High Peaks Wilderness Area
ATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
High Peaks Wilderness Area is located entirely within Adirondack Park in eastern New York. It is the largest wilderness area in the state, and the second largest in the Eastern United States. Listed below are the 10 best reasons to visit the High Peaks Wilderness Area.
1. Pristine Wilderness
PURE NATURE | HIGH PEAKS WILDERNESS
The High Peaks Wilderness Area offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in one of the most pristine and expansive wilderness areas in the eastern United States. This vast protected landscape allows visitors to experience true solitude and connection with the natural world while catching a glimpse into the raw beauty of the Adirondacks. Whether hiking through old-growth forests or camping beside remote alpine lakes, visitors can find a deep sense of peace and rejuvenation in this unspoiled wilderness.
2. Adirondack Mountains
ICONIC PEAKS | HIGH PEAKS WILDERNESS
The High Peaks Wilderness Area is home to 42 of the 46 High Peaks, offering some of the most challenging and rewarding hiking experiences in New York. The region includes iconic peaks like Mount Marcy, Algonquin Peak, and Mount Haystack, each providing breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Hikers who complete all 46 peaks earn the prestigious title of "Adirondack 46er," a badge of honor among outdoor enthusiasts. The diverse landscapes make the High Peaks Wilderness a unique and captivating destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
3. Mount Marcy
HIGHEST PEAK IN NEW YORK | KEENE NY
Mount Marcy, standing at 5,344 feet, is the highest peak in New York State. The challenging 14.8-mile round trip hike offers diverse ecosystems and panoramic views of the Adirondacks. From the summit, hikers can see surrounding peaks like Algonquin, Gothics, and Whiteface, as well as glimpses of Vermont and Canada on clear days. The trail is part of the Great Range Trail, known for its scenic beauty and rugged terrain.
4. Cascade Mountain
BEGINNER-FRIENDLY HIGH PEAK | KEENE NY
Cascade Mountain, standing at 4,098 feet, offers a fantastic reward for moderate effort with its 7.2-kilometer out-and-back route and 581 meters of elevation gain. This hike is ideal for beginners looking to start their High Peaks adventure, providing great summit views of the surrounding landscape, including Lake Placid and Lake Champlain on clear days. The trail to the summit is relatively short and steep, making it a challenging but achievable goal for those new to hiking in the Adirondacks. Cascade Mountain can often be paired with Porter Mountain for a more comprehensive hiking experience.
5. The Great Range Trail
CHALLENGING 25-MILE TREK | KEENE VALLEY NY
The Great Range Trail is a demanding 25-mile hike traversing 12 mountain peaks in the Adirondacks. Starting at the Roostercomb Trailhead in Keene Valley, it covers approximately 10,000 feet of elevation gain. Recognized as one of America's toughest day hikes by Backpacker Magazine, the trail offers flexibility for hikers to complete sections or choose specific mountains. The Great Range Trail provides an ultimate test of endurance and rewards hikers with spectacular views of the High Peaks region.
6. Adirondack Canoe Route
WATERWAY ADVENTURE | ADIRONDACK PARK NY
The Adirondack Canoe Route offers a unique perspective of the wilderness on the western edge of the High Peaks area. This paddling adventure allows visitors to explore pristine lakes and rivers while observing wildlife in their natural habitat. The route can be customized to suit different skill levels and time constraints, providing a peaceful way to experience the natural beauty of the Adirondacks. Canoeing through this scenic waterway offers a serene alternative to hiking for experiencing the region's landscape.
7. Lake Tear Of The Clouds
HUDSON RIVER SOURCE | KEENE NY
Lake Tear of the Clouds, located at 4,293 feet elevation on the southwest slope of Mount Marcy, is the highest lake in New York State. This small, remote tarn is recognized as the source of the Hudson River. Reaching the lake requires a challenging hike, rewarding visitors with a serene and otherworldly atmosphere. The clear waters and surrounding alpine vegetation offer a unique high-altitude ecosystem experience. Visiting Lake Tear of the Clouds provides hikers with a sense of accomplishment and a connection to the origins of one of America's most important rivers.
8. Marcy Dam
ICONIC TRAILHEAD HUB | NORTH ELBA NY
Marcy Dam is an iconic location serving as a popular starting point for many High Peaks adventures. The area around the dam offers good water access and serves as a hub for several hiking trails. It's an excellent spot for picnicking, photography, and observing the surrounding wilderness. The washed-out dam creates a wide-open area perfect for taking rest breaks with plenty of sun and shade available. Hikers can enjoy the scenic beauty and use Marcy Dam as a base for exploring deeper into the High Peaks region.
9. Wanika Falls
WATERFALL HIKE | ADIRONDACK PARK NY
The trek to Wanika Falls offers hikers a chance to experience a less-traveled part of the Adirondack Park along the historic Northville-Placid Trail. This journey allows hikers to enjoy the diverse flora and fauna of the region, as well as the peaceful sounds of the wilderness. The hike to Wanika Falls provides a rewarding end to the trek, with the opportunity to rest and enjoy the natural beauty of the cascading water. This scenic waterfall hike combines the allure of a hidden gem with the challenge of a longer trail, making it an attractive option for those seeking a unique Adirondack experience.
10. Avalanche Pass
DRAMATIC VIEWS | HIGH PEAKS WILDERNESS AREA
Avalanche Pass is a dramatic and narrow mountain pass featuring steep cliffs and stunning views of Avalanche Lake. The trail through the pass includes ladders and wooden walkways that skirt the edges of the lake, hugging the cliffs in a spectacular display of natural beauty. This area is known for its challenging terrain and offers a unique hiking experience in the High Peaks Wilderness. The pass also showcases the region's diverse flora and fauna, making it a popular spot for nature enthusiasts and photographers.
11. Avalanche Lake
DRAMATIC MOUNTAIN LAKE | NORTH ELBA NY
Avalanche Lake is a picturesque 9-acre mountain lake nestled at 2,885 feet elevation in the Adirondack High Peaks. Surrounded by towering cliffs, the lake offers a dramatic and awe-inspiring landscape. Hikers can enjoy scenic beauty while traversing challenging terrain around the lake. The unique setting of Avalanche Lake, with its steep mountain walls, creates a memorable and visually stunning experience for visitors exploring this part of the High Peaks Wilderness.
12. Boreas Ponds
SCENIC MOUNTAIN VIEWS | NEWCOMB NY
Boreas Ponds is a stunning 320-acre body of water located in the Boreas Ponds Tract, part of the Adirondack Park Forest Preserve. The area offers breathtaking views of the High Peaks, including Mount Marcy, Haystack, Gothics, and Saddleback, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The tract includes other notable water features like LaBier Flow, Boreas River, and several brooks, providing habitat for cold-water fish such as brook trout. Access is via Gulf Brook Road, which allows visitors to hike or bike to the ponds.
13. Algonquin Peak
2ND-HIGHEST PEAK IN NEW YORK | KEENE NY
Algonquin Peak is the second-highest mountain in New York State, standing at 5,114 feet. The summit offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Adirondack wilderness. Hikers can reach the peak via a challenging 4-mile trail that becomes progressively steeper and rockier. The summit area features fragile alpine vegetation, and visitors are encouraged to stay on marked paths to protect the delicate ecosystem.
14. Gothics Mountain
UNIQUE PEAK | HIGH PEAKS WILDERNESS
Gothics Mountain is the 10th-highest of the 46 Adirondack High Peaks, with an elevation of 4,736 feet. The mountain is known for its distinctive rock slides that resemble Gothic architecture, giving it its unique name. The trail to the summit features large fixed cables and ladders at certain points to assist hikers in navigating steep sections. At the top, adventurous hikers can explore a hidden cave, adding an element of mystery to the mountain experience.
15. Indian Pass Trail
BACKCOUNTRY EXPERIENCE | NEWCOMB NY
The Indian Pass Trail offers hikers a chance to experience the rugged beauty of the Adirondacks, passing through dense forests and along rocky outcroppings. This trail provides access to some of the more remote areas of the wilderness, allowing for a true backcountry experience. Hikers on the Indian Pass Trail should be prepared for challenging terrain and variable weather conditions. The diverse landscape along the trail showcases the natural beauty of the High Peaks Wilderness, offering a less-traveled route for adventurous hikers seeking solitude and scenic vistas.
16. Adirondack Loj
LODGE & CAMPGROUND | LAKE PLACID NY
The Adirondack Loj is a historic wilderness lodge located near Lake Placid in the High Peaks Wilderness Area of the Adirondacks. It serves as a gateway to the High Peaks, offering easy access to several of the 46 High Peaks, including Algonquin Peak and Mount Marcy. The lodge provides accommodations for up to 38 guests in private rooms, bunk rooms, and a co-ed loft, along with a rustic dining room serving home-cooked meals. The site also includes the Wilderness Campground at Heart Lake, featuring various camping options such as tent sites, lean-tos, and canvas cabins.
17. Backcountry Camping
FEATURED ACTIVITY | HIGH PEAKS WILDERNESS
The High Peaks Wilderness area features numerous shelters scattered throughout, offering true Adirondack backcountry camping experiences. These lean-tos provide basic shelter for hikers and backpackers exploring remote areas of the wilderness. Staying at these rustic shelters allows visitors to immerse themselves in nature and potentially witness stunning sunrises and sunsets from mountaintop locations. Backpacking to lean-tos requires proper planning and adherence to Leave No Trace principles to preserve the wilderness, offering a genuine outdoor adventure in the heart of the Adirondacks.
18. Rock Climbing
FEATURED ACTIVITY | HIGH PEAKS WILDERNESS
The High Peaks region offers a range of rock climbing opportunities for different skill levels, from beginner routes to challenging multi-pitch climbs. Rock climbing in the Adirondacks provides a unique way to experience the rugged beauty of the mountains up close. Climbers can test their skills on various rock faces and cliffs throughout the area, enjoying vertical adventures and stunning views. Proper equipment and knowledge of local regulations and safety practices are essential for climbers tackling the diverse terrain in the High Peaks Wilderness.
19. Winter Recreation
FEATURED ACTIVITY | HIGH PEAKS WILDERNESS
The High Peaks Wilderness transforms into a winter wonderland during colder months, offering unique opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and winter hiking on the extensive trail network. Some resorts provide complimentary snowshoes for exploring woodland trails. Winter activities in the area offer a different perspective of the landscape, allowing visitors to experience the quiet beauty of snow-covered mountains and providing a chance to witness stunning winter scenery in the heart of the Adirondacks.
20. Wildlife Observation
FEATURED ACTIVITY | HIGH PEAKS WILDERNESS
Wildlife observation in the High Peaks Wilderness Area offers visitors the chance to encounter a diverse array of Adirondack species in their natural habitat. The region is home to iconic animals such as black bears, moose, white-tailed deer, and beavers. Birdwatchers can spot various species, including the elusive Bicknell's thrush, peregrine falcons, and common loons. The area's numerous lakes and streams support a rich aquatic ecosystem, making it an excellent destination for observing both terrestrial and aquatic wildlife.