High Peaks Information Center

header snowshoe

The High Peaks Information Center (HPIC) is a year-round information center located at ADK’s Heart Lake Program Center next to the Van Hoevenberg Trail trailhead and parking lot. The HPIC is an excellent resource for hikers, backpackers, snowshoers, and cross-country skiers. Our staff can help with trip planning, gear recommendations, regional weather information, and trail conditions.

The HPIC sells guidebooks and maps as well as last-minute backcountry items—batteries for your flashlight, First-Aid kits, insect repellent, trail mix, and so on. We also rent bear canisters, trail crampons, cross-country skis, snowshoes, apparel, and souvenirs like patches and stickers. Please see our seasonal rental availability and rates here.

Address: 1002 Adirondack Loj Rd, Lake Placid, NY 12946
Phone: 518-523-3441, ext. 121

Hours:
Monday – Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Friday – Sunday, 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Bathrooms are available 24 hours a day through the left rear entrance.
For after-hours rentals and rental returns, please go to the front desk of Adirondak Loj.


Parking Info

Hiker parking at the Heart Lake Program Center is located next to the High Peaks Information Center.

Rates as of 1/1/2024 are as follows:

Non-Members

Full Day: $18
Half Day: $10
Weekly: $72

Members

Full Day: $10
Half Day: $5
Weekly: $40

Members may also purchase an annual pass. Click here for information and to buy online.

2024 parking supports

Availability: Please be aware that parking fills early and often at the Heart Lake Program Center, especially in summer and the height of leaf-peeping season. The nearest overflow parking starts about one mile down the road at Meadows Lane. The purchase of a season pass does not guarantee a spot.

Payment: When the parking attendant is in the booth, you can pay by cash, check, or credit card at the booth. If the attendant is not present but the HPIC is open, you can pay at the HPIC, or use the booth drop box to leave a cash or check payment. If the HPIC is closed, you can pay at the Adirondak Loj, or use the drop box for non-credit card payments.

Prohibited: We do not allow visitors to drive in to look for a spot or to wait for a spot to open up. Buses, RVs, trailers, and vehicles over 20′ long are not permitted. You may not sleep in your car in our parking lot. Roadside parking along Adirondack Loj Road between the Heart Lake Program Center and Meadows is prohibited.

Hungry Hiker

The Hungry Hiker is a seasonal food and refreshment stand offering hot and cold foods, ice cream, coffee, soft drinks, beers, and hard cider just steps from the High Peaks Information Center. A great way to fuel up for your adventure or refuel after a great day on the trail or water.
The Hungry Hiker is now closed for the season.

Hungry Hiker sandwich
Ben Brosseau

Drone Usage

ADK does not allow for the launch or use of drones at the Heart Lake Program Center and Johns Brook Property. These areas are both private properties that are owned and operated by ADK. This includes the hiker parking area, Heart Lake, and the summit of Mt Jo.

If you are visiting the Adirondack Park and intend to use a drone, click here to refer to the NYSDEC’s website for information about where to legally fly drones on state land.

Planning at Home

Planning ahead is key to a safe and enjoyable experience. Click here to purchase ADK’s definitive guidebooks and maps to learn everything you need to know about your upcoming adventure.

To have an Adirondack Park information resource on your smartphone, we recommend downloading the DackMap app. Click here to find it on Google Play or click here for the app in the Apple Store.

And before you hit the trail, we also recommend that you click here to learn the 7 Leave No Trace principles. These are a set of tools that empower each of us to become stewards of public lands through our actions.

Learn More