Avalanche Lake is a skinny, 9-acre mountain lake in the Adirondack High Peaks of New York. Sitting at an elevation of 2,885 feet, it lies between the between the towering cliffs of Mount Colden (4,714 feet) and Avalanche Mountain (3,816 feet). The sight of Avalanche Lake, surrounded by vertical rock walls, offers one of the most picturesque views in the region. The challenging trail to Avalanche Lake from Adirondak Loj involves navigating through Avalanche Pass, clambering over boulders, and crossing wooden catwalks bolted into the cliffs - a section known as the "Hitch-Up Matilda." The trail continues south, connecting to Lake Colden within the Hudson River watershed.