5,344 toes.
That’s the peak of New York’s highest peak, Mount Marcy, the very mountain my husband Andy and I’d be summiting on this heat day within the gorgeous Adirondack Area.
Whereas this may increasingly pale compared to different peaks around the globe, relating to mountain climbing in New York it’s fairly spectacular.
Plus, this reasonably difficult trek will go away you feeling rewarded, albeit barely sore.
And together with lovely landscapes that change as you trek, the 360-degree views of the Adirondack’s well-known excessive peaks from the summit are completely worthy of the usually over-used time period “breathtaking.”
Enjoyable reality:
Adirondack State Park is residence to 46 mountains — with 43 of them stretching over 4,000 toes tall — and is the most important protected space within the contiguous United States. While you’re right here, you’re really in an out of doors journey paradise.
There are lots of issues to do when visiting Lake Placid and the Adirondacks of New York, and I extremely suggest making climbing Mount Marcy considered one of them.
On that observe, let’s dive into this final Mt Marcy mountain climbing information and be taught precisely tips on how to summit the best peak in New York, in addition to what the expertise is actually like.
Desk of Contents
- What Is Your Mountaineering Persona (Free Quiz!)
- How To Hike Mount Marcy FAQ
- Final Mt Marcy Mountaineering Information Video
- Mount Marcy Path Map & Trailhead
- My Journey Mountaineering The Highest Peak In New York
- A Scrumptious Lake Placid Dinner
- Enjoyable Adirondack Mountaineering Challenges
- Renting A Automotive To Discover The Adirondacks
- Accommodations In Lake Placid
- Mount Marcy Journey Insurance coverage
- Mountaineering Mount Marcy: Logistics
What Is Your Mountaineering Persona (Free Quiz!)
Earlier than we dive into this information to mountain climbing Mount Marcy, I wish to invite you to take my free mountain climbing persona quiz.
This quick and enjoyable quiz will assist you to uncover what kind of hiker you might be, with outcomes sharing instructed hikes to match.
Click on right here to take the free mountain climbing persona quiz!
On that observe, let’s discover a few of New York’s excessive peak wilderness!
How To Hike Mount Marcy FAQ
Earlier than I let you know about our expertise mountain climbing Mount Marcy, listed below are some solutions to often requested questions on this epic expertise within the Adirondacks of Upstate New York:
Q: Are you able to hike Mt Marcy in sooner or later?
Sure! It takes most individuals about seven-to-eight hours to hike Mount Marcy. It took my husband and me about 10 hours as we stopped loads to take photographs, eat, and benefit from the views.
Q: How lengthy of a hike is Mount Marcy?
Mount Marcy is the best peak within the Adirondacks and New York State, reaching 5,344 toes. The hike is 14.8 miles round-trip.
Q: Are you able to camp on Mount Marcy?
A preferred tenting choice on the Mount Marcy path is close to Marcy Dam, which affords views of the excessive peaks and is barely 2.3 miles from the Mount Marcy trailhead at Adirondak Loj at Coronary heart Lake, a part of the Adirondack Mountain Membership. There’s additionally a campsite between Marcy Dam and Indian Falls on the path.
Q: What number of Mount Marcy trails are there?
You’ll be able to entry the summit of Mount Marcy by way of 4 completely different trails, with the preferred and non-technical choice being the route up from Adirondack Loj. In the event you’ll be mountain climbing by yourself, considered one of my high solo mountain climbing suggestions can be to do that route.
The path up Mount Marcy is well-marked with extra trails, pure sights, and campsites
Q: How do you get to Mount Marcy from NYC?
The Adirondacks makes for an amazing street journey from NYC and it’s additionally considered one of my favourite solo street journey concepts within the USA! It’s advisable to have a automobile, which lets you discover the area. From New York Metropolis, the drive is about 5 hours, primarily heading north on route I-87.
Renting a automobile?
I extremely suggest utilizing Uncover Automobiles to rapidly examine your choices.
Q: The place does the title Mount Marcy come from?
Apparently, the primary white settlers known as Mount Marcy “Tahawus” which implies “Cloud Splitter.”
Then within the 1830s, the governor on the time, Governor William Marcy, commissioned the primary environmental survey of the realm — which additionally helped result in the primary ascent of the mountain by Ebenezer Emmons — and the title of the mountain was modified.
Q: When is the very best time to hike Mount Marcy?
The very best time to hike Mount Marcy is between Could and October. This can be a difficult hike in winter when climate situations are harsher. Subsequently, mountain climbing Mt Marcy November by means of April ought to solely be accomplished by skilled hikers with correct gear.
Q: How troublesome is Mount Marcy?
Some might think about the Mount Marcy mountain climbing path troublesome because of the size, it’s not technically difficult and if you’re in comparatively good condition you possibly can full it.
Final Mt Marcy Mountaineering Information Video
Love touring by means of video?
Watch above to hitch me for the gorgeous hike up Mount Marcy!
That is really one of the best ways to see what this adventurous excessive peak path is like.
After watching, proceed studying concerning the trek beneath.
Mount Marcy Path Map & Trailhead
There are 4 path choices for reaching the highest of Mount Marcy, although most individuals who base in Lake Placid choose to begin on the Adirondack Loj. You gained’t be disenchanted, as this path introduces you to one of many high hikes on this planet and positively top-of-the-line hikes in Upstate New York!
Really, numerous trails start from right here — only a quick distance from the parking space — making it a real mountain climbing vacation spot within the Adirondacks.
You’ll pay $15 to park, and might choose to pay $10 for a paper Mt Marcy path map from the Excessive Peaks Data Middle.
Professional tip:
We purchased the map not realizing there can be a big map signal proper by the trailhead that we might take a photograph of.
Right here is a photograph of that Mount Marcy mountain climbing map:
Mt Marcy path map
My Journey Mountaineering The Highest Peak In New York
An Simple Begin Mountaineering Mt Marcy NY
After signing in on the Mount Marcy trailhead, Andy and I set off into the forest on a comparatively flat path.
“I don’t wish to jinx us however this hike appears fairly simple,” I say.
Effectively, jinx!
Our Mount Marcy hike begins off leisurely, taking us over a flat grime path shaded by timber.
We typically hike over wood planks, up pure stairs, or up slight path inclines, however over an hour goes by with out a lot issue.
The Mount Marcy hike begins off comparatively flat
As we hike, the blue path markers keep constant, although they information us over ever-changing terrain.
We stroll over big boulders, hop on stones to cross rivers and streams, and hike throughout bridges providing beautiful water views.
Reaching Marcy Dam
Considered one of my favourite early-hike views comes at Marcy Dam, about an hour-and-a-half into the hike.
That is the place we get our first actual glimpse of the Adirondack vary enveloping lush forest and shrouded in fluffy clouds.
Having fun with the Adirondack excessive peak views at Marcy Dam
Whereas I wasn’t drained but, if I had been, this vista actually would have put some pep in my step.
As we proceed on from Marcy Dam to Mount Marcy, we head over a beautiful wood bridge after which proceed into the quilt of the forest.
Once more, rivers and bridges break up the stroll.
The truth is, right here is the view from Excessive Water Bridge:
Having fun with the sweetness round Excessive Water Bridge on the Mount Marcy Path. Andy is on the bridge taking a photograph of me beneath.
In some unspecified time in the future, there’s a shift in local weather, as dry earth turns into damp and mossy, the rain from the earlier night time additionally making elements of the path fairly muddy.
Fortunately, there are wood planks — at the least to start with — to assist us over the moist earth with out fully soaking our socks.
Fast professional tip:
The climate can change rapidly within the Keene Valley the place Mount Marcy is positioned, so deliver a rain jacket, rain pants, and waterproof sneakers with good grip!
A change in local weather alongside the Mount Marcy path
The Mount Marcy path will get steeper and steeper as you go
After the wood planks, the Mount Marcy path turns into noticeably harder, as we now have to stroll uphill over uneven terrain and slippery stones.
Deeper and deeper we go into the forest, pine timber offering cowl, birch timber dripping paper, and moss supplying shiny bursts of gorgeous inexperienced.
Visiting Indian Falls On The Method To Mount Marcy
The path flattens as we stroll previous bushes of berries, following an indication providing a stop-off at Indian Falls.
Belief me once I say, you don’t wish to miss spending a while having fun with the unobstructed excessive peak views from this waterfall!
Indian Falls alongside the Mount Marcy Path
Mt Marcy hike view from Indian Falls
The truth is, from right here you possibly can see Wright, Algonquin, and Iroquois Peaks completely framed by pines and different Adirondack timber.
After some photographs and a much-needed snack re-fuel, we head again on the path to proceed our journey to the highest of Mount Marcy.
We hike over logs and boulders, and thru mud that doesn’t escape our sneakers. Thank goodness I made a decision to put on waterproof sneakers. Sporting correct apparel for mountain climbing is essential!
Moreover, we see distinctive pure sightings like a child tree rising out of the roots of a bigger fallen tree, displaying simply how alive and related the forest really is.
After the waterfall can also be the place issues get extraordinarily difficult, as we now have to stroll up a steep incline of boulders.
Up and up we go!
I say a silent thanks to the universe that it isn’t raining, as mountain climbing over these in moist climate would require very cautious maneuvering to not break an ankle.
Really, we’d seen an indication earlier than the ascent, warning us that the climate was topic to alter at any second and that it was essential to have correct gear earlier than persevering with. That is one thing essential to bear in mind when mountain climbing up any excessive mountain.
After at the least an hour of scrambling over boulders, we lastly emerge from the forest completely exhausted…
…but in addition renewed, as a result of we lastly get a view of Mount Marcy’s peak.
A view of the Mount Marcy summit; so shut but to date!
Wanting on the distance we nonetheless must go — nearly all uphill — we all know it gained’t be simple.
However at the least now we are able to maintain our eye on the prize.
A Beautiful View Of The Adirondack Excessive Peaks
About midway up there’s a place to cease and have a snack whereas having fun with a critically gorgeous view of the Adirondack Mountains from above the treeline.
“It’s laborious to think about there’s a higher view ready for us on the high,” I say to Andy, my digital camera shutter continuously clicking to seize each inch of it.
How lovely is that this view? And we’re not even on the Mount Marcy summit but!
Whereas I’d by no means cease after all the work we’d put in, particularly with so little (but a lot!) to go, I used to be feeling the burn at this level from all the uphill climbing.
For the ultimate ascent, we really wanted to scramble and get on all fours at occasions to make our method up the steep rock face.
“I hope I can get down,” I half-joke, struggling to not fall backward when standing up.
Reaching The Mount Marcy Summit
However then, after about 30-40 minutes of gasping for breath and clutching at sheer rock, we emerge on the high of Mount Marcy — the best peak in all of New York State.
The ultimate ascent up Mount Marcy.
We made it! The attractive Mount Marcy summit, that includes views of the encircling Adirondack Excessive Peaks.
With shaky legs, we wander across the Mount Marcy summit, making an attempt to soak up each attainable vista.
The reality is, from many spots on the high you may get a real 360-degree view of the Excessive Peaks Area, a sight I’d by no means seen in my 33 years dwelling in New York.
I spent a lot of my time on the summit spinning in circles like a toddler and taking all of it in.
Instantly, a black crow glides over the panorama, including sleek motion to a surprising pure setting so completely different from what I’m used to again residence in New York Metropolis.
Sitting all the way down to eat our lunch — scrumptious sandwiches from the Adirondack Nook Retailer Deli, which is open early — I really feel immense gratitude to be experiencing such magnificence.
The Adirondack Excessive Peaks appear to go on endlessly!
I didn’t point out this earlier than, however this journey was really our mini-honeymoon, a last-minute response to the 2020 pandemic suspending our deliberate honeymoon to Tanzania in addition to the farmhouse marriage ceremony we’d been planning.
However that was okay as a result of the day’s journey mountain climbing up Mount Marcy was really one thing distinctive and particular that I’d always remember.
The one purpose I didn’t keep up there all day was that we nonetheless wanted to get again down the path.
Spoiler:
This appeared to take longer than going up, primarily as a result of it began to rain at one level, and sliding down the massive rocks was a bit extra horrifying than bellying up over them.
A Scrumptious Lake Placid Dinner
After we lastly do get again into Lake Placid, our residence base for the journey, we rapidly bathe after which exit for a scrumptious al fresco dinner on the Upstairs Grill Steak & Seafood.
On the menu for the night:
A delicious seafood pasta that includes shrimp, calamari, clams, mussels, and lobster, a seafood pizza, a loaf of scorching Italian bread, and a wealthy slice of cheesecake, all paired with a bottle of wine.
A scrumptious dinner in Lake Placid at Upstairs Grill Steak & Seafood
Hey, we’d earned it.
By the point we’d reached the restaurant, we’d walked about 50,000 steps for the day, in response to our pedometers.
I believe it’s protected to imagine we slept within the subsequent day.
Enjoyable Adirondack Mountaineering Challenges
When you begin mountain climbing within the Adirondacks, you’ll be capable of participate in various enjoyable mountain climbing challenges, just a few of which embrace:
Be a part of the Adirondack 46ers Membership.
The Adirondack 46ers Membership celebrates outside fanatics who’ve summited all 46 excessive peaks of the Adirondack Area.
Becoming a member of the official membership additionally entails working to protect the wilderness, as members collaborate instantly with the New York State Division of Environmental Conservation.
Mount Marcy is considered one of them, so doing this hike is a good place to begin!
Mushrooms alongside the Mount Marcy path
Grow to be A Lake Placid 9er.
Changing into a Lake Placid 9er is a much less intense Adirondack mountain climbing problem, although it’s undoubtedly not simple.
The problem entails mountain climbing 9 of the Adirondack’s decrease peaks, which in complete consists of 10,000 toes of elevation and over 30 miles of path.
The 9 peaks embrace:
- Cobble Hill (2,332 toes; 2.2 miles round-trip)
- Mount Jo (2,876 toes; 2.6 miles round-trip)
- Baxter Mountain (2,440 toes; 2.4 miles round-trip)
- Mt. Van Hoevenberg (2,940 toes; 4.4 miles round-trip)
- Huge Crow Mountain (2,815 toes; 1.4 miles round-trip)
- Bear Den Mountain (2,650 toes; 4.5 miles round-trip)
- Pitchoff Mountain (3,500 toes; 5.2 miles round-trip)
- Catamount Mountain (3,169 toes; 3.6 miles round-trip)
- Hurricane Mountain (3,678 toes; 6.8 miles round-trip)
The Cranberry Lake Problem
This Adirondack mountain climbing problem includes circling the 50-mile loop round Cranberry Lake — the area’s third-largest lake — over time.
You’ll additionally get your title on this web site!
Stopping to benefit from the sunshine alongside the Mt Marcy path.
Mount Marcy Excessive Peak Additions
This isn’t a membership, per se, however if you wish to make your hike up Mount Marcy much more difficult you possibly can add on the excessive peaks of Mount Skylight and Mount Grey.
Renting A Automotive To Discover The Adirondacks
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Accommodations In Lake Placid
In search of lodging in Lake Placid?
Click on right here for a full checklist of Lake Placid inns!
Favor self-contained stays?
Click on right here to take a look at distinctive native leases!
You too can use this map to seek for native stays:
Mount Marcy Journey Insurance coverage
Whilst you hope the whole lot runs easily, typically journey simply doesn’t go in response to plan.
This is the reason I like to recommend all the time buying journey insurance coverage. The scary reality is it solely takes one dangerous accident to lose the whole lot — or be grateful you have been coated.
Personally, I exploit SafetyWing, as they’ve received a big community, provide each short-term and long-term protection (together with restricted protection in your house nation), are budget-friendly, and provide $250,000 price of protection with only one low total deductible of $250.
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Click on right here to take the free mountain climbing persona quiz!
Mt Marcy Trailhead: For these primarily based in Lake Placid, the trailhead for Mount Marcy begins on the Adirondak Loj & Coronary heart Lake Program Middle. That is the preferred Mt Marcy path choice because it’s the least technical.
Right here you’ll additionally discover the trailheads for quite a few different hikes like Desk High Mountain, Phelps Mountain, the Avalanche Move Path (together with Avalanche Lake), Mount Colden, and Mount Jo, amongst many others.
One other frequent Mount Marcy trailhead choice is Johns Brook Lodge, which includes doing a 16.6 mile loop.
Price: It prices $15 to park on the Adirondak Loj & Coronary heart Lake Program Middle.
Mount Marcy Elevation Achieve: 3,170 toes.
Mount Marcy Hike Time: About seven-to-eight hours round-trip, not together with stops to eat, take photographs, or benefit from the views.
- 2 liters of water per particular person
- Raincoat (the climate can change unpredictably on the path)
- Mountaineering sneakers with ankle help (there’s loads of uphill climbing so personally I recommend a light-weight choice)
- An excellent high quality mountain climbing backpack, ideally one that’s waterproof — or at the least a water-proof cowl in your pack
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