When submitting eBird observations at Whiteface Mountain, it is most helpful to start a new checklist for each hotspot in the area. Use the general hotspot when you have a checklist that includes multiple locations or if no other hotspot or personal location is appropriate for your sightings.

Birding on Whiteface Mountain by Alan Belford.

Whiteface Mountain, for example, is a prime habitat for Blackpoll Warblers, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Boreal Chickadees, and, most famous of all, Bicknell’s Thrushes. A denizen of high-elevation spruce-fir forests, Bicknell’s requires the effort of climbing to reach it, making Whiteface with its toll road the easiest access to find them. That said, the mountain can hide them in a tangle of branches, so birders should plan their trips up the mountain early in the day to give them the best chance of finding a Bicknell’s.

How many other roads do you know that lead you directly to the summit of a 4,867 foot mountain, with gorgeous views spanning hundreds of miles of wildland reaching as far as Vermont and Canada? Nowhere else is the beauty and vastness of the Adirondack Park so apparent and so easily accessible. The paved road rises over 2,300 feet in five miles from the Toll House.

At the summit, there are a few things you don’t often find atop a peak: a castle built from native stone, a restaurant and gift shop, an elevator carved deep inside the mountain top itself, and a truly spectacular 360-degree, panoramic view of unparalleled beauty. 

This is the best opportunity in the Adirondacks to experience a magnificent alpine summit and look for birds without having to hike there! Please keep in mind that this is a seasonal road and a fee is required for access.

The tollbooth is about three miles from the four-way stop in Wilmington. Follow the Whiteface Memorial Highway past the Santa's Workshop theme park straight up to the toll.

Parking at the Ski Resort is available at no cost daily to all guests at Whiteface in the River Lot, Lake Placid Lot, and Wilmington Lot, as well as both lots at Bear Den Mountain. 

Summit Nature Trail — at the Whiteface Veterans’ Memorial Highway
Intermediate: 0.2 miles (one way) | 0.25 hours
The trail begins at the top of Whiteface Veterans Memorial Highway and proceeds to the summit. 1/5 of a mile in length climbing 257′ feet in elevation.

West Branch Nature Trail
Intermediate: .8 miles | 45 min (one way)
This trail begins at the bottom of the Mixing Bowl trail and proceeds along the West Branch of the Ausable River, passing through hardwood forests, and open ski trails, returning to the base lodge via the beautiful Stag Brook Trail.

Stag Brook Falls Trail
Intermediate: 0.5 miles | 0.5 hours
This trail begins behind the Base Lodge and proceeds up the Stag Brook, past a 25-foot waterfall. It is a short trail (1/2 mile) that eventually leads to open ski trails. This would be a good option for those who would like to hike up the mountain to gain a scenic vista.

Whiteface Peak Trail
Expert: 1.25 miles (one way) | 1.5 hours
There is a sign at the bottom of Paron’s Run indicating the trail to the summit. At the Summit Quad Terminal, hikers will find a steep narrow trail leading to the summit. Please remember that the last Gondola cabin leaves the top at 4:30. Ask any of our attendants at the top of the gondola for direction.

Top of Gondola to the Base
Intermediate: 3.0 miles (one way)  |  2 hours
There is no marked trail from the top. We recommend that guests hike Excelsior to the top of the Face Lift, and then follow that lift to the bottom. 2.5 to 3.0 miles long, loose gravel, not recommended for amateurs.

Bear Den Mountain Trail
Intermediate: 3.2 miles  | 2.5 hours
The hike begins in the Bear Den parking lot. The round trip hike is 3.2 miles, vertical 1,432 feet. The summit is an open rock with nice views. This is a moderate level hike, some experience recommended.

Flume Connector Trail
Beginner: 1.0 miles | 30 min (one way)
Follow the West Branch of the Ausable River past a Great Blue Heron Rookery and Beaver pond. Great photo opportunities along the way. This round-trip beginner trail links the Flume Trail System with the Whiteface Trail System.