Balanced Boulders

"Started at about 7:30 in Cascade Pass. The trail up Pitchoff isn't strenuous and is pretty straightforward, besides the swing out to the beautiful view from the Balanced Boulders. No views from Pitchoff's summit, but great views of Cascade Mountain, Hurricane Mountain, Mount Colden, and Mount Marcy from the ridge. Scrambles on the ridge were moist and extremely slippery. One bad downclimb before you reach East Pitchoff, which has a wonderful view into Keene Valley. Trail down is nothing special. Steep, rocky, and ugly. Decided to hike Mount Jo and was lucky enough to get a spot at 12:30. The Short Trail is somewhat steep but great trail work that gets you to the stunning vista of the MacIntyre Mountains, Street Mountains, Mount Marcy, Table Top Mountain, and Phelps Mountain. The Long Trail down is much prettier and gentler and we enjoyed this route to get back to the trailhead." — elimihuta • Sep 14, 2024

"Getting Baxter and Pitchoff for the LP-9. Bopped out to Balanced Boulders on my way back from Pitchoff. In my haste I overshot the summit of Pitchoff a bit when I finally noticed Cascade was behind me rather than directly across Rt 73. Most THs were busier than I expected for a Monday but then again it’s Leaf season and a holiday weekend coming up. Excellent afternoon after driving up from home." — Nimblefoot • Oct 3, 2022

"Planned on doing a traverse over Pitchoff (W to E) but realized halfway through that I left my keys in my friend's car. So, we looped back after hitting the summit, stopped at Balanced Boulders on the ascent, which provided great views and was a wide-open rock face, It was a bit windy on some climbs and the summits. We needed spikes for a part of it, but overall great sunny weather and not too difficult of a hike, a few technical scrambles. After getting back to the car, we decided to continue to Cascade Mountain. Muddy for the first half, icy on the second half so spikes were needed. Summit was beautiful as always, but extremely windy. Overall, 9-10 miles in 6 hours between the two peaks. " — gregoryskiba • Dec 17, 2021

"Took the trip up with wife and kids. We had read that it was easy somewhere bit that was not the case- it would have been somewhat moderate but not for a 3 and 5 year old. (This was their 9th mountain) A lot of steep scrambles but they did amazing. Climbed the entire way themselves with a few boosts up taller rocks. The view at the top was amazing. Spent some time exploring and enjoying the view. Rushed back down to beat the sun setting. Would do it again- but when the kids are older. " — jan2ny • Oct 6, 2020

"Stopped off and bagged this peak on the way to Pitchoff. One of the best views in the Adirondacks, saw many MANY hikers on the summit of Cascade, yet, here was relatively quiet." — HikingViking • Sep 17, 2016

"Husband and I planned to do ONLY Balanced Rocks, but naturally he convinced me to complete the entire trail over all the summits, then walk up the road to our car. It didn't take much convincing since Pitchoff was (and is) my favorite Adirondack Peak." — barbaratraver • May 28, 1988