The 10 Best Day Hikes in the Adirondack High Peaks
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Upstate New York’s Adirondack Mountains are home to a set of 46 incredible peaks that are begging to be explored and offer a source of contemplation and inspiration. The mountains cover over 5,000 square miles and form an almost circular dome from ancient stone. Situated among these peaks are numerous trails that vary in difficulty but are all equal in beauty. Whether you’re looking for a quick stroll through dense backcountry forests or in need of a heart pumping mountain climb, here are 10 of the best day hikes in the Adirondack High Peaks:
1. Cascade Mountain
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 4.4 miles
Elevation gain: 1,902 feet
Route type: There and back
Dog friendly: Yes
Cascade Mountain is a great place to start when deciding where you’d like to begin your journey in Upstate New York. The trailhead is easily accessible along Route 73 near Keene, NY. For the most part, the path will be rather exposed with plenty of steep climbs and some fun rock scrambles along the way. You’ll also encounter a nearby river with a quaint waterfall, and of course, incredible panoramic views to marvel at. This is a rather popular area for hiking, so get up early before the crowds for a special moment of a sunrise hike!
2. Big Slide Mountain
Difficulty: Hard
Length: 11.7 miles
Elevation gain: 3,267 feet
Route type: Loop
Dog friendly: Yes
Big Slide Mountain loop is a fantastic introduction to the High Peaks. Starting from the parking lot you begin to climb steadily up a path and over a gorgeous brook which soon turns into a steep hike upwards. The entire loop will most likely take all day to complete, but you can always take a shorter route. The complete elevation gain is over 3,000 feet so come prepared with plenty of drinking water and take it slow if you’re not used to such high elevations.
3. Mount Colden
Difficulty: Hard
Length: 12.8 miles
Elevation gain: 3,061 feet
Route type: Loop
Dog friendly: Yes
Mount Colden is an amazing hike, and if you can only take one on this list, this may be the one. On this climb, there's no need to wait until you reach the summit to appreciate the view. You will pass a number of sights worth seeing during the first few miles. For example, you can gaze up at Colden and Wright Peaks from the clearing where Marcy Dam formerly stood. The trail is then swallowed up by the steep, narrow cleft between Colden and the MacIntyre Range, which is only a short distance away. At the summit, you’ll have spectacular views of the lakes below, and the towering peaks in the distance.
4. Phelps Mountain Trail
Difficulty: Hard
Length: 8.5 miles
Elevation gain: 2,234 feet
Route type: There and back
Dog friendly: Yes
The hike begins from the Adirondack Log at Heart Lake and continues towards Marcy Dam. Once you’ve reached Phelps Mountain Trail you’ll have a steep yet rewarding hike ahead. The summit is full of trees, but that won’t stop you from enjoying amazing vistas of Mount Marcy, the Macintyre Range, Mount Haystack, and more.
5. Mount Jo Loop Trail
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 1.8 miles
Elevation gain: 692 feet
Route type: Loop
Dog friendly: Yes
Mount Jo Loop is an easy 1.8-mile hike that anybody can enjoy. There are two trails to choose from that lead to the summit which eventually turn into a loop. The wide trail begins at the shore of Heart Lake and slowly rises upwards toward the top where you’ll have a clear view of the High Peaks. The climb is just over 600 feet with plenty of space to explore.
6. Gothics Mountain
Difficulty: Hard
Length: 12.3 miles
Elevation gain: 3,736 feet
Route type: Loop
Dog friendly: No
At 4,736 feet, Gothics Mountain is the tenth highest peak on the Adirondack 46 list. The hike offers one of the most challenging climbs, featuring cables and even a ladder for extra assistance. It begins at the St. Huberts parking lot where you can follow signs towards the Gothics trailhead. Along the way, you’ll cross the Ausable River via a bridge and get a glimpse of Beaver Meadow Falls. At the base of the falls, the trail quickly and steeply ascends. There are multiple access points to Gothics Mountain that include the primary trail, Cable Route and Pyramid Peak, which all vary in difficulty and length. Technically this trail is on private property and dogs are not allowed.
7. Mount Skylight
Difficulty: Hard
Length: 18.7 miles
Elevation gain: 7,506 ft
Route type: There and back
Dog friendly: Yes
The hike on Mount Skylight may be one of the more difficult hikes on this list. The trail is long and many choose to take multiple days on it, though a full day is still possible. Between Marcy and Skylight is the Four Corners crossroads, which is also next to Lake Tear of the Clouds, the state's highest lake and the source of what eventually becomes the powerful Hudson River. Mount Skylight gets its name because of its wide-open, flat summit that makes a tremendous vantage point to view all the High Peaks.
8. Algonquin Peak
Difficulty: Hard
Length: 10 miles
Elevation gain: 3,605 feet
Route type: There and back
Dog friendly: Yes
To begin this hike you’ll start at the Adirondack Lodge on Heart Lake. Follow the signs for a marked trailhead towards Algonquin Peak. This is New York’s second tallest peak and an amazing hike where you’ll view some spectacular scenery. The trail starts in a dense forest and soon turns into a rocky, steep path. With a total elevation gain of over 3,000 feet and about 10 miles to the summit and back, this hike will take around five to seven hours to complete.
9. Snow Mountain Trail
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 4 miles
Elevation gain: 1,177 feet
Route type: There and back
Dog friendly: Yes
Snow Mountain Trail is an easy four-mile out and back trail located near Keene Valley, NY. This is a great hike for anybody who’s looking to stay away from crowds and may be considered the “hidden gem” on this list. Even though it’s not one of the tallest peaks, it’s still worth a visit and perfect for beginners. You may have to cross a few streams along the trail, which will also be full of wildflowers in summer.
10. Table Top Mountain
Difficulty: Hard
Length: 10 miles
Elevation gain: 2,513 feet
Route type: There and back
Dog friendly: Yes
Table Top Mountain is the 19th highest mountain in the state with an elevation of over 4,000 feet. Begin on the Von Hoevenberg trail which is located just before Indian Falls. There will be some streams you’ll have to cross so be prepared with solid hiking boots. Unlike a lot of the other mountain trails, this summit is heavily wooded and offers limited views. But it also offers plenty of shade and a nice place to relax on a hot summer day. This is a beautiful day hike or an overnight backpacking trip.
Grab Your Peek of the High Peaks
The Adirondack High Peaks is a fantastic region in New York that is waiting to be explored. Since most of these hikes are rated difficult with a lot of elevation gain, it’s a good idea to be prepared by training beforehand. Take it slow if you’re not used to high elevations, use trekking poles if needed, bring plenty of clean drinking water and please follow the leave no trace principle. Enjoy the great outdoors in the famous High Peaks of upstate New York!
Featured image by: Craig Zerbe.