Whiteface Mountain and Esther Mountain are another pair that sit outside the major ranges, but are no less incredible. Although Whiteface can be driven up, doing so is a lesser experience that does not include many fun lookouts and stops. Esther cannot be driven to and the trail split is about 1/2 or 2/3 up from the parking lot, so if you’re climbing Whiteface you might as well checkout Esther.

The peak of Whiteface is very sprawling and open, among one of the best, but Esther is almost the exact opposite. On Esther you have a mostly wooded, very limited view facing directly towards Whiteface (which is very cool to see before getting up there). If you’re worried about time or not being able to make it you could probably skip Esther, but it’s worth the extra effort.

Whiteface is the main appeal of the climb and is an absolute treasure. Even when the observational area is closed (as it was when we were there) there is plenty to drink in. There is also generally more “going on” on this peak than the average, particularly because interested parties can drive up, drawing a larger than normal crowd.

• Parking is at the Science Center around the bend, you’ll see it.
• The first mile or so of the climb is almost certainly the hardest, lots of elevation gain with no flat distance.
• The trail offers a few nice resting spots and views of the ski slopes off season.
• The peak can be crowded but the last 1/4 mile is open face and has great views.