Hiking in the Adirondack Region

LAKE PLACID, N.Y. – The Adirondack region of New York boasts over 2,000 miles of hiking trails, leading to beautiful lakes, rivers and mountain summits. It is the largest hiking trail system in the nation, providing visitors with great access to the Adirondack wilderness.

There are numerous access points for hiking along the region's scenic byways. The trailheads are clearly marked by signs along the road, while the various roadside lots provide ample parking, allowing hikers to stop their car and begin their adventure.

The Adirondack region includes the 6 million-acre Adirondack Park, surrounding countryside and the western shore of Lake Champlain. The region is well-known for its mountains, with 42 peaks over 4,000 feet in height, enticing travelers from all over the world.

Hikers in the Adirondack region will discover trails suited to all abilities and interests. There are hundreds of easy hikes to small mountains with incredible views suitable for families with children. Those intent on finding solitude may spend a week backpacking in the wilderness; while hikers who are hoping for a real challenge may climb the region's High Peaks.

The High Peaks region presents endless possibilities for hiking enthusiasts. One hundred of the region's mountains are higher than 3,000 feet. Mount Marcy is the highest peak in New York at over 5,300 feet, with several different routes to the summit, making it a very popular destination for hikers.

Many area hikers prefer Algonquin Peak, the other Adirondack peak over 5,000 feet. This is a challenging climb with views of the High Peaks at the summit. Cascade and Porter both measure just over 4,000 feet. These are the easiest High Peaks hikes and they provide very rewarding views for the effort. They are also very popular hikes; so don't expect to be alone.

The Adirondacks are most famous for the High Peaks, but the area offers so much more. Few hikers are aware that there are over 2 million additional acres that have trails, lakes and mountains to explore in areas that are much less crowded than the High Peaks region. The southern and western Adirondacks are areas that has been somewhat forgotten by hikers who often head directly for the High Peaks. As a result, the trails in these areas are free of other hikers; in fact, hikers in these regions may never encounter another person during their outing. Suitable for beginners, the smaller mountains and easy trails in the area provide opportunities for families and less experienced day hikers. Although the mountains are much smaller, wonderful views of the High Peaks can be found from the summits.

One of the most interesting and perhaps least known features of the Adirondack region is the 133-mile continuous wilderness footpath, the Northville – Placid Trail. The trail connects the Adirondack foothills in the south with the High Peaks region to the north. Lakes, ponds and streams are met at every turn as the trail passes along valleys, ridges and mountaintops. The trail runs in a north-south direction and the degree of ascent is not difficult for a hiker in moderately good condition. An average hiker with backcountry experience should plan on about 8-11 days to make the trip, though the trail could be traveled in sections by hikers on overnight trips.

The Adirondack Regional Tourism Council can provide information about hiking in the region. For a copy of Adirondack Great Walks and Day Hikes, contact the Adirondack Regional Tourism Council at 800-487-6867, or visit www.Adirondacks.org.


Some Items Needed for a Day Hike

Comfortable, sturdy shoes or hiking boots
Daypack
Water
Wool socks
Extra food
Compass / maps
Knife / multipurpose tool
Flashlight
Lightweight rain jacket
Fleece jacket
First aid kit
Waterproof matches
Hat / sunglasses
Don't forget your camera!


Basic Rules for Hiking and Camping in the Adirondack region

The rules associated with using Department of Environmental Conservation managed public lands in New York state for recreational purposes are relatively simple and straightforward:

·Hiking and backcountry camping are allowed on Forest Preserve lands in the Adirondack Park;
·Generally, camping is prohibited on Unique Areas, Wildlife Management Areas and other categories of state land;
·Hiking is generally permitted anywhere but special requirements apply to mountain biking and horseback riding;
·Camping is prohibited within 150 feet of roads, trails, lakes, ponds, streams or other bodies of water;
·Lean-tos are available in many areas on a first come first served basis. Lean-tos cannot be used exclusively and must be shared with other campers;
·Carry out what you carry in. Practice "leave no trace" camping;
·Removing plants, rocks, fossils or artifacts from state land without a permit is illegal.


Hiking Resources

Park-Wide Emergency Dispatch
518-891-0235

Department of Environmental Conservation
Ray Brook, NY 12977
518-897-1200

The High Peaks Region is the territory of the "46ers" – a loosely organized club of those who've climbed the 46 highest Adirondack peaks. You don't join the Forty-Sixers, you become one by climbing these peaks. Your climbs must be reported to the Adirondack Forty-Sixer Historian.

The Office of the Historian
Adirondack Forty-Sixers
P.O. Box 9046
Schenectady, NY 12309-0046