Just Across the Vermont Border, Would You Hike This Iconic, Rocky Trail Leading to a Castle?

When it comes to epic hikes in New England, sometimes you have to be willing to travel. Not as far as an overnight...but certainly a 3+ hour drive.

Take Mount Monadnock, the most climbed mountain in the world. If someone living around North Conway wanted to hike that, it would be nearly a 3-hour drive.

For people in Boston, Massachusetts, wanting to hike Mount Washington, it is also a 3-hour drive...each way. To reach unique peaks and beautiful summits in New England, you have to be willing to drive.

READ MORE: The Steepest Mile on the Appalachian Trail is on This New Hampshire Hike

Well, one mountain, just over the Vermont Border into New York, is worth the 4-hour drive from Concord, NH, to Wilmington, NY.

Whiteface Mountain, Wilmington, New York

Whiteface Mountain is one of New York's most iconic hikes in the Adirondacks. With jaw-dropping views from Vermont to Canada, and a wicked cool stone castle at the top.

There are two ways to get to the top, but both will be adrenaline-packed and require you to hold on to railings and chains as you scramble to the rocky top.

According to AllTrails, the hardest way up is to hike it 100%. There is a 10-mile out-and-back trail to the top that is dog-friendly. With over 3,500 feet of elevation gain, it is certainly a challenging hike.

For those looking to enjoy the view, without as much heavy hiking, there are two variations to get to the top. Both include driving to the visitor center. For $20, you can drive up Whiteface Mountain and enjoy the views without the sweat.

From the visitors section, view seekers can either take an elevator to the summit or climb the short but intense "Stairway Ridge Trail."

This alternative way to the top uses natural rock faces as stairs to the castle on the summit.