Norway is known for many beautiful things, from its impressive natural landscapes and fjords to its status as a key place to spot the northern lights. However, it’s also home to some of the best hikes in the world.
Although the US has a few dupes of Scandinavian staples, including an Alaskan national park dubbed the “Norway of America,” there’s one trail on the East Coast that’s scarily similar to a famous Norwegian hike.
Located just outside one of the most scenic but overlooked mountain towns in the Adirondacks lies a jaw-dropping hike that brings you to one of the best lookout points in the U.S. So where is this awe-inspiring hike, and what makes it similar to its famous Norwegian counterpart? Let’s dive in and find out more.
Indian Head In Keene, New York, Is A Perfect Norwegian Dupe
Lower Ausable lake at fall seen from Indian head, New York Credit: Shutterstock
One of the most iconic hikes in Norway (aside from hiking the mighty and terrifying Trolltunga) has to be the Rimstigen. Rimstigen is a steep climb that offers views over the stunning Nærøyfjord. Not only is this the narrowest arm of the Sognefjord, but it’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
However, Norway is a long and expensive flight away. If you’re craving similarly majestic views closer to home, check out the Indian Head in the Adirondacks. Following the Indian Head and Fishhawk Cliffs hike, you’ll reach the gorgeous vantage point overlooking Lower Ausable Lake. With peaks rising on either side of the water, extending directly in front of you as you stand on the summit, the view has a decidedly fjord-like feel.
Trail
Distance (return)
Duration
Grading
Indian Head and Fishhawk Cliffs
9.4 miles
6 hours
Challenging
Rimstigen
9.6 miles
7 hours
Challenging
It is worth noting that neither of these are hikes for beginners. These beautiful hikes are graded as challenging, especially Rimstigen, which covers around 720m of elevation in the final 1.2 miles (2km) to the summit. For the Indian Head summit, you’ll hike 730 feet on an incline for the last 0.8 mile.
How To Get To The Indian Head Trail
A small farm set in the valley alongside a river in Keene, New York Credit: Shutterstock
The Indian Head trailhead (Google Map link) is located in the picturesque Keene Valley, halfway between Underwood and one of the most overlooked towns in the Adirondacks, Keene. This historic town that gives the valley its name is a great hiking base and is home to Mount Marcy, the highest peak in the state. It’s a hiking and outdoor adventure paradise, so it makes sense that it’s home to this Norwegian-style vista hike.
Man sitting on Indian Head Cliff at Adirondack Park, New York, USACredit: Shutterstock
You can find parking across the road from the Roaring Brook Falls Trailhead for Giant Mountain if you’re driving. This area, known as St. Huberts, is full of amazing hikes, so if you want to spend a few days exploring the area, this is a good parking area to start your adventures. You can also combine this with the Gill Brook Trail to see the many waterfalls in the Lower Ausable Lake area.
As Indian Heads are in the AMR (Adirondack Mountain Reserve), you need a parking reservation if you’re visiting between May 1 and October 31. Despite being called a parking reservation, it’s a hiking reservation, regardless of whether you drove, were dropped off, or cycled onto the AMR.
From out of town, it’s around an hour and 50 minutes from Albany, NY, or an hour and 40 minutes from Burlington, VT, across Lake Champlain. You can also get a Greyhound or FlixBus from New York City to the Keene Valley but expect to spend six and a half hours on the bus and fork out around $100 each way.
The Best Time To Do The Indian Head Trail
Walton Bridge in the overlooked town of Keene, New YorkCredit: Mwanner, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
So, when is the best time to head to the Keene Valley and take on the Indian Head trails? The Adirondacks are breathtaking in the fall foliage, and the area around Keene is no exception. Fall is a great time to do this hike as the fall colors ignite the landscape, the hiking crowds are fewer than in summer, and the temperatures are more reasonable for that last bit of steep exertion.
Mountain view in Keene, New York Credit: Pixabay
Spring is also a great time to hike in the Keene Valley. The ski and snowshoe season will have finished, but the summer vacation hordes won’t have descended yet. The vibrant greenery set against the blue of Lake Ausable is a stunning reward for a challenging hike.
Summer is a decent option for the weather conditions. However, New York State summers can be hot and humid, so bring plenty of water and seek shade when possible. Trails are likely to be busy, as are the roads in and around the valley, so get up early to secure a parking space.
A view of the Adirondacks in winterCredit:
stillwellmike, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Finally, winter is not a great time for this hike. Trails may not even be open, as snow is common with the high elevation here. However, skiing in the Adirondacks is always a great option, so check out the many resorts in the area!
There is a variety of terrain underfoot across this trail, so wear sturdy walking boots and bring all the necessary food, drink, and first-aid supplies. Remember, the last stretch is very steep, so hiking poles may be a good idea.
So, if you want a breathtaking hiking experience similar to Norway’s Rimstigen hike without traveling across Europe, check out Indian Head in upstate New York. It has a spookily similar summit outlook over the mountains and lakes below and is equally challenging, especially the final incline!