Again campsites are identified by a small yellow marker with a tent insignia on it. This trail will noticeably be more flat then the day before. In a good winter it’s buried, or nearly so. 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. Hi. I like high peaks, and places where I can see the sunset. You can park on Meadows Lane or on the right side (on your way out of the High Peaks Information Center) of Adirondack Loj Rd. Current Mount Marcy Backcountry Ski Conditions. Black Diamond Deply 7 Shovel. The weekly rate (5-7 days) is $48. Hike through this area and in 0.3 miles the forest will open up to Avalanche Lake. Back on the main trail, Feldspar lean-to is 1.2 miles away (free, as well as the campsites). The trail quickly descends, but there is great scenery to enjoy until you reach tree line again and Four Corners, where four trails converge. This flat summit is far from any trailhead, and as a result, it is usually very quiet. Thanks for the support! Continue on past the lake for 0.1 miles and arrive at what they call the four corners junction. I love everything backpacking and want to share my knowledge and experiences with you. This is New York's seventh highest summit at 4,826 feet. It supplies more detailed information on rules and regulations, how to find the trailhead, where to park, mileages, elevation gains and heights, and all essential navigational information. Some of the links above are affiliate links. My name is Justin and I'm an adventurer at heart. It is 1.1 miles to the intersection; head straight ahead to access Mount Skylight. This will complete your hike. This is what happened to a guy who was camping next to me. She is thinking she would like to climb Mt. They can be a real nuisance if you don’t come prepared. Easy to set up and compact. From there, it’s 2.3 miles of mostly flat trail to your car. 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 … If you decide to buy one I recommend the Garcia Bear-Resistant Container because of it’s durability and superior design. Rodeway Inn: This is a nice budget hotel if your looking for something very simple to spend the night at. Anywhere near water but running water, so the mosquitoes are not too bad. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure. Continue on the Mount Marcy Trail for 1.8 miles steadily climbing in elevation and following the Uphill Brook. Mount Skylight, New York's fourth highest summit at 4,925 feet, is a mere 0.5 miles away, due south. Adirondack Park: Mount Marcy. The Great Range Traverse crosses all the peaks of the range plus Mount Marcy to knock out eight of the state's 46 High Peaks, including the state high point, in one epic hike. Monte Bello Open Space Preserve, California. I have many of the water sources marked on the interactive map below so you can plan your hike accordingly. After that, you will leave Avalanche Lake and come to the Lake Colden and Avalanche Pass Trail junction. Backcountry Foray Planner near Mount Marcy The Mt. Also, one thing to be aware of is that camp fires are not allowed in the High Peaks Wilderness Area. Distance: 17 miles Duration: 8 hours Difficulty: Expert Snow: 5 feet needed . Stay on the Mount Marcy Trail by turning right. (Click the link for exact location and directions to trailhead.). Me and my husband will be going up to New York from Florida to do some backcountry camping. Climb Mt. Make your way to Marcy Dam, the hub for over a dozen mountains in the High Peaks Wilderness. 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. Continue on the Mount Marcy Trail for 1.8 miles steadily climbing in elevation and following the Uphill Brook. All rights reserved. Click the link provided for the latest price for a room. 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. The Masters Tournament will begin in a few days. To be in a place where each view is better than the next... that is what awaits you in the Eastern High Peaks section of the Adirondacks! As far as I’m concerned, though, it’s still winter. There is also wash-house facilities with showers. Another thing to be careful of is the weather. Mount Marcy. Bear right and take the Phelps Trail for 0.7 miles, dropping rapidly in elevation. Just as you emerge from the forest and make the final push to the roof of New York you will be rewarded with fantastic views in all directions. When he came back he found a bear eating his oatmeal. 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. While unmaintained, it is very well-defined and easy to follow. Sign up with your email address to receive news and updates. Availability: In stock. In the Adirondack High Peaks, spring time means lots of black flies and mosquitoes. Refer to the interactive map below for exact locations. Turn left onto the Orebed Brook Trail and descend for 0.5 miles and eventually come to a steep rock slide. It’s conveniently located right off of Rt. After 1 p.m., the rate drops to $6. This hike takes you to Mount Marcy, New York’s highest point at 5,344 feet. Then you will immediately start to climb again for 0.5 miles up Saddleback Mountain. I'm 57 she is 47. MacNaughton Mountain Snowshoe via the Wallface Ponds, The Best Winter Adventures in North America. 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. 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. It requires a specific set of survival skills and for this reason, it is a trip for more experienced hikers and campers. by Phil Brown. Click the link provided for the latest rates. The Traverse is often referred to as a day hike, but it can be a multi-day backpacking trip. Marcy and less than a five mile hike to Algonquin. There is a daily parking fee of $12. Turn left onto the Mr. Van Ski Trail (This trail will be slightly overgrown) for 1 mile and come to Marcy Brook. The baseball season opened on April 2 (the Yankees lost). The HPIC rents them. Marcy the Highest Point in New York. In about 2.5 miles from the rock slide you will arrive at a 4 trail intersection. $25.99 *Gender. Then the terrain will flatten out and you will reach the lake Tear of the Clouds. Bring MicroSpikes or crampons if you are headed to the actual summit. For 4.8 miles you will hike through dense forest and follow multiple streams. MOUNT MARCY. I recommend arriving very early in the day. Make sure you have the skills to do this one, as it’s definitely best suited for advanced level skiers. We certainly needed it for flattening out our camp site after arriving to a site with 6-8 inches of fresh snow. This trip is therefore best done in a group of four to insure safety. Start from the High Peaks Information Center, where a large parking lot accommodates a few hundred cars. It’s about building relationships with the outdoors and each other. Because of this I would recommend only carrying 2 liters of water at one time. On this particular backpacking loop you will get to see the picturesque Avalanche Lake that’s nestled between two Adirondack 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. Long approach. Stay on the Mount Marcy Trail by turning left. 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. Please see the Mount Marcy page on details on how to access the summit of Marcy. There are no water sources up high and you will go through a lot of water because of exertion. Ron Konowitz pulling fast turns before the thick veggies close in. Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Make sure to check the mountain weather forecast ahead of time at Mountain-forecast.com. Parking for this hiking loop can be found at the Adirondack (ADK) High Peaks Information Center at Heart Lake. Use the ADK-Club-built wooden steps for hikers to help navigate this difficult section. Primitive-camping is permitted up to 3500 feet elevation. Photo Credit: Marcy Dam via photopin. We spent 2 days a week 4 months prior hiking around our home 10 or 12 miles at a time. Reach the tree line quickly and enjoy unobstructed views while finishing the ascent. On Sunday, March 10, 2013, the weather for once cooperated in our try for Mount Marcy’s summit. 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. This hike will surely be a challenge for anyone, but the reward is an incredible adventure that will leave a lasting impression. Conditions were very good below tree line; above, there was a lot of wind slab and ice. On certain sections of the trail you will find rocks and boulders that sometimes require rock scrambling. Also, make sure to always filter your water because giardia and bacteria are a concern. This is technically illegal, but law enforcement is unlikely to be interested if your car camping is contained to your car and you do not leave any items outside of your car. However, know that bear canisters are mandatory. You will then turn left for 0.5 miles and come to the Mount Marcy and Lake Arnold Trail junction. If you're hiking in the High Peaks, Marcy Dam is a great basecamp with a prime location at the foot of Mt. Turn right onto the Van Hoevenberg Trail and in 0.1 miles you will arrive at the parking lot. Because of this, trekking poles are a real help to keep your balance and to keep you safe. It was on our Bucket list. To camp in the wilderness is tough in the summer because there are only so many available sites, and bears and mice may become a problem. 73 in Lake Placid, New York, which is only about 7 miles from the Van Hoevenberg Trailhead where you will start your hike from. Turn right onto the Mount Marcy Trail and start looking for a designated campsite area. Solid decision. In about 0.1 miles you will arrive at the Avalanche Pass and Van Hoevenberg Trail junction. There are many beautiful exposed summits to climb in the High Peaks, but bad weather like thunderstorms can make them very dangerous. It fills up quickly in the summer and during leaf peeping season, so plan to arrive early to beat the crowds. Information regarding access, outdoor recreation infrastructure and conditions on the lands and waters in the backcountry of the High Peaks Region for the High Peaks Wilderness, Dix Mountain Wilderness, Giant Mountain Wilderness, Hurricane Mountain Wilderness, Jay Mountain Wilderness, McKenzie Mountain Wilderness, and Sentinel Range Wilderness Phil Brown of the Adirondack Explorer on Mount Marcy in April of 2007, a great snow year where Whiteface Mt. After enjoying the views take the Van Hoevenberg Trail down the other side of Mount Marcy for 0.6 miles. The Adirondacks High Peak Wilderness is known to have a very healthy population of black bears. My sister and I planned this hike for 4 months. Here you will take a left onto the Klondike Notch Trail. In the summer you will need to backtrack a few hundred feet to cross the river on the replacement bridge; in winter, cross over the frozen pond. (The National Geographic maps do not.) Water is very easy to come by in the Adirondacks. This mostly wooded summit still has something to offer if you walk around; in winter, score a great view of Mount Marcy thanks to the accumulation of snow. Campsites are identified by a small yellow marker with a tent insignia on it. I’m going to ski Mount Marcy today. Mountains have the power to stir within us a passion for wide open, wild places. It’s not as nice, so take time to soak in the views and the peaceful nature. This was my first big, multi-peak hike in the Adirondacks. 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. It’s about nourishment and learning. In the Adirondack High Peaks Wilderness of northern New York, you will find this to be true. You will then arrive at the Mr. Van Ski and Van Hoevenberg Trail junction. Some of the best campsites are located around or close to Lake Colden and Avalanche Lake. Want to spend the night at a campsite or lean-to? High Peaks Trails Guide Book: The guide book is designed to be used in conjunction with a map. When hiking up these mountains you will notice that there are no switchbacks at all. Distance: 17 miles Duration: 8 hours Difficulty: Expert Snow: 5 feet needed. Around Avalanche Lake you can expect flatter terrain, but there will still be big boulders to navigate. This hike takes you to Mount Marcy, New York’s highest point at 5,344 feet. This trail follows the same route as the Avalanche Pass trail, but it veers left after the former site of Marcy Dam. ski area registered 265″. The short side trip to Indian Falls is worth effort, especially when waters are running high. If you click on them and purchase an item, I'll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. On the way to Marcy you will notice the trail to Phelps and Table Top, two other Adirondack 46ers. The spring equinox occurred on March 20. One of the best water filters on the market is the Sawyer Squeeze because it’s lightweight and has a fast flow rate. Less skiers in the Adirondacks compared with New Hampshire and Vermont: We’ve seen a boom in backcountry skiing in the United States over the last 15 years. Here you will descend very rapidly for 0.5 miles. 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