This flat summit is far from any trailhead, and as a result, it is usually very quiet. This trip is therefore best done in a group of four to insure safety. Outdoor Project may earn commission on products purchased through our links, which supports the work we do for our readers. Start at the Van Hoevenberg Trailhead which is located close to the ADK Info Center at Heart Lake. Save them for another day. Even though the dam itself was destroyed by hurricane Irene in 2011, the area is still beautiful, with views of Wright Peak and Mount Colden’s rocky slides. High Peaks Trails Guide Book: The guide book is designed to be used in conjunction with a map. He was making oatmeal early in the morning at his camp and walked away from his food for just a second to grab something. They are used to build cairns and delimit fragile alpine vegetation. Continue on for 1.1 miles, hiking along the lake on catwalks and climbing up wooden ladders over boulders. Elevation: 5,344 feet. It is 1.1 miles to the intersection; head straight ahead to access Mount Skylight. Water is very easy to come by in the Adirondacks. Some of the best campsites are located around or close to Lake Colden and Avalanche Lake. Some of the links above are affiliate links. Continue on past the lake for 0.1 miles and arrive at what they call the four corners junction. This is New York's seventh highest summit at 4,826 feet. You will come to the Phelps and Van Hoevenberg Trail junction. Backcountry camping is only permitted at designated campsites or shelters. Having a backpack makes this section even more challenging. Hi. There’s a non-refundable reservation fee of $11.70, no matter how many nights you stay. It was on our Bucket list. Make sure to take your time here you don’t want to get seriously hurt in the middle of the wilderness. This trail follows the same route as the Avalanche Pass trail, but it veers left after the former site of Marcy Dam. I recommend arriving very early in the day. Phil Brown of the Adirondack Explorer on Mount Marcy in April of 2007, a great snow year where Whiteface Mt. In about 2.5 miles from the rock slide you will arrive at a 4 trail intersection. Mount Marcy peak is the highest point in New York state, standing at 5,344 feet in elevation. Hiking Mount Marcy is a long journey. Again campsites are identified by a small yellow marker with a tent insignia on it. Current Mount Marcy Backcountry Ski Conditions. Lake Colden - Newcomb, NY. Phil Brown enjoys a balmy day on Marcy’s summit last April. It is the farthest west of the NH 4000' peaks and it's summit is a large exposed area above treeline offering wide ranging views which many consider the best in the Whites. (Click the link for exact location and directions to trailhead.). There are many beautiful exposed summits to climb in the High Peaks, but bad weather like thunderstorms can make them very dangerous. Make sure you have the skills to do this one, as it’s definitely best suited for advanced level skiers. If you click on them and purchase an item, I'll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. The HPIC rents them. ADK Wilderness Campground at Heart Lake: This campground is the most convenient option for a place to stay since it’s located within walking distance of all the hiking trails. From there, it’s 2.3 miles of mostly flat trail to your car. Marcy-Feldspar Ski Loop. The Masters Tournament will begin in a few days. A true wilderness experience, backcountry camping combines hiking and camping as you make your way through barely-touched terrains, relishing the solitude and surrounding nature. I skied Mount Marcy from Adirondak Loj on Friday. Rodeway Inn: This is a nice budget hotel if your looking for something very simple to spend the night at. This will complete your hike. This trail will noticeably be more flat then the day before. She is thinking she would like to climb Mt. Then you will immediately start to climb again for 0.5 miles up Saddleback Mountain. Take the State Range Trail for 1.1 miles going uphill for a little bit and then dropping back down into a valley. The last signpost was about six feet above the snow. I am not sure about letting her do that. On Sunday, March 10, 2013, the weather for once cooperated in our try for Mount Marcy’s summit. Lake Colden is also in the High Peaks region and can serve as a basecamp for mulitple peaks. This is his guide to the region’s premier backcountry tour. Climbing Mount Marcy is a rite of passage for many area hikers, whether it’s a personal goal on its own or a small piece of the pursuit to become an Adirondack 46er. Backcountry Foray Planner near Mount Marcy The Mt. In the Adirondack High Peaks Wilderness of northern New York, you will find this to be true. 3. Stay on the Mount Marcy Trail by turning left. Stay on the Mount Marcy Trail by turning right. Ron Konowitz pulling fast turns before the thick veggies close in. Start from the High Peaks Information Center, where a large parking lot accommodates a few hundred cars. You are never too far away from a lake or stream. Tag New York's high point on this 14.2-miler into a mix of forest and broken rock, with jaw-dropping vantages of the High Peaks and Green Mountains. I like high peaks, and places where I can see the sunset. The Van Hovenberg Trail is crowded during peak season. Mount Marcy is the highest of the 46 High Peaks, and thus one of the most popular. There is also a particular section on this trail that is dangerous - climbing up Saddleback Mountain. Hike up this steep section for 0.8 miles and then you will have reached the summit. Marcy and less than a five mile hike to Algonquin. Start from the High Peaks Information Center, where a large parking lot accommodates a few hundred cars. If your trip is more in the summer time or later, usually the bugs are not that big of a concern and you could get away with just bringing some bug spray. Start the day by retracing your steps back to the John Brooks Lodge. It’s about protecting what sustains us. Continue on the Mount Marcy Trail for 1.8 miles steadily climbing in elevation and following the Uphill Brook. Solid decision. After taking in all the views continue on the State Range Trail by going down the other side of Mount Basin. Mount Marcy in the Adirondacks: A backcountry climb up New York's highest peak. Author: BACKPACKERMagazine Updated: Feb 8, 2017 Original: Sep 20, 2013. $25.99. Back on the main trail, Feldspar lean-to is 1.2 miles away (free, as well as the campsites). Take a left onto the Woodsfall Trail for 0.3 miles passing over the Orebed Brook and the Johns Brook. This helps me to continually make content and keep this site going. Make sure to check the mountain weather forecast ahead of time at Mountain-forecast.com. I’m going to ski Mount Marcy today. Contemplate your next stop, Gray Peak, directly west of Mount Marcy. Distance: 17 miles Duration: 8 hours Difficulty: Expert Snow: 5 feet needed. Mike and I went to Adirondack High Peaks for our first hiking trip. Eventually you will arrive at the Mount Marcy and Avalanche Pass Trail junction. To make the trail less challenging the ADK Mountain Club installed wooden ladders and catwalks which will add some fun to your experience. On this backpacking loop in the Adirondack High Peaks Wilderness of Northern New York, you will get to see the picturesque Avalanche Lake that’s nestled between two mountains, climb Mount Marcy the highest peak in New York at 5,344’, and enjoy many spectacular mountain views that extend as far as the eye can see. With 43 (out of 46) mountains topping 4,000 feet, the High Peaks region of New York's Adirondack State Park is a Mecca for serious … Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure. The views from the top are hard to beat, and as far as the trail goes, it’s not the most challenging or longest of the high peaks. Turn right onto the Van Hoevenberg Trail and in 0.1 miles you will arrive at the parking lot. The water source is downhill at Phelps Brook. In the Adirondack High Peaks, spring time means lots of black flies and mosquitoes. For me oddly, it took 10 years of skiing in the backcountry before I got around to standing on its dome summit, and it was totally worth the long haul in there. At 5,344 feet, Mount Marcy is New York state's tallest peak. Climb Mt. It was a harder hike than Mount Washington in New Hampshire, because it is such a long hike, and you need a lot of endurance to get to the top. Mount Marcy. Bring MicroSpikes or crampons if you are headed to the actual summit. 742 National Geographic (Adirondack Park Lake Placid/High Peaks) Map: West Rim Trail (PA Grand Canyon) Backpacking Guide, Spruce Knob/Seneca Creek Loop Backpacking Guide, Glacier National Park’s North Circle Loop Backpacking Guide. I'm 57 she is 47. For 107 years Mount Marcy has been an attraction for skiers. Adirondack High Peaks Loop (Avalanche Lake, Mt Marcy, Mt Basin, Saddleback Mt). This shovel is a lightweight colapsible shovel perfect for backcountry use. You will then turn left for 0.5 miles and come to the Mount Marcy and Lake Arnold Trail junction. For 1.4 miles the trail will become very steep. Want to spend the night at a campsite or lean-to? On the way to Marcy you will notice the trail to Phelps and Table Top, two other Adirondack 46ers. 4. You will have to keep your eyes on trail markers and reference your map frequently to avoid getting lost. I love everything backpacking and want to share my knowledge and experiences with you. This is where the 0.5-mile herdpath to Gray Peak starts. One of the best water filters on the market is the Sawyer Squeeze because it’s lightweight and has a fast flow rate. In other areas you will find the trails to be a little overgrown. Primitive-camping is permitted up to 3500 feet elevation. This hike takes you to Mount Marcy, New York’s highest point at 5,344 feet. MacNaughton Mountain Snowshoe via the Wallface Ponds, The Best Winter Adventures in North America. Marcy Dam - Keene Valley, NY. Here is a list of all 46 high peaks in the state of New York. This hike takes you to Mount Marcy, New York’s highest point at 5,344 feet. Mount Marcy: Mt. The parking fee might seem a little expensive, but you have to remember that this money helps protect the Adirondack wilderness. When he came back he found a bear eating his oatmeal. Bear right and take the Phelps Trail for 0.7 miles, dropping rapidly in elevation. The spring equinox occurred on March 20. The descent is fast and somewhat steep. Climbing Mount Marcy is a rite of passage for many area hikers, whether it’s a personal goal on its own or a small piece of the pursuit to become an Adirondack 46er. Sign up to receive our weekly newsletter packed with the best adventure guides, travel ideas, news, and articles. The Van Hovenberg Trail to Marcy will be busy, but escape the crowds by adding Mount Skylight and Gray Peak to complete this classic lasso loop. When completed you will have reached the summit. At 5,344 feet, Mount Marcy’s summit is the highest point in New York, and climbing it in any season is a worthy goal. Take the Avalanche Pass Trail for about 1.5 miles and come to an area full of boulders and rock ledges called Avalanche Pass. Backpacking trip guides to help you plan your next adventure. Over Mount Marcy. It’s wise to book early for trips on either side of peak season, too. Mens ; Womens *Type. It is more than 20 miles and roughly 10,000 feet of elevation gain. You will then arrive at the Mr. Van Ski and Van Hoevenberg Trail junction. Then you will begin a steep ascent up Basin Mountain for 0.8 miles. Answer 1 of 16: We have decided to do a last minute camping trip to the Adirondacks with my 20 year old daughter and her friends. T he day was cool and clear with bright sunshine and light winds. The Van Hovenberg Trail to Marcy will be busy, but escape the crowds by adding Mount Skylight and Gray Peak to complete this classic lasso loop. The short side trip to Indian Falls is worth effort, especially when waters are running high. All rights reserved. We have never been past Virginia so we are quite confused on what the best places to backpack are in the Adirondacks. This will begin your ascent up Mount Marcy. It’s about nourishment and learning. 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