Mount Van Hoevenberg is a summit point located in the Adirondack Mountains in the Town of North Elba, Essex County, New York, 9 miles (15 km) east-southeast of the village of Lake Placid. Named for Henry Van Hoevenberg (1849–1918) (not to be confused with the American football player Henry Van Hoevenberg), it is best known for the location of the bobsleigh, luge, and skeleton track, and of a network of cross-country ski trails. The Mount Van Hoevenberg sports complex was used to host the 1932 (bobsleigh) and 1980 Winter Olympics (bobsleigh, luge, cross-country skiing, and biathlon).Quickly create a custom-made itinerary for Lake Placid using our trip planner.
Mount Van Hoevenberg stands within the watershed of the West Branch of the Ausable River, which drains into Lake Champlain, thence into Canada's Richelieu River, the Saint Lawrence River, and into the Gulf of Saint Lawrence.
The southwest slopes of Mt. Van Hoevenberg drain directly into the West Branch.
The northern and southern slopes of Van Hoevenberg drain into the North and South Meadow Brooks, respectively — tributaries of the West Branch.
The mountain is part of the Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA). ORDA maintains the cross-country ski and biathlon trail system originally used in the 1980 Olympics.
During the summer, the mountain is used for hiking and mountain biking.
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Mount Van Hoevenberg reviews
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This review is for the Cliffside Coaster that is at Mount Van Hoevenberg. We purchased tickets in advance on their website only to be called two days before to tell us they shut down the service. So..... more
This review is for the Cliffside Coaster that is at Mount Van Hoevenberg. We purchased tickets in advance on their website only to be called two days before to tell us they shut down the service. So..... more »
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It took us about an hour to hike to the top of Mt Van Hoevenberg. It was a bit steep in areas and our hearts were definitely racing but the built in steps up the mountain made this an easier climb...
It took us about an hour to hike to the top of Mt Van Hoevenberg. It was a bit steep in areas and our hearts were definitely racing but the built in steps up the mountain made this an easier climb... more »
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Well maintained trail with steady incline. Stairs and switch backs make it a fairly moderate climb. Some of the best views of the high peaks you will find without having to climb a larger mountain.
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An easy trail. It begins behind the Olympic Bob Sled run and ascends 600 meters. Spectacular views at the two lookouts at the summit. The trail is marked better than an interstate highway. We saw lots of families on the trail, some with children as young as 6 or 7, some with midsized dogs. Plenty of seniors too, including me.
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