Whiteface Mem Highway access

[iceNsnow]

Is it permitted to use the Whiteface Memorial Highway to run or hike up to the summit while the road is open? Is there parking available at the tollgate? Would it be necessary to park at the Atmospheric Science Ctr and run up the highway?

My hope is to run up the highway and down the trail to the ASC on a summer day.

Thanks !

 

[beverly]

Pedestrians aren't permitted when the road is open.
For what it's worth - a number of years ago I was told that I couldn't walk down the toll road, which I attempted to do after hiking up the trail. (I got spooked by a bear on the trail and didn't want to face him or her on my return).
I said I was going to do it anyway, and the attendant near the top just kind of shrugged and told me if a patrol car came up the road, to tell him that I had just come out of the woods. I wasn't bothered on the way down.

 

[Peakbagr]

Inge,

Its not allowed, but if you really want to do it, you might want to get an early start before the toll booth opens or the employees drive up for the start of their workday.
Same advice...if someone happens to see you on the road, you could say that you were bushwacking and got lost, or a large animal scared you, which is why you are running uphill faster than most cars can drive it.

PB

 

[mavs00]

Yeah, you only need like....... about 1 hour and 15 minutes or so . That's nothing for the defending champ, right???????

 

[iceNsnow]

thanks for the info!

Bev! I should have called you. Your story may come in handy tomorrow if we meet any patrol! Thanks for the idea.

Tim! We weren't planning on racing, but it may turn into a race if someone tries to chase us!!

 

[Peakbagr]

Inge,

If a patrol slow down, just run into the woods. Its so thick no one in their right mind would follow.

 

[beverly]

It's probably a good idea to get your run in before the road opens. All those cars whizzing by can be downright annoying. Not exactly a peak experience!

 

[teleskier]

What, running the race and then running down over Esther isn't enough? Now you want to do it again? I can't believe after all these years you don't know they frown on that other than on race day! Oh well... I guess you must be getting itchy after Wakely Dam.

 

[iceNsnow]

hey hey hey!

We decided to start at the ASRC and descend via the road. The trail was muddier than I had ever seen, including a section that was totally submerged under water! A ranger flew by us on his way up and down the road w/o any concern for us pedestrians.

Why would they frown on us running on the road? Does it help justify their race fee??!!

 

[rtrimarc]

toll rd

I often run up Prospect Mt. Rd BEFORE it opens for the day, and wondered what the deal was on Whiteface. This is info is good to know. Thanks guys.

Inge, great race last week, contrats!

Rob

 

[iceNsnow]

thanks Rob!

Hey Rob - Where were you on Sat.? Don't tell me you were taking care of Dayna's sick puppy too!?