Mount Jo in the Adirondacks is a short hike with a beautiful view of the High Peaks Region of the Adirondacks. The hike to Mount Jo was actually our first Adirondack hike ever and from our first moment at the summit, we knew that we would be returning to the Adirondacks as much as possible.
Mount Jo is gorgeous all times of year, but I think my favorite time we have visited Mount Jo is in the early fall when you can see the leaves changing across the entirety of the High Peaks. If you’re looking for a short hike to see fall colors in the Adirondacks, Mount Jo might just be the best hike for you.
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*****Everything in this article is my personal opinion and experiences. Check your own resources and choose to do anything I discuss at your own risk. Some of the things in this post may be dangerous and not recommended for every body.
About Mount Jo
Mount Jo is a 2832 feet tall peak located in the northern part of the Adirondacks. It has views of some of the tallest points in New York State, including Mount Marcy, Algonquin, and Colden. Mount Jo is named after the deceased fiancé of the original builder of the Adirondack Loj.
Where is Mount Jo?
Mount Jo is located in the High Peaks Region, although not technically in the High Peaks Wilderness and it is not a “High Peak.” The trailhead is located near the Adirondack Loj.
Parking at Mount Jo Trailhead
Parking at the Mount Jo Trailhead is the same parking for the majority of the High Peaks Wilderness. Since the parking is for so many trails, the parking lot fills up fast even though it is quite large. It costs $10 to park, which is paid at the entrance hut.
To get a spot immediately, you should arrive VERY early in the morning. If you arrive later in the day, you may be waiting a while to get a spot. As of fall 2023, there is not a reservation system, but there are talks of it becoming a possibility in the future, so definitely check into that in future years.
One way that we like to be able to have a guaranteed parking spot for the High Peaks Wilderness is to stay overnight the night before at the campground. See further in this article about the lodging options at the Adirondack Loj.
The hike to Mount Jo
Trailhead Location: google maps link
Distance: 2 miles
Elevation Gain: 700 feet
The trail starts near the parking entrance hut (where you paid to park). There should be signage denoting the start of the trail.
The trail starts along the lake and follows the edge of the lake for a short while. Eventually the trail turns right up and starts increasing in elevation. Continue on the trail until you reach a fork in the trail. Since it is a loop trail, you can choose either trail theoretically. I prefer taking the loop counterclockwise, which means that you would take the trail on the right.
Going counter-clockwise, the trail is steeper with stone steps, but is a shorter distance to the summit than the other trail. Continue up, following the only trail until you reach near the top where it starts to flatten out. Near the top, there will be a few small wooden ladders to climb up to get to the viewpoints.
After climbing the ladders, you will have reached the top. The top is mainly exposed rock with pine trees all around. Most of the views are towards the south, towards many of the High Peaks. Once you’re done soaking in the view, you can either return the way you came (the steep way) or continue the loop following the signage on the trail.
Note on the trail: In recent years, there has been continuing construction and trail maintenance to improve the trail. Make sure to follow signage in the case that the trail is closed or rerouted. The exact details of the trail route that I discuss could change as the trail is rerouted in parts.
Where to Stay Near Mount Jo
Adirondack Loj
The Adirondack Loj is the iconic place to stay in the Adirondacks. It was originally built in the late 1800’s by Mr. Van Hovenberg (you will also see his name throughout the Adirondacks on trails and mountains and ski areas). The Loj has bunkrooms and private rooms. There is also a meal service. It can be quite pricey and book up months in advance, so if you plan on staying here, make sure to book way in advance.
Adirondack Loj Camping
This is our preferred way of staying close to the High Peaks Wilderness. The Adirondack Loj campground has campsites and lean-tos, with some of the Lean-tos being lakefront along Heart Lake. Staying at the campground is cheaper than staying at the Loj, but you still will have guaranteed parking at the High Peaks Wilderness near all of the trailheads (plus you won’t have to wake up as early to start a sunrise trail since you’re already there).
****In my opinion, lean-to 6 is the superior lean-to.
Lodging in Lake Placid
If you’re wanting to stay close to the trailhead, but in a nicer accommodation or closer to restaurants, then Lake Placid is the go-to. Lake Placid is the closest town to the High Peaks trailheads. There are plenty of hotels for varying budgets and loads of great places to eat.
For a great breakfast place, check out the Coffee Bar on the main street in Lake Placid which as a little balcony with tables that view out over Mirror Lake.
Things to Do Nearby Mount Jo
Driving Tour of the Adirondacks
The Adirondacks is gorgeous, whether you’re hiking or you’re at a roadside viewpoint. I think that there is so much to see in the Adirondacks that a driving tour can be especially nice. You can see beautiful reflective lakes, stony mountains, and waterfalls. There are different routes through the Adirondacks, but my favorite way of driving through (with the most viewpoints and roadside stops), is outlined in my Driving Tour of Adirondacks Blog Post.
Hike a High Peak
Mount Jo is definitely a hike, but if you’re looking for a bigger challenge, check out one of the High Peaks hikes. The best High Peak to hike, especially if you’re new to hiking or haven’t hiked any of the High Peaks before, really depends on the season and the most recent conditions. I recommend stopping at the High Peaks Information Center, which is at the parking area, to get recommendations on what to hike.
My favorite High Peaks from the Adirondack Loj trailheads include Mount Marcy, Mount Colden, and Algonquin Peak. These are difficult hikes that you should not attempt unless you are completely prepared. Please talk to the rangers if you have any doubts at all. However, if you’re able to hike to any of these peaks at some point in your life, it is completely worth it, as they are so gorgeous.
Hang out at Heart Lake
The beginning of the trail to Mount Jo passes right by the edge of Heart Lake, so you will catch glimpses even as you hike. There are a few places with benches and viewpoints on the lake. If you are staying at the Adirondack Loj or the Loj Campground, there is an area in front of the Loj along the lake with benches and a dock with Adirondack chairs in the summer. You can also rent kayaks and canoes from the Loj to get out on the lake.
Spend the Day at Lake Placid
As mentioned above, Lake Placid is the closest town to the High Peaks Wilderness. Lake Placid has a ton of restaurants, stores, and activities. Some things to do in Lake Placid include shopping on Main Street, getting on the water at Mirror Lake, and see the Winter Olympic sites. For more information on things to do in Lake Placid, check out my Lake Placid blog post.
Gear You Need on a Hike to Mount Jo
Even though the hike to Mount Jo is short, it is important to have some reiteration of the 10 Essentials with you. While what you have will likely work just fine, I have included my favorite items of the 10 Essentials here.
- water
- snacks
- map
- sunscreen
- rain gear such as a rain jacket or rain backpack cover
- first aid kit
- head lamp
- repair kit such as knife and tape
- fire starter such as matches
- emergency shelter such as emergency blanket
More Posts You May Like:
Best Fall Camping in the Adirondacks
Winter Adventures in the Adirondacks
Best Driving Tour of the Adirondacks
Overall, this is my guide to hiking Mount Jo. I hope that you’re able to do the hike and that you have a great time! Let me know if you have any questions or comments down below!
Thanks for reading!
-Liz
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