EasyWood

Lake Colden Trail

Keene Valley, New York · Essex County · NYSDEC

Lake Colden Trail is a easy hiking trail near Keene Valley in Essex County, New York.. The surface is wood. Managed by NYSDEC. Trail data is sourced from OpenStreetMap.

🧭 Get Directions 🗺️ Open in OSM

44.12790, -73.97430

Open in OpenStreetMap

5-Day Forecast

Weather at Lake Colden Trail

Live forecast for the trailhead. Use it to pack and time your hike.

Avg High67°F

Avg Low58°F

Peak Rain Chance75%

Humidity88%

UV (avg)5

Air Quality50 · Good

Today

🌫

Fog

72°/56°

💧 9%🌬 10mph

↑ 5:38 AM ↓ 8:26 PM

Tue

🌧

Rain

70°/61°

💧 28%🌬 15mph

↑ 5:39 AM ↓ 8:25 PM

Wed

🌧

Heavy Rain

66°/58°

💧 75%🌬 12mph

↑ 5:40 AM ↓ 8:23 PM

Thu

🌦

Light Drizzle

60°/57°

💧 46%🌬 5mph

↑ 5:41 AM ↓ 8:22 PM

Fri

🌦

Rain Showers

67°/56°

💧 13%🌬 4mph

↑ 5:42 AM ↓ 8:21 PM

Forecast data © Open-Meteo. Refreshed every 6 hours. Always check the most recent forecast before heading out.

About Lake Colden Trail

Lake Colden Trail is a easy hiking trail near Keene Valley in Essex County, New York.. The surface is wood. Managed by NYSDEC. Trail data is sourced from OpenStreetMap.

What “Easy” Means

Gentle terrain, well-marked. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

Difficulty is derived from OpenStreetMap’s Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) hiking scale, trail visibility, surface, distance, and elevation gain. Always verify current conditions before heading out.

What to Pack & Wear

Personalised to this trail’s length, elevation, difficulty, and the live forecast.

👔 What to Wear

👕
Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 10 mph).
👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
☔
Rain jacket / shell
75% chance of precipitation in the forecast.

🎒 What to Pack

💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
🛍
Dry bags for electronics
Phone, camera, and snacks should stay dry.

Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.

Trail Safety in New York

Trail conditions in New York change with weather, season, and fire activity. Closures, washouts, and rerouting are common. Before heading out:

Check with the land manager for current conditions and closures
Tell someone your plan and expected return time
Know your turn-around limits — conditions can change fast
Carry the 10 essentials: water, food, navigation, first aid, light, fire, shelter, knife, sun protection, extra clothes

Frequently Asked Questions

How hard is Lake Colden Trail?

Lake Colden Trail is rated Easy. Suitable for most hikers including families.

Can I ride a bike on Lake Colden Trail?

No — this trail is closed to bicycles.

Are horses allowed on Lake Colden Trail?

No — this trail is closed to horses.

What is the trail surface on Lake Colden Trail?

The surface is wood. Wooden boardwalk — watch for slick conditions when wet.

When is the best time to hike Lake Colden Trail?

New York has trail conditions that vary by season. Spring and fall usually offer the best mix of temperature and trail conditions. Check the 5-day forecast above for current outlook. Always verify trail status (closures, washouts, fire restrictions) with the local land manager before going.

Who manages Lake Colden Trail?

Lake Colden Trail is managed by NYSDEC. Check the operator’s website for current permits, fees, and restrictions.

References & Maps

View original OpenStreetMap record — source data
Open OpenStreetMap at trailhead
Driving directions (Google Maps)

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Sunlit footpath winding through a tall conifer forest

Photo: Jay MantriEasyNY

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