I am looking for a moderately strenuous day-hike with beautiful views in the Lake Placid or Blue Mountain Lake areas. My wife and I are both in our 30s and in OK physical shape without kids.

Some guides recommend Blue Mountain, while others suggest trails in the High Peaks area like Mt. Marcy, but these seem to be overcrowded in the summer and require more than a day. Does anyone have any favorite day-hikes that are less than 8 miles in total?

ttt

I know it is too late to post any recommendations for gilber20 but if anyone considers moderately strenuous day hike in the Lake Placid area, Giant Mountain with its magnificent views is a perfect spot and less crowded than Marcy. As a day hike Marcy is less strenuous than Giant. It was about 10 years ago when I hiked Marcy in a half a day before getting to work at 3 pm

find local "experts" at http://adk.org/

Cascade Mountain in the High Peaks area is one of the easier "big-mountain" hikes. There's a big, flat area when you get to the top that's great for having your lunch and taking in the views. You can get to the top by lunchtime, and then head back down.

I agree Cascade Mountain is a wonderful hike but it can be extremely crowded on weekend in the summer. If anyone considers hiking it I would suggest avoid weekends. On a clear day the views are magnificent