't see anything. After our descent we went to the castle. It is a neat building which houses a gift store and bathrooms. Going through the entrances is like going through a wind tunnel. You can actually lean into them a bit. It was a great way to spend our time. Plan a few hours.

Whiteface Veteran's Memorial Highway offers terrific views of the area surrounding Lake Placid, NY. It's about an 8 mile drive to the 4800+ ft summit up a fairly bumpy and uneven road surface even at the posted speed limit of 25mph. Cost was $10 for car and driver + $7 per additional passenger over 6 years of age. There is an elevator that takes you from the parking area to the summit (a 270+ ft ride) or for those in fair physical condition, you can walk up a rock faced staircase approximately 0.1 miles. We took the stairs with my 3 1/2 year old son who had no problems navigating the sometimes rough terrain. There were several senior that did the same so unless you have a true physical condition, you'll be able to manage the short climb to the top - you won't regret it. If you have a pair of binoculars, you'll want to bring them or bring a few quarters so you can use the coin operated units. You'll be able to see Montreal on a clear day and even some wind turbines. Instructions on the coin operated units provide instructions on which direction to look for items of interest. If weather conditions are good, you can easily spend a hour here taking in the sights. Be sure to use the restrooms in the parking areas before heading to the summit as there aren't any facilities at the top.

A definite 'must-do' if in the Lake Placid area. Scenic drive with several pull-offs to enjoy incredible views....The elevator ride to the top of the mountain was wonderful. There are no words to describe the views and scenery! The Castle is merely a restaurant, gift shop and washrooms. Be prepared with a jacket - we were there in early September and it was pretty chilly at the top.

We took the drive up to the top on the last weekend of July. As you go up, there places to stop and take photos that are very scenic. There was ample parking at the top, and we had a short walk to the trail to the top. The elevator was shut down for repairs, but we had planned on walking it anyways. The walk might be hard for older people, but my teenage boys scampered right up, as I plodded along behind them. The views from the top are breathtaking. I could have spent all day up there. There was a guide up there who told us a bit about the history and was very informative. When we first got there, the top was covered in clouds. But, after a short wait, the clouds moved on and we were left with beautiful views. Although the price is a little on the expensive side, I would definetely do this again and again.

This is an easy drive to the top. Make sure you wear sneakers if you don't plan on taking the elevator. I didn't, and it wasn't the easiest hike to the top. The views are spectacular!

On the way up the mountain, there are plenty of spots to pull off and catch some cool views. Once you get to the top you must hike all the way to the summit. There are some challenging spots, especially for young children. But my entire family conquered the challenge and made it all the way up. It’s was a very satisfying experience and the views are unreal. I highly recommend visiting. Go for it.

This was extremely beautiful!! What a scenic highway!!! It gets a little cool going to the top of whiteface mountain! Especially if you are on a motorcycle!! This is a must see!!!!

Driving this highway was beautiful but I could never have imagined the stunning views at the peak of Whiteface Mountain! The elevator to the top is, at times, closed and was the day we went so we had to hike to the top. Though it's not very far there are uneven, rocky and sometimes slippery surfaces. Proper shoes are a must! No flip flops for this site. That said, if you venture up this highway you need to go to the peak. It was truly majestic and made me very grateful for the experience with my family. Enjoy!

The drive up and down is long with the steep grade and low speed limit. On our way up we waited 20 minutes at the toll booth, probably because everyone was using credit cards. We were a little surprised at the $20/person rate. The view from the top is awesome, but much cooler and windy. Nothing was working up there, no restroom, restaurant or elevator. It was really beat and under construction. They did have a good truck, but it was mobbed.

Anyone traveling to the Lake Placid region has to check out the Veterans Memorial Highway located in Wilmington. The view from the top of Whiteface Mountain looking out over the high peaks of the Adirondacks, Lake Champlain to the east, and Lake Placid is priceless. On a clear day it is said that you can see Montreal and the green mountains of Vermont. You get an appreciation for the beauty of the Adirondack Mountains and the men who built this road over seventy years ago.

Beautiful ride in convertible up! Price a little expensive (45$ us) for 2 but the road is very beautiful and the view is beautiful!

We drove the road up to the top of whiteface mountain and were blown away by the beauty. There’s plenty of places to stop and see the views. We went on a cool cloudy day and the views did not disappoint. When we got to the top, the mountain was covered in clouds, but we took a break, had a bite to eat and all of a sudden the clouds dissipated so we were able to get a great view. A few minutes later the clouds came back it was a gift. Absolutely amazing

There is no places to park when you get to the top and very limited pull scenic offs to stop at for pictures. The top also is not very handicapped accessible, as the elevator had over an hour and a half wait and a handicapped person like people in my party could not make the walk to the top. The limited places we could see were beautiful, but I just wish it had been more accessible so we could have seen it all.

This is a scenic drive up the mountain, with several spots to pull over and enjoy the view. It is quite a climb for our poor old car, but she made it with no problem. at the top there is an elevator to take you up the last few feet, but it was out of order. You can take stairs and a rocky trail to the top if you like. the view is worth it. Even though it was a sunny day there was a chilly wind, so we warmed up with coffee an chilli and beef stew in the cafe in the castle up there.

This drive up provided us with amazing views from all angles! It was a lovely way to experience these views other than hiking. Once at the top of the highway, you will see an old castle which was been converted into a small restaurant and gift shop. The elevator at the top of the highway that takes you up to the very top of the mountain summit was closed. But you are more than welcome to hike up to see some unbelievable views! The climb does require proper footwear (no sandals) as it can get steep, rocky, and uneven. The views at the top make it worth the hike up!

The drive up the memorial highway was amazing! There are several spots to stop along the way and take in the views and take pictures. Then when you get to the top, you can either take an elevator (it was broken when we visited) or walk up a path to get to the very top of the mountain. I'd suggest good shoes - sneakers or hiking shoes as the rocks are somewhat smooth and you'll feel steadier with good shoes. Bring some snacks to enjoy at the top while you are taking in the best views of the Adirondacks I can think of. There is also a gift sho there where you can grab some snacks or a souvenir. I was not expecting this to be as good as it was, but would gladly go again.

I cannot say more about the views! It was $30 for a couple in one vehicle, which I thought was worth it. On the way up it was tough to see off the side of the road, but there are multiple places to pull off, park, and soak in the view. We will definitely be returning!

We took the scenic drive this past week and it was truly beautiful! Several places to pull over and look along the way to the top. I will say I was disappointed that the elevator and castle at the top were closed. So no gift shop or walking to the top. You need to wear masks when you do get out at the top to walk around. Restrooms are closed at certain times for cleaning. It was pricey... $30 for my husband and I to drive it....just wish they would adjust the pricing to reflect the closing of some of the attractions but overall it’s a breathtaking view and not to be missed.

Forget the elevator...take the climb! We got lucky and it was a sunny fall morning. The sights will take your breath away and it you are not in shape so will the climb! A good hiking boot or sneakers are a must.

Waited over an hour to enter the Vet Mem Highway that takes you to the peak. Not surprised or dismayed by that, it was the peak of autumn colors. It was a beautiful crisp sunny day, we didn't mind. The entrance of the highway starts with a drivethru/gate at a very prestine Alpine lodge building. Loved it, give me more. The drive itself wasn't as scary as I had anticipated. I'm not a big fan of heights and dramatic dropoffs. I drove and found the road very adequate and comfortable to maneuver while my passengers oohed and ahhed over the views. However - All the literature said the top had a castle with a gourmet cafe and shopping, along with a short rugged pathway to the summit. We found this to be a loaded and misleading statement in every way. What we actually found at the top for facilities/amenities MADE ME FEEL EMBARRASSED FOR MY STATE AND MY COUNTRY! This is a geographical marvel and an international destination. You could hear multiple languages amongst the steady stream of visitors. And the views were breathtaking! From the miniature icy waterfalls along the rock faces to the 50 miles view of mountains, trees, lakes, and horizon - it was truly spectacular...BUT the 'castle' and it's amenities were just plain awful. Once you park, you are greeted by a line if porta-potties. Which I used because I couldn't quickly locate the entrance to the 'castle'. We finally found it. A narrow door with very little to indicate that it was THE entrance to the facilities, not even a welcome sign. Castle is a loose term here. It was made out if rock and parts of the exterior we're rounded, but that's it. Most of it was boarded off and derelict looking. We had planned to eat lunch there and shop. My friends quickly found the restrooms. They were functional and that's the only good thing I can say about them. It looks like they haven't been toyched since the 50s. A few mismatched sinks linked by a hodgepodge of makeshift countertops... We made our way up the stairs and found ourselves in the gift shop. It was a living-room sized afterthought of an experience that you walked thru to get to the cafe.The merchandise was usual uninspired overpriced tourist trinkets and clothing. 5 steps and your in the cafe. It was a dark, overcrowded order-at-the counter and maybe find a seat room. Maybe the food was gourmet, we were so turned off by the setting that we just grabbed the quickest thing we could $4 single serve yogurt in a cup. We ate it standing and headed off to the summit.
We went back thru the same narrow door, a little tunnel and found ourselves in a little courtyard behind the castle. A handful of plastic folding chairs were lined up for a wedding. The wedding was supposed to be at the second building at the summit, BUT that 'rugged' walkway was too much for the senior guests and the elevator to the top was OUT OF ORDER. So this poor wedding party had the whole world trapsing thru their nuptials,dogs+all.
Ok, on to the rugged pathway. Rugged was putting it nicely. Not for the out of shape or faint hearted. Picture boulders and mud and 2 to 4 foot steps... There is a railing tho.
The summit was a couple of round buildings with wood shingles, that also looked unkempt. A deck and just open rock. It was amazing. We could see all the way to the other side of Lake Champlain! This is what everyone came for! So as I said awed and embarrassed at the same time.

Drove up here and hiked around with my teen children. I do NOT recommend this for families with small children; too cold and windy. The view (when clouds would cooperate) was amazing. Also, be aware it is rather pricey for sight seeing.

visited on last day of season-long line of cars waiting for parking and elevator up to top. Gorgeous views. Took the elevator up as stair trail a little more than I could physically do. recommend to all.

When we went, the elevator was still being repaired, so the only way to the very top was a path that involved a lot of climbing over rocks. It was manageable, but definitely not for everyone. Do not worry if that is not an option for you. You can drive almost all the way to the summit and the views are amazing from every point.

Having done Pikes Peak and Mt. Washington I was expecting a let down. However the views where just as impressive and the elevator and optional climb where neat features. Only downside is the Castle Cafe, way to pricey for what you get.

We drove to the top on a rainy cloudy day and it was still worth the steep admission. The views were incredible and the tunnel and elevator ride were cool. The elevator operator was extremely friendly and helpful.

We visited Lake Placid for a 3 day weekend in late June. We chose to drive up Veteran’s Memorial Highway. You can also bike or hike. It is included in the Olympic Sites Passport otherwise it costs 12 dollars for the driver and 8 dollars for each additional passenger. The drive up is beautiful. There is a place to park once you reach the top of the road, there is a rock building. Parking is limited There is an elevator in the rock building that will take you up the remainder of the way or you can hike up. Unfortunately the elevator was under repair the day of our visit. I recommend bringing a jacket, it is very cold and breezy at the top despite the fact the Temperature was 80 degrees the day we visited. The views were absolutely breathtaking. Great photo opportunities.

Great Place for those who can't hike and/or wants beautiful views on a great peak with outlooks. The $30 fee for entrance is expensive, but worth it.

Very disappointed with our experience (that never happened!). We drove up the up the road aroun 5:45pm to go watch the the day unfold with a spectacular view of the fall colors along with blue sky at the top. We unfortunately never made it since the gate closes at 5:30 pm! On top of it we asked how much it costs to access during the opening hours and we couldn't believe it when they mentioned that it was 45$US for me and my wife just to drive up the road! How can families afford such a cost juta to drive on a road paid by citizens on a mountain that should be a national treasure? No way we're going.

I'd like to start out by saying I'm shocked to read some of the other negative or mixed reviews. To be clear- you come to this attraction to see the views from the top of Whiteface mountain, you do not come to see the castle or to eat a fancy meal. Whiteface/NY State has been nice enough to give tourists a place to use the bathroom or to grab a bite of food, but this is not why you visit! Most high peaks you have to hike up so people should really be more grateful to have a well paved road and a very easy way to get up this mountain. My husband and I visited during the highest peak foliage season and the views were unreal. There is an entrance toll at the beginning of the road which we got in line at around 8:25am (opens at 8:45am). We knew it would be crowded giving the holiday weekend so wanted to get there early but we were the 3rd in line so not too bad. Very happy we went so early because as we were leaving (around 10:30am) it was starting to get very busy. Once you make the 5 mile drive to the top and park you have two options to get to the highest part. You can either walk up the stone walkway or you can walk through this cool tunnel and take an elevator up to the top. The stone walkway was closed unfortunately given it had rained the night before and was still wet and slippery so we took the elevator which was still pretty cool. Once you get to the top we spent about an hour just taking in the views. The foliage was unreal. Highly recommended!

Uh- Mayzing!. The entrance fee is expensive, but not to worry, the exit fee will be even steeper than the incline you just coasted down. Whereas the Adirondacks area used to be famous for being "forever wild", it's now the premier place to get ambushed and vilified as a tourist. There's other beautiful areas in this country - save up and try them out instead.

Ok, this has got to be the most amazing scenic site I have been to in a very long time. The 360 degree vistas from the top are incredible, the attached pictures do not do it justice.

We were so fortunate to have a beautiful day for this visit, barely any wind, a bit of low lying cloud at that height, but even that dispersed in the time we were at the top.

We went before the elevator was operating, and while the last trek to the top may look daunting for some who may not be so stable on their feet, it is worth the effort, and there are hand rails on both sides the entire way up. There is no rush, the view is not going anywhere, take your time, rest and persevere...you will be glad you did!

This was definitely worth the $20USD for two people in a vehicle, of course you could bike up, or unicycle, like some we passed and save yourself some money :)!!

I definitely plan on returning and biking it myself some day!!

We took a quick peek in the Gift Shop and Snack/Sandwich Bar, very nice that they have those if you need them.

take the highway up to the real top of whiteface mountain. Eat at the Castle the food is actually pretty good. Then do the 1/4 mile walk to the very top of the summit. It is a little difficult but well worth the effort and sense of accomplishment. The views are outstanding.

The drive to the top is scenic and relatively steep, but I felt safe the whole time. The weather was great the day we went to the top and that made it more special. The elevator to the top was smooth and quick. The hike outside is rocky and a little tricky, so we only did about half of it.

Long drive up and sometimes quite crowded. Well worth the wait. You can easily spend a couple hours here climbing around the rocks and taking in views in all directions

My family and I thought the drive and views to the top of Whiteface Mountain were incredible. Really nice views of Lake Placid, Mirror Lake and the surrounding mountain tops. Was a bit expensive at $20 per person but we thought it was worth it. You drive at your own pace up the winding mountain road with plenty of vista points to take in the view. At the top (about 4600 feet above sea level) there is a castle structure with restrooms and giftshop, and a food truck out front. From there you walk up steep stone steps 1/5 of a mile to the top for even more incredible views. The path was a bit tricky in spots for an out of shape adult like myself, but my wife and seven year old son had no problem. There are spots to rest and take in the sights along the way to catch your breath!

This is a brilliant drive with deep and meaningful associations. The views from the top are absolutely superb. Take the elevator if you are a Brit steeped in Health and Safety. Otherwise, take the climb beyond the Castle but hold onto them darn railings. Walk not really suitable for children in my view. Big gaps between rails. We enjoyed the way to the top but were doubly cautious. Views from the top were stunning. Get the Olympic Passport if doing all the Olympic visits.

Wow this was amazing, Starting from the drive to visiting the castle and the scenic views. The elevator was broken so we walked up to the top to the"weather reading station", a bit steep and you def need sneakers for this. We bought the passport and got to see various things around Lake Placid. The passport is a great buy you get to do lots of awesome things for $35. A must do if you are in the area.

Based on a Thursday morning visit in August on a nice but hazy day (from Canadian wildfires). It’s a beautiful though harrowing drive. Parking at the top is a little tricky but once there, the sights and experience are well worth it. The elevator to the summit was out of order, but this was perhaps a godsend because the wait would have been a nuisance. Instead, my family went as far as the top of the stone stairs; I continued on scrambling over boulders to the very top. It was a rewarding climb despite the visibility being far from maximum.

Even though we had clouds it made it fun to see what it was like to be inside a cloud they still charge full price for Covid even though it’s completely not all open at the top it’s a pretty awesome drive up . Make sure you read your car manual to learn how to drive down mountain roads without burning up your brakes

One feels like they area driving up to the top of the world, not just the highest mountain in NY state when ascending Whiteface on the Veterans Memorial Highway. There are some places to pull over on the way up the mountain; however, the top is just amazing. To get to the summit for the best views one may go through a tunnel and up (27 stories) via an elevator or hike up stone stairs and then rocks to the top. We walked part way up finding the stone stairs easy enough to manage. Once we reached the stones, we found them too slippery to continue the climb to the top. We turned around and took the tunnel and elevator. The views at the top of Lake Placid and Mirror Lake and surrounding area were truly beautiful.

My spouse and I traveled on the Whiteface Veterans’ Memorial Highway (also known as NY Route 431) on a Friday morning in early July 2019. The highway is not open year-round due to inclement weather conditions; it operates from late May until mid-October. Visitors access the nearly 8-mile long Highway by passing through the Toll House (an alpine-style gatehouse), where an admission fee is charged. (In 2019, it was $16 for the driver and vehicle and $9 for each additional passenger; however, entry is included with the Olympic Passport.) The Highway opened in 1936 and was dedicated to area veterans by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Visitors can take a 10-minute hike near the house around Lake Stevens, named for a 1932 Olympic bobsledder. Visitors rise in elevation over 2,300 feet to reach the top at almost 5,000 feet (the fifth-highest peak in New York). The speed limit is 25 miles per hour, and frequent braking on the hairpin curves of the descent is a necessity. En route to the top, visitors can stop at any or all of the nine designated lookout spots. The mountaintop has a 400-foot-long copper-ceilinged tunnel that leads to a 27-story glass elevator to the summit (handicap-accessible, but no restrooms are at the top and only a bottled water machine is available). Alternatively, visitors can hike/climb a 1/5-mile trail to reach the viewpoint. A café and giftshop are housed in a stone castle (restrooms on the ground level might be handicap-accessible, but the gift shop and cafe require climbing some curving stairs). Visitors can enjoy 360-degree panoramic views of the Adirondacks and the surrounding countryside as far away as Vermont, New England, and Canada. We enjoyed our drive and visit to the top of Whiteface Mountain on the Veterans’ Memorial Highway.

The road is very well maintained with ample lookouts and pull outs for slower vehicles. The nature walk at the top is exceptional. The walk has railings and is a fair climb up steps and rocks. The 360 views take your breath away and the top is well worth the effort. You can see Lake Placid, Mirror Lake, the Olympic Village ski jumps and mountain peaks miles away. There is also an elevator for those that cannot do the walk. If you like mountain views this is a must do when you are in the Lake Placid area. It is a great road dedicated to the brave who have kept our country free!

Three of us paid a total of $26 to drive the road and climb the last part to the summit. (The elevator was CLOSED and the fee was the same when the elevator is open or closed!)

The road is excellent and signage is helpful for drivers who need advice on driving mountain roads.

It is a challenging climb and the view at the top is worth it. There are several signs to read about the area and labeled panoramic photos posted so you can orient yourself to the views.

There is an interesting video on acid rain in the observation station.

We brought picnic supplies with us and purchased drinks in the café. (There are souvenirs for sale at the "castle," too.) We had a picnic at a roadside table on the way down. A picnic was a lovely way to end a beautiful visit to the mountain.

The walk through the tunnel inside the mountain and then the elevator ride up through the mountain to the top are fun but the views are awe inspiring!

Great views. Took 3 kids 7-5-1 up to the top. It's expensive but it was a very nice day with a good view. It was $45 for two adults.

Beautiful views from the top. Just make sure you can visit on a clear day to get the best photos possible. A few pull-off areas on the way up or down to stop and have a picnic or take more photos.

Kinda costly at $16 for driver and $9 per passenger but definitely worth it. We went on a clear day and were able to see the green mountains of Vermont and even Montreal from the top of Whiteface!

The drive up this highway is gorgeous! Several places to pull off and admire the views. When you get to the top and park, there is "the castle" which has rest rooms and a snack / gift shop. Apparently there is a tunnel and elevator to the summit, and I'm not sure how often it is used, but it was closed when we were there. So we hiked it to the top. It's only 1/5th of a mile, but it's steep. It starts with stairs but quickly switches to rocks and boulders. There are some slippery spots where the rocks are worn smooth. But there are some railings to help you. It was a fun hike up but I admit it was scary watching people with small children. Not sure I would personally take toddlers or those not in good physical condition -- just my own opinion because it would have worried me too much.
The view from the summit is spectacular and worth it!
Definitely get the Olympic passport. I think it was $20 just for this drive/hike, but the passport is $35 and includes several venues.

We visited Whiteface Veterans Memorial Highway during MDW and it was great!!!

The drive up has views and stop of points.

There was plenty of parking when we arrived, around 9:30am. The elevator was being repaired so we had to hike it up. The hike starts with stairs and then you have to climb over rocks. I recommend being in some shape to go up. I had breathing issues going up and almost at the top I had to stop a few times. There was a group of teenagers behind me that had to stop and one couldn't go anymore because of the height. Some people turned around half was and closer to the top. I was glad I took my time and made it!!!! The views are spectacular for all points.

The climb down went quicker and was a bit easier.

Definitely worth it

Having driven the road with the family a few days earlier, I decided to test my legs with a ride up Whiteface Mountain on bicycle. I'm a fairly avid cyclist, but an 8 mile climb at 8% grade is a challenge.

The family dropped me off at the Whiteface Ski Center, which is about 3 miles from the beginning of the climb. The first three miles up are on a State Highway, and were the toughest part of the climb. I paid my $6 toll at the booth and started up, and my ride nearly ended. A group of cyclists were descending when two of them crashed and were seriously injured. I attributed this to going too fast for the road conditions. BE CAREFUL AND USE COMMON SENSE!

The road itself is in pretty rough shape in spots, with lots of washboard sections and I mean some serious washboard, maybe some 6" bumps. The state is at the beginning of a two-year project to repair the road and it is badly needed. In some ways this is good though, the bumps are a reminder not to go too fast both by car and bicycle.

I was amazed and thrilled at the amount of support given my by passing motorists, motorcyclists, and hikers. OK, I passed the hikers...but you get the idea. I was happy to return the support to others on my descent.

There are plenty of rest stops and scenic vistas on the way up and the view from the top of the road is fantastic. You can't take your bike to the summit, which is another 250 feet above the parking lot, but it would have been really cool to stand up there holding my bike over my head for a pic.

I was able to refill my water bottles at the castle café at the top; there are restrooms as well.

One negative, and it has nothing to do with the road. While descending, I came upon a car at one of the pull-overs, and a lady was outside the car uprooting wildflowers. Really! Someone has to tell you this a no-no? Then, a few hundred yards up, another car was stopped dead in the middle of the road waiting for the car stealing the flowers. Geez...I guess idiots are everywhere!

We’ve been several times, but they raised the price so dramatically! A car and driver is $25, your next passenger is $20, and anyone else is $10 after that. My husband and I paid $45 to drive up the mountain. This is so expensive, especially for families. It’s an elevator ride or hike up to the summit…you choose. There’s a small overpriced cafe at the top.

The price seems high for a drive ($20 for two adults) but I assume this isn't affiliated with any park so the cost must cover up keep.

Once you get to the top you can hike or take an elevator to the summit. The rocks at the summit are pretty easy to move around on; our three year old was hiking around without any trouble.

On a clear day the drive up the mountain is beautiful. There are views of many lakes and mountains and even as far as Montreal and Vermont. The road is in excellent shape and the drive is easy.

We all know that the Olympic downhill in the 1932 and 1980 winter games was at Whiteface Mountain but have you driven to the top? The Veterans Memorial Highway allows you to get within a 27 story glass elevator ride to the top. The views while driving up are just as amazing as on top. We unfortunately had rain and cloud roll in on us while there but still enjoyed eating in the castle and walking around the summit .

On a good day it can't be beaten. What do we call a good day? It is a day when the weather is very good AND not too many people have decided to all go at the same time. Past reviews pretty much say it all otherwise... cost, potential elevator wait, potential parking issues etc.
Going during the week and getting an early start is probably a good thing to consider.

A bit expensive but worth the experience when visibility is good and weather permits.
Gorgeous views of the mountains and Lake Placid. Well run considering covid and tourism. Go early to avoid lines.

After the Gondola ride to Little Whiteface this drive took us to the higher peak. This is a lovely ride, the road has been recently resurfaced . The speed limit is 25MPH so its very leisurely, even more so when you need to pass cyclists.
Near the top is a café and gift shop at the 'castle' originally built as an upper tollhouse. Form the castle there is a short but strenuous walk over uneven rocky ground to the observatory which has the best views on a clear day, strong shoes or hiking boots are recommended. There is an alternative lift available for those who don' want to walk.
Check opening times and special events before you travel as its weekends only at the moment.

Love the whole experience. This was my second time and this didn’t deal with snow and ice. Not as thrilling, but still a hoot.

This advice concerns the nature trail that can be accessed from outside the castle area where the restaurant and gift shop are located. The trail takes you to the summit. This was our only means up there since the elevator was not operational the last week in September. I believe the trail is a half mile, but I'm going by memory and have not been able to verify this. Suffice it to say that you need to be in decent physical shape and have on weather appropriate clothing and hiking boots or sneakers with a good tread. I used the hand rails all the way up and back which helped steady me on the very rocky path. It was extremely windy, which I'm sure was at least partially due to the elevation. My hat flew off at one point, but was recovered. The view was fantastic, even on a not perfectly clear day. But for this fifty something person, it was not an easy climb.