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New York State's Highest Peak

This ultimate Mt Marcy hiking guide contains chapter links to trusted partners I think you lot'll dear!

5,344 feet.

That's the tiptop of New York's highest peak, Mount Marcy, the very mountain my husband Andy and I would be summiting on this warm solar day in the stunning Adirondack Region.

While this may pale in comparison to other peaks effectually the world, when it comes to hiking in New York it'southward quite impressive.

Plus, this moderately challenging trek will leave y'all feeling rewarded, albeit slightly sore.

And along with beautiful landscapes that change every bit you trek, the 360-degree views of the Adirondack's famous high peaks from the summit are absolutely worthy of the frequently over-used term "breathtaking."

Fun fact:

Adirondack State Park is habitation to 46 mountains — with 43 of them stretching over four,000 feet tall — and is the largest protected expanse in the contiguous Usa. When you're here, you're truly in an outdoor adventure paradise.

There are many things to do when visiting Lake Placid and the Adirondacks of New York, and I highly recommend making climbing Mount Marcy one of them.

On that annotation, allow'southward swoop into this ultimate Mt Marcy hiking guide and learn exactly how to summit the highest meridian in New York, also as what the experience is really like.

What Is Your Hiking Persona (Free Quiz!)

Earlier nosotros dive into this guide to hiking Mountain Marcy, I desire to invite you to take my free hiking personality quiz.

This brusk and fun quiz volition help you discover what type of hiker you are, with results sharing suggested hikes to friction match.

On that annotation, allow'south explore some of New York's loftier peak wilderness!

How To Hike Mount Marcy FAQ

Before I tell y'all about our feel hiking Mountain Marcy, here are some answers to frequently asked questions nigh this ballsy feel in the Adirondacks of Upstate New York:

Q: Can you hike Mt Marcy in one twenty-four hours?

Yes! Information technology takes most people about seven-to-viii hours to hike Mount Marcy. It took my hubby and me about 10 hours as nosotros stopped a lot to accept photos, eat, and relish the views.

Q: How long of a hike is Mount Marcy?

Mount Marcy is the highest superlative in the Adirondacks and New York State, reaching v,344 anxiety. The hike is fourteen.eight miles round-trip.

Q: Can yous campsite on Mountain Marcy?

A popular camping option on the Mount Marcy trail is near Marcy Dam, which offers views of the loftier peaks and is simply ii.three miles from the Mount Marcy trailhead at Adirondak Loj at Heart Lake, part of the Adirondack Mount Social club. There is besides a military camp betwixt Marcy Dam and Indian Falls on the trail.

Q: How many Mount Marcy trails are there?

You lot can admission the summit of Mount Marcy via four unlike trails, with the most popular and non-technical selection being the route upwards from Adirondack Loj. If you'll be hiking on your own, one of my height solo hiking tips would be to exercise this route.

mount marcy camping
The trail upward Mount Marcy is well-marked with additional trails, natural attractions, and campsites

Q: How do yous become to Mount Marcy from NYC?

The Adirondacks makes for a great road trip from NYC and it'due south also ane of my favorite solo road trip ideas in the The states! It's recommended to have a car, which allows y'all to explore the region. From New York City, the drive is well-nigh five hours, mainly heading north on route I-87.

Renting a car?

I highly recommend using  Discover Cars to rapidly compare your options.

Q: Where does the name Mountain Marcy come from?

Interestingly, the get-go white settlers called Mountain Marcy "Tahawus" which means "Cloud Splitter."

And then in the 1830s, the governor at the time, Governor William Marcy, commissioned the first environmental survey of the area — which besides helped lead to the start rise of the mountain by Ebenezer Emmons — and the proper noun of the mountain was inverse.

Q: When is the best time to hike Mount Marcy?

The best time to hike Mount Marcy is betwixt May and October. This is a challenging hike in winter when atmospheric condition conditions are harsher. Therefore, hiking Mt Marcy November through April should but be washed by experienced hikers with proper gear.

Q: How difficult is Mount Marcy?

Some may consider the Mountain Marcy hiking trail difficult due to the length, it is not technically challenging and if yous are in relatively good shape you tin complete it.

Ultimate Mt Marcy Hiking Guide Video

Honey traveling through video?

Lookout man to a higher place to join me for the stunning hike up Mount Marcy!

This is truly the best way to see what this adventurous high peak trail is like.

Afterward watching, go on reading about the trek below.

Mount Marcy Trail Map & Trailhead

There are four trail options for reaching the top of Mount Marcy, though nearly people who base of operations in Lake Placid opt to start at the Adirondack Loj. You won't be disappointed, as this trail introduces yous to i of the pinnacle hikes in the world and certainly one of the best hikes in Upstate New York!

Actually, a large number of trails begin from here — just a short altitude from the parking expanse — making it a truthful hiking destination in the Adirondacks.

You'll pay $15 to park, and can opt to pay $ten for a newspaper Mt Marcy trail map from the High Peaks Information Centre.

Pro tip:

We bought the map non realizing there would exist a big map sign right past the trailhead that we could accept a photo of.

Here is a photo of that Mount Marcy hiking map:

Mount marcy trail map
Mt Marcy trail map

My Adventure Hiking The Highest Height In New York

An Like shooting fish in a barrel Get-go Hiking Mt Marcy NY

After signing in at the Mount Marcy trailhead, Andy and I set off into the forest on a relatively apartment trail.

"I don't want to jinx u.s. merely this hike seems pretty piece of cake," I say.

Well, jinx!

Our Mount Marcy hike starts off leisurely, taking us over a flat dirt path shaded by trees.

We sometimes hike over wooden planks, upward natural stairs, or up slight trail inclines, simply over an hour goes by without much difficulty.

hiking mount marcy
The Mountain Marcy hike starts off relatively flat

As we hike, the blueish trail markers stay consistent, though they guide us over ever-irresolute terrain.

We walk over giant boulders, hop on stones to cross rivers and streams, and hike across bridges offering lovely water views.

Reaching Marcy Dam

One of my favorite early-hike views comes at Marcy Dam, about an hour-and-a-one-half into the hike.

This is where we become our first existent glimpse of the Adirondack range enveloping lush forest and shrouded in fluffy clouds.

mount marcy dam views
Enjoying the Adirondack high peak views at Marcy Dam

While I wasn't tired nevertheless, if I had been, this vista certainly would have put some pep in my step.

As nosotros continue on from Marcy Dam to Mountain Marcy, nosotros head over a lovely wooden bridge and so continue into the embrace of the wood.

Once again, rivers and bridges break upwards the walk.

In fact, here is the view from High Water Span:

mount marcy hike view from high water bridge
Enjoying the beauty around High H2o Bridge on the Mount Marcy Trail. Andy is on the bridge taking a photo of me below.

At some point, there is a shift in climate, as dry earth becomes clammy and mossy, the rain from the previous night as well making parts of the trail quite muddy.

Luckily, there are wooden planks — at least in the outset — to aid us over the wet globe without completely soaking our socks.

Quick pro tip:

The weather tin modify quickly in the Keene Valley where Mount Marcy is located, so bring a pelting jacket, pelting pants, and waterproof shoes with proficient grip!

mount marcy adirondacks
A change in climate along the Mount Marcy trail
hiking in the adirondack high peaks region
The Mount Marcy trail gets steeper and steeper every bit you get

After the wooden planks, the Mountain Marcy trail becomes noticeably more than hard, as we have to walk uphill over uneven terrain and slippery stones.

Deeper and deeper we become into the forest, pino trees providing cover, birch trees dripping paper, and moss supplying bright bursts of beautiful green.

Visiting Indian Falls On The Way To Mount Marcy

The trail flattens every bit we walk past bushes of berries, following a sign offering a terminate-off at Indian Falls.

Trust me when I say, you don't want to miss spending some time enjoying the unobstructed high acme views from this waterfall!

indian falls along the mount marcy trail
Indian Falls along the Mount Marcy Trail
mt marcy hike view from Indian Falls
Mt Marcy hike view from Indian Falls

In fact, from here you can encounter Wright, Algonquin, and Iroquois Peaks perfectly framed by pines and other Adirondack trees.

After some photos and a much-needed snack re-fuel, we caput dorsum on the trail to continue our journey to the top of Mountain Marcy.

We hike over logs and boulders, and through mud that doesn't escape our shoes. Thank goodness I decided to habiliment waterproof sneakers. Wearing proper attire for hiking is very important!

Additionally, we encounter unique natural sightings like a baby tree growing out of the roots of a larger fallen tree, showing merely how alive and connected the woods truly is.

After the waterfall is besides where things get extremely challenging, equally nosotros have to walk up a steep incline of boulders.

hiking the highest peak in ny
Up and up we get!

I say a silent thank yous to the universe that information technology isn't raining, as hiking over these in moisture conditions would require very careful maneuvering to not intermission an ankle.

Actually, we'd seen a sign before the ascent, warning the states that the atmospheric condition was discipline to change at whatever moment and that it was important to have proper gear before standing. This is something important to go on in mind when hiking up whatever high mountain.

Afterwards at least an hr of scrambling over boulders, we finally emerge from the woods absolutely exhausted…

…but as well renewed, because we finally get a view of Mount Marcy's pinnacle.

A view of the Mount Marcy summit; so close yet so far!
A view of the Mountain Marcy summit; so shut notwithstanding so far!

Looking at the altitude we still have to go — almost all uphill — we know it won't be easy.

Merely at least now we can keep our eye on the prize.

A Stunning View Of The Adirondack High Peaks

Almost halfway up there is a identify to stop and have a snack while enjoying a seriously stunning view of the Adirondack Mountains from above the treeline.

"Information technology'due south hard to imagine in that location is a amend view waiting for usa at the height," I say to Andy, my camera shutter constantly clicking to capture every inch of it.

adirondack hiking on the mount marcy trail
How beautiful is this view? And we're non fifty-fifty at the Mount Marcy elevation yet!

While I would never finish after all of the work we'd put in, specially with so little (yet so much!) to go, I was feeling the burn at this point from all of the uphill climbing.

For the concluding ascent, we truly needed to scramble and get on all fours at times to make our fashion upward the steep stone confront.

"I hope I can get down," I half-joke, struggling to not autumn backward when standing upward.

Reaching The Mountain Marcy Summit

But then, after nigh 30-40 minutes of gasping for breath and clutching at sheer rock, we sally at the top of Mount Marcy — the highest top in all of New York State.

best adirondack hikes mount marcy
The final ascent up Mount Marcy.
reaching the mount marcy summit from adirondack loj
We made it! The beautiful Mountain Marcy height, featuring views of the surrounding Adirondack Loftier Peaks.

With shaky legs, we wander effectually the Mountain Marcy top, trying to take in every possible vista.

The truth is, from many spots at the top you tin go a true 360-degree view of the Loftier Peaks Region, a sight I'd never seen in my 33 years living in New York.

I spent much of my fourth dimension on the tiptop spinning in circles like a child and taking it all in.

Suddenly, a black crow glides over the landscape, calculation svelte movement to a stunning natural setting so dissimilar from what I am used to back home in New York Urban center.

Sitting downward to eat our lunch — delicious sandwiches from the Adirondack Corner Store Deli, which is open up early — I experience immense gratitude to exist experiencing such beauty.

hiking mt marcy ny, a high peak trail
The Adirondack High Peaks seem to go on forever!

I didn't mention this before, only this trip was actually our mini-honeymoon, a final-minute response to the 2020 pandemic postponing our planned honeymoon to Tanzania equally well every bit the farmhouse wedding we'd been planning.

But that was okay because the day'southward take a chance hiking up Mountain Marcy was truly something unique and special that I would never forget.

The only reason I didn't stay upward there all day was that we still needed to get back down the trail.

Spoiler:

This seemed to have longer than going up, mainly because it started to rain at ane point, and sliding down the big rocks was a bit more than frightening than bellying up over them.

A Succulent Lake Placid Dinner

When we finally do become back into Lake Placid, our home base for the trip, we quickly shower and then go out for a delicious al fresco dinner at the Upstairs Grill Steak & Seafood.

On the bill of fare for the evening:

A scrumptious seafood pasta featuring shrimp, calamari, clams, mussels, and lobster, a seafood pizza, a loaf of hot Italian staff of life, and a rich slice of cheesecake, all paired with a canteen of wine.

lake placid restaurants Upstairs Grill Steak & Seafood
A delicious dinner in Lake Placid at Upstairs Grill Steak & Seafood

Hey, nosotros'd earned information technology.

By the time nosotros'd reached the restaurant, we'd walked about 50,000 steps for the day, according to our pedometers.

I think it'south safe to assume we slept in the side by side day.

Fun Adirondack Hiking Challenges

Once you start hiking in the Adirondacks, you'll exist able to take part in a number of fun hiking challenges, a few of which include:

Join the Adirondack 46ers Guild.

The Adirondack 46ers Lodge celebrates outdoor enthusiasts who take summited all 46 loftier peaks of the Adirondack Region.

Joining the official society also entails working to preserve the wilderness, as members collaborate straight with the New York Land Department of Ecology Conservation.

Mount Marcy is one of them, and then doing this hike is a great place to start!

mount marcy is one of the best adirondack day hikes
Mushrooms forth the Mount Marcy trail

Become A Lake Placid 9er.

Becoming a Lake Placid 9er is a less intense Adirondack hiking challenge, though it's definitely not piece of cake.

The challenge entails hiking ix of the Adirondack'southward lower peaks, which in total includes 10,000 anxiety of summit and over xxx miles of trail.

The 9 peaks include:

  • Cobble Hill (2,332 feet; two.2 miles round-trip)
  • Mount Jo (ii,876 feet; 2.half-dozen miles circular-trip)
  • Baxter Mountain (ii,440 anxiety; 2.four miles round-trip)
  • Mt. Van Hoevenberg (2,940 feet; 4.iv miles circular-trip)
  • Big Crow Mountain (two,815 feet; i.4 miles circular-trip)
  • Bear Den Mountain (2,650 feet; 4.5 miles circular-trip)
  • Pitchoff Mountain (3,500 feet; v.2 miles round-trip)
  • Catamount Mount (three,169 feet; 3.half dozen miles circular-trip)
  • Hurricane Mountain (3,678 feet; 6.8 miles round-trip)

The Cranberry Lake Challenge

This Adirondack hiking challenge involves circling the 50-mile loop around Cranberry Lake — the region'due south 3rd-largest lake — over time.

Yous'll also get your name on this website!

adk trails mount marcy ny
Stopping to savour the sunshine along the Mt Marcy trail.

Mount Marcy Loftier Peak Additions

This isn't a guild, per se, but if you want to make your hike up Mount Marcy even more challenging you can add on the high peaks of Mountain Skylight and Mount Gray.

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Hotels In Lake Placid

Looking for accommodation in Lake Placid?

Click here for a full list of Lake Placid hotels!

Prefer cocky-contained stays?

Click here to cheque out unique local rentals!

You can likewise utilize this map to search for local stays:

Mount Marcy Travel Insurance

While you lot hope everything runs smoothly, sometimes travel just doesn't get co-ordinate to plan.

This is why I recommend ever purchasing travel insurance. The scary truth is it merely takes i bad blow to lose everything — or be thankful you were covered.

Personally, I use SafetyWing, equally they've got a large network, offer both short-term and long-term coverage (including express coverage in your home country), are budget-friendly, and offering $250,000 worth of coverage with just one low overall deductible of $250.

Click here to price out travel insurance for your trip in just a few clicks.

Hiking Mount Marcy: Logistics

Mt Marcy Trailhead: For those based in Lake Placid, the trailhead for Mount Marcy begins at the Adirondak Loj & Heart Lake Program Center. This is the well-nigh pop Mt Marcy trail option as information technology's the to the lowest degree technical.

Here you'll also observe the trailheads for numerous other hikes like Table Top Mountain, Phelps Mountain, the Avalanche Pass Trail (including Avalanche Lake), Mount Colden, and Mount Jo, among many others.

Another common Mount Marcy trailhead choice is Johns Brook Society, which involves doing a 16.6 mile loop.

Cost: It costs $15 to park at the Adirondak Loj & Centre Lake Program Center.

Mount Marcy Top Gain:3,170 feet.

Mountain Marcy Hike Fourth dimension:Nearly seven-to-eight hours round-trip, not including stops to eat, take photos, or enjoy the views.

Hiking Flavor: May through Oct. While Mount Marcy tin can be hiked in winter, it should only exist attempted past truly experienced hikers.

Adirondack Loftier Peak Hikes:Every bit stated above, there are 46 high peaks in the Adirondacks, with 43 on them reaching over four,000 feet. A few keen options include Mount Skylight, Big Slide Mountain, and Cascade Mount, to proper noun a few.

Adirondack Twenty-four hour period Hikes: For a moderate day hike, I recommend the Mt. Van Hoevenberg trail, which offers incredible views of the region from the summit. Actually many people choose to hike Mount Marcy via the Van Hoevenberg trail.

Essential Mt Marcy Hiking Gear: Notation: I highly recommend checking out Cotopaxi for your hiking and hazard needs, as they're passionate nigh selling sustainable gear for good causes.

  • 2 liters of water per person
  • Raincoat (the weather tin change unpredictably on the trail)
  • Hiking sneakers with ankle support (there is a lot of uphill climbing so personally I propose a lightweight selection)
  • A good quality hiking backpack, preferably ane that is waterproof — or at least a waterproof cover for your pack

Additional New York Hiking Resources:

NYC Road Trip: Waterfall Hiking In Adirondack Park

Hiking Balderdash Colina In New York'southward Hudson Valley

Hiking Carry Mount Perkins Memorial Belfry Trail In NY

What would you add to this Mt Marcy hiking guide?

Have you ever hiked up the highest height in New York?

Enjoyed this Mt Marcy hiking guide? Pivot it for later!
Mount Marcy Hiking In New York
mt marcy hiking adirondacks
Hiking Mt Marcy in New York

Related posts:

New York State's Highest Peak,

Source: https://jessieonajourney.com/mt-marcy-hiking-guide/

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