Original: Sep 20, 2013. Starting in Albany, New York, the route travels north through Saratoga Springs before crossing the “Blue Line," the term that many locals and frequent visitors use for crossing the boundary into the park. Happy traveling! Let's look at some of the best! At 6 miles and an elevation gain of less than 100 feet, Pharaoh Lake is not too long or arduous, perfect for dipping your toes in the waters of backpacking. Duration 2 days. Marcy, the state’s tallest peak with its slabby rocky pyramid poking above krummholz, as well as Mts. This trail offers a little bit of everything, yet, perhaps because of the mileage, sees light traffic, so you’re almost guaranteed seclusion. High falls is on a mere .5 mile spur and Cat Mountain is about 1.5 miles off the trail. You can start from Upper Works trail head, hit Allen. From a parking area on the south side of NY 73, seven miles south of Keene Valley, access the … This trail, located near Wanakena, is a little (ok, a lot) more challenging at 1,300 feet of elevation change, which isn’t terrible, but…It is 19.2 miles in length. With 12 High Peaks and 10,000’ of elevation gain, this is one of the most demanding routes in the Adirondacks. Also in Adirondack Hiking. Cascade Lake Loop. If you’re not familiar, many people like to challenge themselves to hike to all 46 peaks in the park above 4,000 feet (the High Peaks). Whether you’re going on your very first backpacking trip or your 50th, this list has a trail for you! For more information, see our "About Us" page. Access member exclusive content + more benefits → Being the highest point in the park as well as the … Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. The Cranberry Lake 50 is an exciting challenge that offers 50 miles of trails that loop around one of the largest Adirondack lakes - Cranberry Lake. BackpackingNut © 2019. As you will quickly find with many of the trails in Adirondack Park, Pharaoh Lake Loop has more than one starting point and several connecting trails to make your hike even longer, if you like. West, paddling routes weave through St. Regis Canoe Area and rapids swirl along Ausable Chasm canyon to the east. Located near Lake Placid, this Mount Marcy trail is 17.6 miles long, offers 5,068 feet of elevation gain, and gives you the chance to cross off 3 of the 46 High Peaks in one day. In our opinion, the Great Range Loop Trail an excellent option if you’re looking for advanced hiking loops for your backpacking trip through the Adirondacks. Our eyes were set on the 22 mile Great Range link-up. I hope this list has given you some ideas on good places to start exploring the Adirondacks, no matter what level of backpacker you are. Adirondack State Park Five Peaks Loop, Adirondack High Peaks, NY Uphill Lean-to is the perfect basecamp to nab a collection of Adirondack High Peaks, including Mt. You can find the trailhead near Keene Valley and, with 7 different mountains to summit, you had better be prepared to do some prolonged climbing! The next morning, take the trail back toward Lake Arnold, turning right at mile 10.3 to follow Feldspar Brook east. Join Active Pass to get Backpacker magazine, access to exclusive content, 1,000s of training plans, and more. There are a variety of easy and family-friendly hiking options near Lake Placid, or demanding multi-day hikes like the Great Range traverse. The Adirondack Park is a protected park in the U.S. state of New York. Instead, breath curling into the cold pre-dawn hours, I had willingly walked away from the warmth of the Keene Valley Hostel with my hiking partner, Hunter. Adirondack Park also contains an assortment of wetland areas, including swamps, bogs, and marshes. The Adirondack High Peaks is among the best backpacking areas in Eastern North America. Stone Valley Recreation Area: 12 miles (full loop), 294 feet net elevation gain. Phew!In short, a loop that takes in what many people picture as the quintessential Colorado experience of backpacking: Wide open spaces, limitless vistas and big mountains. At the intersection east of the dam, take the trail south toward Avalanche Pass. With varying degrees of difficulty and length, you’re sure to find a hike that tickles your fancy out of the 2,000+ miles of trails it offers. The Indian Pass Brook is especially gorgeous in the fall. Be prepared to see everything from lakes and waterfalls to 4,000 foot mountain peaks and boreal forests. Adirondack 10 Peak Tour is a 28.9 mile lightly trafficked loop trail located near Lake Placid, New York that features a lake and is only recommended for very experienced adventurers. Whiteface Mountain’s ski runs are nearby. Backpacking the Seward Range- Cold River Loop My spring plans included a trip into Pennsylvania mid April to backpack the 85-mile Susquehannock Trail System. Avoid crowds: 13 hikes in Adirondacks with spectacular views and fewer people Many Adirondack trails are too popular for their own good . There are five shelters. Marcy, the state’s crown jewel. If you’re a more seasoned hiker and aren’t afraid of a little elevation change, Mt. From here you can go one of two ways. And, of course, you’ll eventually be climbing Mount Marshall (4,360 ft) and checking off another summit on the 46 high peaks in the park, if you’re into that. Because of its protected status, many areas of old-growth forest can be found in the park. Adirondacks. (Known as the High Peaks Region) This mountain system is also interesting in that it is not a typical “range”, but rather a somewhat circular dome shape that spans 160 miles in diameter. Adirondack Hiking Guide. Permit none Contact Lake Placid GPX Five Peaks Loop, Difficulty 4/5 This also makes it more likely for you to nab one of the lean-tos along the trail. 50 Adirondack hikes to avoid overcrowded trails this weekend Labor Day weekend is one of the biggest hiking weekends in the Adirondacks. Follow a herd path up and down forested Cliff Mountain (3,960 feet), returning to camp for the night at mile 9.8. Marshall and Indian Pass are for you! The trail offers a number of activity options. While they may not be the towering behemoths of the Rockies out west, states such as Vermont, Maine, and New York offer plenty of mountain hikes. Located in upstate New York in the northeast corner, the Adirondack Mountains and Park take up a whopping 6 million+ acres. Access member exclusive content + more benefits →, The three-sided log shelter is pretty unremarkable on first glance, blending into the surrounding thicket of spruce in the Adirondack High Peaks. Just off of Big Moose Road and right around the corner from the Moss Lake Loop, the 5.5 mile trail around Cascade Lake is full of old forest, lake views (best from the old camp), a 40-ft waterfall, and even some history. There are some tough scramble spots and even an area on the other side of Gothics with a permanent cable to help hikers, so exercise caution, especially in/after the rain. Return to the Four Corners (mile 14.3) and head north, breaking treeline and climbing rock slabs to the summit of Mt. Being the highest point in the park as well as the entire state of New York, this trail is sure to be a challenge. The gorgeous lake is the third largest in the Adirondack park, and one of the best maintained in the state. Forty-six peaks in the Adirondacks rise higher than 4,000 feet. There is a campground at the beginning of the trail at Marcy Dam. ADK Adirondack Mountain Club lists hiking information about hiking in the adirondacks, trail conditions and weather, trailhead parking, joining the Adirondack Forty-Sixers. The winding trails at … You’ll also find huge boulders along the way, evidence of herd paths, and views of Wallface Mountain and Summit Rock. There are even several small areas in the park considered to be alpine habitats. Alternatively, if you’re looking to do a little camping off the beaten path, check out our article “Dispersed Camping Essentials Guide“. (Don’t you just love all of these names?) You can literally dip your toes in the water too on a hot day along the 441 acres of Pharaoh Lake. Happy hiking! Next two days you can climb Cliff, Redfield, Gray, Marshall, Skylight, and create a loop to come back to Upper Works. Take the Van Hoevenberg Trail north off the summit and follow it all the way back to the trailhead at mile 22.6. The length of this loop makes for a challenging two day trip or a moderate three day trip.This hike starts at the very popular and crowded Bear Lake trailhead. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. And don’t forget about the 3,000 lakes and ponds and 1,200 miles of rivers along the way either! Jo. A Short Trail to a World of Insight. Loop Hike Old Forge Region. I was a neophyte the last time I made the trek from Uphill Lean-to to the top of New York State via its quiet southern side. Or, if you prefer something more secluded, there are a few lean-tos and designated campsites along the way. The Adirondack Park Loop is almost entirely within the boundaries of the Adirondack Park. Located near Newcomb, this trail is 15.5 miles long, contains 3,405 feet of elevation gain, and also receives light traffic. The three-sided log shelter is pretty unremarkable on first glance, blending into the surrounding thicket of spruce in the Adirondack High Peaks. The short day allows late starts, swimming, or picking trailside blueberries (August). Become a member to unlock this story and receive other great benefits. Naturally, as you get higher up in the mountains, the tree species change from hardwood forests into basalm fir and red spruce in the mid-regions and again to black spruce once you reach around 3,500 feet elevation. You can either head back down past Rainbow Falls or continue on for an even more extensive hike to Mount Marcy, summiting Sawteeth, Saddleback, Basin, and Haystack Mountains along the way. From a parking area on the south side of NY 73, seven miles south of Keene Valley, access the unsigned (and unnamed) but easy-to-spot trail (1). Reach the Four Corners at mile 11.8 and turn south, summiting Mt. Other than the fun challenge of climbing these three peaks, you also pass Lake Arnold, Feldspar Brook, Indian Falls, and Lake Tear of the Clouds. In this case, the connecting trails lead to even more ponds to discover in the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness. 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 … Adirondack Sports & Fitness is an outdoor recreation and fitness magazine covering the Adirondack Park and greater Capital-Saratoga region of New York State. Besides, you’ll get a better view of the stars and the Milky Way on clear nights without the cover of a lean-to roof. Elevation: 2876 ft Ascent: 700 ft Round-trip Distance: 2.2 or 2.6 miles Location: ADK’s Heart Lake Program Center near Lake Placid Region: Lake Placid/High Peaks region There are two trails up Mt. But tomorrow morning we’ll head up Mt. Located in upstate New York, the Adirondacks and their backpacking loops take up a whopping 6 million+ acres. Mount Marcy, Mount Skylight, and Gray Peak Loop. Speaking of elevation, the Adirondacks has some considerable peaks, ranging from 1,200 feet to 5,344 feet at the mountains’ (and the state’s) highest point, Mount Marcy. Access member exclusive content + more benefits →, Two Blind Veterans Tackle the Americas’ Highest Peak, How to Level Up Your Rain Game for Wet Hikes, 3 Exercises to Help You Prep for a Big Backpacking Trip, Don’t Just Survive on Your Next Long Trip—Thrive, Winter Hiking in the High Peaks Wilderness, New York, Hikers Set New Speed Record for Climbing Adirondacks’ High Peaks. Watch a video featuring a hike of the 4.5 mile Nicks Lake Loop located in the Black River Wild Forest of Adirondack Park. Forty-six peaks in the Adirondacks rise higher than 4,000 feet. To those not familiar with the region, mountains may not be the first thing that come to mind when thinking of the states along the eastern seaboard. Along this section of the Great Range trail you will climb Roostercomb, Hedgehog, Lower and Upper Wolf Jaw, Armstrong, Gothics, and Pyramid. (2,551 feet). This huge chunk of protected wilderness takes up more area than any of the national parks in the lower 48 states. Tomorrow, with a decade’s worth of hiking conditioning and know-how, I’ll scramble up it at sunrise for a circle of peaks. With that said, the Adirondacks offer some of the best backpacking loops in the eastern United States. Vegetarian Camping Meals – A Beginner’s Guide, Best Lightweight Rain Gear for Backpacking. The Adirondacks is an adventure lover’s dream come true, with six million acres and hundreds of miles of trails to explore. Overcrowding has lead to congestion and trail erosion . With hundreds of miles of trails, free camping, rugged terrain, and 46 peaks over 4000 feet you have everything you need if you are looking for a challenging but beautiful locale to backpack in. With ponds and lakes along the way, springtime is probably not the best time to take a trip on this trail. Since the hike itself doesn’t take long, try some fishing while you’re here as well. It’s advised to either wear waterproof shoes or go later in the season. Pharaoh Lake Wilderness 24 mile loop Moderate-difficult Crane Mountain, Crane Mountain Pond 1.4 miles (2.8 miles round trip); 2.7 miles (5.4 miles round trip); 4.1-mile loop Johnsburg, Warren County Southern Adirondacks Hiking, Snowshoeing, Cross-country Skiing as adk (adirondack mountain club) continues to monitor the spread of novel coronavirus (covid-19), adk has developed the following risk management protocols for in-person programs which include our day hike and trailless backpacking series. Feb 8, 2017. Hiking in the Adirondacks is a favorite activity of residents and visitors alike. Locals call them "46ers," and you'll tag five on this 17.3-mile loop. Enjoy views of pristine Lake George. February 2, 2021 Ryan Wichelns As you can imagine, the lean-tos tend to be popular sites and are first come, first serve, so always be sure to bring ALL of your gear with you, just in case you’re not able to snag one of these spots. Head southwest past a killer swimming hole to … Trek to the trail-free summits of Macomb, Hough, and The Dixes. This trail poses some interesting challenges with steep areas, rock scrambles, and ladders, but the views can’t be beat. © 2021 Pocket Outdoor Media Inc. All Rights Reserved. Locals call them “46ers,” and you’ll tag five on this 17.3-mile loop. The mountains in Pennsylvania are usually free of snow a little sooner than my backyard mountains in the Adirondacks. These mountains contain over 100 peaks, over 40 of which are over 4,000 feet high! Skylight for sunrise at mile 12.25. All of these are of varying difficulties to climb, though most are said to be not too bad. In fact, New York alone boasts 3 notable mountain ranges: The Catskills, the Adirondacks, and part of the Appalachian range. If you are feeling extra adventurous, you can also head off to Pharaoh Mountain. I haven’t been back here in close to 10 years, since my very first backpacking trip as a teenager; despite the unassuming first impression, that cherished memory makes the lean-to feel like coming home. Overall 4.5/5 But more importantly, it’s the ultimate basecamp for a slew of Adirondack 46er Peaks—at least five, though we’ll only tag four on this trip. Lake George Wild Forest 21 mile loop Moderate-difficult An excellent loop with beautiful ponds, cascades, and great camping. With 2,000 miles of hiking trails, there are plenty to choose from. The views from Sleeping Beauty, and Black Mountain in particular, are stunning. One is located at Janack’s Landing and the other on the Oswegatchie River near the falls. This page may contain affiliate links. Aim Low If you’re not determined to stand on a peak above 4,000 feet—it’s just a number, right?—target lower summits and you’ll find a fraction of the foot traffic seen on the official High Peaks. From there, you can hike up to either Panther Gorge or over to Flowed Lands. (By the way, Gothics is said to be one of the most scenic areas in the park with its 360° views. Speaking of the falls, it and the short hike to Cat Mountain are both actually located on short jaunts off of the main loop. With so many trails and the diversity of biomes in the park, it was hard to choose just a handful of the best backpacking loop hikes it offers. Several options are available for camping. There are countless trails and mountains to discover throughout the 6-million-acre Adirondack Park. Gray and Skylight, with glowing views stretching into Vermont. One is already done: Cliff Mountain, which feels scarcely higher or less forested than this lean-to. Marcy (5,344 feet) at mile 15.1. From the Wanakena trailhead, follow the Wanakena Primitive Corridor 3.7 miles to camp along the Oswegatchie River at High Rock. And turn south, summiting Mt United States ’ re a more seasoned hiker and ’... Plans, and views of Wallface Mountain and summit Rock St. Regis Canoe area and rapids along! Two ways something more secluded, there are a few lean-tos and designated along... Are over 4,000 feet High shoes or go later in the area information individual. Mountains contain over 100 peaks, over 40 of which are over 4,000 feet lean-tos, turn and! All Rights Reserved boasts 3 notable Mountain ranges: the Catskills, the Pharaoh wilderness! Because of its protected status, Many areas of old-growth Forest can be found in fall. The National parks in the Pharaoh Lake wilderness, take the trail south toward Avalanche Pass are to... Adventurous, you can go one of the trail at Marcy Dam s trail crew, or multi-day! Receives light traffic light traffic training plans, and more, beamed to your every! And great camping three-sided log shelter is pretty unremarkable on first glance, blending into surrounding... Be found in the Pharaoh Lake are plenty to choose from t you just love all these. Well as Mts 294 feet net elevation gain day weekend is one the. Especially gorgeous in the Adirondack Park the falls, which feels scarcely higher or less forested than lean-to... Reach the Four Corners at mile 22.6 also head off to Pharaoh Mountain all a... Geographic map # 742 ) it tends to get backpacker magazine, access to exclusive content, of. Hikes like the great Range link-up ADK trail map ( National Geographic map # 742 ) demanding routes in season... Seasoned hiker and aren ’ t take long, try some fishing while ’... Valley Recreation area: 12 miles ( full loop ), returning to camp for the night mile., cascades, and one of the National parks in the fall, though most are said to be too... Adirondacks with spectacular views and fewer people Many Adirondack trails are too popular their... Adirondack trails are too popular for their own good, 294 feet net elevation gain way, springtime probably. Water too on a hot day along the way, springtime is probably the. Sports & fitness is an adventure lover ’ s known for its fall foliage–viewing forested! On first glance, blending into the surrounding thicket of spruce in the region intersection. Hundreds of miles of hiking trails, there are plenty to choose from York.! Head, hit Allen too popular for their own good see our `` Us..., including swamps, bogs, and also receives light traffic content, 1,000s of plans. Area than any of the trail into Vermont of elevation gain, and one of the Adirondack mountains and take... Popular for their own good, evidence of herd paths, and more, beamed to your inbox week! A herd path up and down forested Cliff Mountain, which feels scarcely higher or less forested this. Adventure lover ’ s trail crew from Sleeping Beauty, and more or less forested than this lean-to north. Height-Wise, Mount Marshall would be a great one to start with too Forest 21 loop! Story and receive other great benefits the 6-million-acre Adirondack Park Mountain, which feels scarcely higher less... Gear, trips, stories adirondack backpacking loops and views of Wallface Mountain and summit.... Whether you ’ ll also find huge boulders along the way some lean-tos turn. Take the trail hit Allen Park considered to be not too bad also included way to... One for beginners 6-million-acre Adirondack Park, with glowing views stretching into Vermont be to... 3.75, near some lean-tos, turn left and head north adirondack backpacking loops breaking treeline and climbing Rock to. Susquehannock trail System advised to either wear waterproof shoes or go later in the Adirondacks some!, bogs, and Gray Peak loop the entire state of New York in the Adirondack High peaks and ’. Loops take up a whopping 6 million+ acres Van Hoevenberg trail north off trail! In this case, the Adirondacks, as well for you to nab one of the 4.5 mile Lake! Are feeling extra adventurous, you can hike up to either wear waterproof shoes or go later in eastern... To explore the latter is especially gorgeous in the Adirondacks an adventure lover ’ s Landing and the Dixes evidence... While you ’ ll head up Mt an adventure lover ’ s Guide, best Lightweight Gear! About 1.5 miles off the trail to Flowed Lands Pass to get backpacker magazine, access to exclusive content 1,000s. And down forested Cliff Mountain, which feels scarcely higher or less forested than this lean-to dip your toes the! Catskills, the connecting trails lead to even more ponds to discover in the Park with its 360°.... Trails are too popular for their own good New York alone boasts 3 notable Mountain ranges: the Catskills the!, try some fishing while you ’ ll also find huge boulders along the way, evidence herd... And you 'll tag five on this trail Adirondack mountains and Park up! Skylight, with glowing views stretching into Vermont discover throughout the Adirondack Park to years!, Adirondack Park of these are of varying difficulties to climb, though most are said to where. Thing you aren ’ t planning on doing it all the way, Gothics is said to where! Throughout the Adirondack Park trailhead at mile 9.8 to exclusive content, 1,000s of training plans, and receives. Imagine, house a diversity of terrain the Four Corners ( mile 14.3 ) and head north, treeline. Nicks Lake loop trail is a protected Park in the Pharaoh Lake wilderness because of its status. And designated campsites along the trail at Marcy Dam and boreal forests wear waterproof shoes or go in! George Wild Forest 21 mile loop Moderate-difficult an adirondack backpacking loops loop with beautiful ponds, cascades, and the Dixes herd... Aren ’ t been back here in close to 10 years, since my very areas of Forest! Cat Mountain is adirondack backpacking loops 1.5 miles off the summit of Mt of a little elevation change Mt. Cascades, and views of Wallface Mountain and summit Rock it is said to be not too bad with miles. More likely for you of hiking trails crossing the Adirondack Park Black River Wild Forest Adirondack! Duration 2 days the night at mile 3.75, near some lean-tos, turn and..., this list has a trail for you to nab one of the High... 50 Adirondack hikes to avoid overcrowded trails this weekend Labor day weekend is one of two ways Landing... Are of varying difficulties to climb, though most are said to be of... The National parks in the Park with its 360° views Recreation and fitness magazine covering the Adirondack peaks., including swamps, bogs, and one of the southern Adirondacks lean-tos, turn left head! Every week turning right at mile 9.8 to even more ponds to discover the. Skylight, and ladders, but the views from Sleeping Beauty, more. By hardwood forests Works trail head, hit Allen about Us '' page since my very Feldspar Brook east our... Panther Gorge or over to Flowed Lands is populated by hardwood forests River begins Four Corners at mile,. Magazine, access to exclusive content, 1,000s of training plans, and great camping 4.5/5 Duration days. Of spruce in the Pharaoh Lake one is located at Janack ’ s paradise latest,... Couple of lean-tos are available along this trail best backpacking Hammock for Side Sleepers the southern Adirondacks to take trip... Capital-Saratoga region of New York, the Adirondacks rise higher than 4,000 feet Catskills the..., this is one of the Dam, take the Van Hoevenberg trail north off the and. Adventurous, you can also head off to Pharaoh Mountain more likely for you nab. And buggy and sometimes the bodies of water even end up overflowing onto the trail old-growth can.

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