Trails: The High Peaks Region has 42 peaks above 4,000 feet and several hundred miles of trails. Mt Marcy, the tallest mountain in New York, is 5,344 feet in elevation. Trails are maintained by the DEC, the Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK) and the Adirondack Trail Improvement Society.
Trails to most of the peaks are fairly long and challenging but there are a few easier hikes. A newly cut trail to the the top of Rooster Comb, just south of Keene Valley, is an easier hike with just one short scramble near the summit. To reduce congestion and erosion, group sizes are limited to a maximum of 15 persons on any one trail (there is a $250 fine for non-compliance).
Trails to most of the peaks are fairly long and challenging
but there are a few easier hikes. A newly cut trail to the the
top of Rooster Comb, just south of Keene Valley, is an easier
hike with just one short scramble near the summit. To reduce
congestion and erosion, group sizes are limited to a maximum of
15 persons on any one trail (there is a $250 fine for
non-compliance).
Important: keep off the fragile alpine vegetation on
the high peaks. Tiny bushes, moss, grass and lichen that grow
there are the same as those found in the arctic and some of them
are more than 100 years old. Hikers who wander off the trail
destroy the rare vegetation so be sure stay on the designated
paths. Access fee: During periods of high use, a parking fee is
charged at Adirondack Loj and at the Garden west of Keene Valley.
Beginning in 2001, a trip ticket for each group must be filled
out at each trailhead. Trip tickets are free during an
introductory period, but are expected to carry a charge sometime
in the future. Trail conditions:NYS
DEC Nearest town: Lake Placid, NY Trail map: <Guide to
Adirondack Trails: High Peaks Region published by the ADK
has descriptions of trails and a fold-out map. Web site:Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK) | DEC High Peaks Wilderness Area Related links: Jacques and Johanne's unofficial guide to
Adirondack High Peaks Association for
the Protection of the Adirondacks New York Trail
Conditions Points of interest: Mount Marcy is the highest peak in the
state at 5,344 feet. Other activities: Backcountry skiing, snowshoeing Lodging: Adirondack Loj, operated by the ADK, has bunks
and rooms. A backcountry lodge and cabins are also available at
Johns Brook, a 3-mile hike from Keene Valley. A hostel and
several ins and B&Bs are located in Keene Valley. Lake Placid
has a wide range of accommodations. Camping: Backcountry camping is permitted at designated
locations. Lean-tos (Adirondack shelters) are available on a
first-come basis (fees may be charged at certain locations). A
frontcountry campground near Adirondack Loj is operated by the
ADK. Weather forecast:Lake_Placid Tourism info:Lake Placid/Essex County Visitors
Bureau Getting to the trail: Most of the High Peaks are accessed
from Adirondack Loj, Keene Valley and Saint Huberts. The trails
in the High Peaks region are becoming quite crowded and parking
is often a problem. A shuttle service operates during peak
periods between Marcy Field ($4 roundtrip) and the Garden, west
of Keene Valley. Adirondack Loj is about 4 miles southeast of
Lake Placid on Route 73 then south on an access road. Amtrak's
Adirondack rail service operates between NYC and Montreal
with a bus connection to Lake Placid. Adirondack Trailways offers
bus service to Saint Huberts, Keene Valley and Lake Placid. Map of local region:
Lake Placid |
Keene Valley
Trail Name: Adirondack High Peaks I have hiked there: Several times I last hiked there in: Dec, 2005 Trails that I hiked: Almost all of them. Favorite trails: Trail through Avalanche Pass, trail down from Four Corners following the Opelecent River Best time to go: Early Fall, Late Summer. Foliage is amazing. Trail marking: Very good Trail maintenance: Very good Rating: 4.5 stars What I liked: Trails are well maintained, a joy to hike. Some are easy, some are pretty difficult. It depends on what you're doing, how long of a trip your are on, etc. The scenery going up most of the mountains is wonderful, there is always something to see on the trail, whether your going up a mountain or not. What I disliked: Additional comments: Submitted by: DE from: Lake Placid Date submitted: Dec 9, 2005
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Trail Name: Adirondack High Peaks I have hiked there: Several times I last hiked there in: August, 2004 Trails that I hiked: Algonquin, Colden, Marcy, Skylight,
Hatstack, Saddleback, Basin, Gothics, Wolfjaws, Big Slide,
Cascade, Dix, Giant etc. Note: the previous writter discussed
Blue Mtn. which is not considered one of the 46 Adirondack High
Peaks Favorite trails: Saddleback and Basin Loop from John's
Brook Best time to go: August-September Trail marking: Very good Trail maintenance: Fair Rating: 4.5 stars What I liked: Challenging trail offering incredible
views What I disliked: Additional comments: use EXTREME caution in the fall,
winter and spring Submitted by: DPK from: NY Date submitted: Sept 1, 2004
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Trail Name: Adirondack High Peaks I have hiked there: Once I last hiked there in: August, 2003 Trails that I hiked: Blue Mountain Favorite trails: Blue Mountain Best time to go: Autumn Trail marking: Fair Trail maintenance: Fair Rating: 4 stars What I liked: challenging and scenery What I disliked: nothing Comments: Has some rocks(be careful). Idian Lake,Snowy
Mtn.,Blue Mountain Lake, boating, Adirondack Museum. Submitted by: P.M. from: Herkimer,NY Date submitted: Aug 30, 2003
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