Drives New York The Adirondacks and the North Country
Highway 86: Wilmington Notch
NY 86 · Lake Placid → Wilmington
The drive
Highway 86 from Lake Placid to Wilmington follows the West Branch of the Ausable River downstream, and for much of the way the river is right beside the road. It's famous water: the West Branch is ranked among the country's best trout streams, and Wilmington Notch is known for its fishing.
The middle of the drive is Wilmington Notch, a narrow pass where the road and the river squeeze between the mountains. In the notch is High Falls Gorge, a privately run attraction with walkways over the river's falls, about 7.7 miles from Lake Placid, and then the Whiteface ski center, the Olympic ski area, before the road opens out into the hamlet of Wilmington.
In Wilmington, the Whiteface Memorial Highway climbs to the summit of Whiteface Mountain in summer, and Highway 86 carries on toward Jay and the Highway 9N drive along the East Branch.
Along the way
- Lake Placid
- Wilmington
Good to know
- The road is fast in places, with sweeping curves through the notch and the river close beside it.
- High Falls Gorge charges admission and runs a summer season from early May through late October, with winter visits on a separate schedule.
- Deer and moose are most active from October through December and at dawn and dusk, New York's DMV and DEC warn.
Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check 511NY.
Questions about this drive
How long is the drive from Lake Placid to Wilmington on Highway 86?
Highway 86 from Lake Placid through Wilmington Notch to Wilmington is 11 miles and takes about 20 minutes.
What is Wilmington Notch?
Wilmington Notch is a narrow pass on Highway 86 between Lake Placid and Wilmington, where the road follows the West Branch of the Ausable River through the mountains. It's known for its trout fishing.
Is Highway 86 through Wilmington Notch a curvy road?
Highway 86 through Wilmington Notch is a sweeping drive: mostly gentle curves along the river, with about 400 feet of climbing as it descends toward Wilmington.
Where is High Falls Gorge?
High Falls Gorge is on Highway 86 in Wilmington Notch, about 7.7 miles from Lake Placid toward Wilmington.
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More drives near here
Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.