UPPER & LOWER Wolfjaw
Via AMR
Though frequently paired with other peaks of the Lower Great Range, Upper and Lower Wolfjaw Mountains make a rewarding standalone adventure. While these mountains might not top many favorite lists due to fewer expansive views, they offer distinctive forest ridgelines and varied technical features, making them an excellent choice for hikers looking to experience less traditional Adirondack summits.
What to know
Start:
Adirondack Mountain Reserve
(AMR)/Ausable Club, St. Huberts
Elevation Gain:
3,900 feet
Summit Elevations:
Upper Wolfjaw (4,185 feet)
Lower Wolfjaw (4,175 feet)
Trail Length:
11.2 miles
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Difficulty:
4 out of 7 Moderate
Average Hiking Time:
7–9 hours
Dog Friendliness:
Not permitted from AMR; allowed if hiking from the Garden Trailhead on the other side.
Trail Surface:Popular trail with mixed dirt and rocky terrain, including high-elevation scrambles
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Water Availability:
Limited; rivers available lower down but none at higher elevations
Maximum Grade:
500 feet over 0.3 starting to Upper Wolfjaw
500 feet in 0.5 miles up Lower Wolfjaw
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Sunrise or Sunset:
Sunrise from Upper Wolfjaw is remarkable but challenging; hiking in darkness not recommended
Special Considerations:
Trekking poles are highly recommended due to steep sections. This route is best suited to experienced hikers. Ascend Upper Wolfjaw first due to its difficulty, then proceed to Lower Wolfjaw. The ridge connecting the two peaks is rugged and steep with plentiful roots and rocks, though it is a clearly marked trail.
Intro
Upper and Lower Wolfjaw were historically considered one mountain, named by Verplanck Colvin. It wasn't until 1895 that the US Geological Survey officially recognized them as separate peaks. Today, the Wolfjaws are commonly hiked from multiple trailheads, including the Garden, Rooster Comb, and AMR.
The Hike
The Hike Starting at the AMR parking area, begin walking uphill on the gravel road for 0.5 miles, turning left near the tennis courts. Follow the short paved road to the AMR gate, sign-in, and continue along Lake Road for approximately one mile (20 minutes), until reaching a wooden bridge on the right marked for the Wolfjaws. Cross this bridge and continue right through the East Trail intersection, following the path toward the Ausable River bridge at 0.25 miles on a gravel path.
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Crossing the Ausable River, you’ll tackle a brief, steep bank, ascending approximately 300 feet over 0.7 miles. At the next intersection, you’ll encounter Wedge Brook Falls; turn right and ascend alongside the cascading river. Climbing around 1,000 feet over the next mile, the trail steepens initially then moderates. It eventually veers left, traversing open hardwood forests until reaching the Wedge Brook campsite at 2,800 feet elevation.
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Passing the campsite, the trail steepens sharply and, after 0.4 miles, reaches a fork. Bear left toward the col between Upper and Lower Wolfjaw (you’ll return via the right trail after Lower Wolfjaw). At 0.2 miles beyond this fork, another intersection appears.
Stay left toward Upper Wolfjaw, ascending steeply for 0.3 miles, involving scrambles and root-assisted climbs, until reaching Upper Wolfjaw Notch. Cross over the Notch, ascend another steep 0.2 miles, and find the summit outlook spur trail on the right. Enjoy stunning views of the surrounding High Peaks.
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Descend carefully back to the intersection for Lower Wolfjaw. Ascend steadily for 0.5 miles (approximately 500 feet), with consistent terrain featuring rocky scrambles. After about 0.2 miles, you'll see a spur trail shortcut; continue left, tackling a short, tricky scramble before reaching Lower Wolfjaw’s summit at 0.3 miles farther. Enjoy a limited but rewarding view through trees, noting Johns Brook Lodge and distant peaks.
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Returning, take the spur trail shortcut to the Wedge Brook Trail intersection, turn left, and follow your original path back to AMR.
Trail Summary
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0.0 miles: Begin at AMR parking lot
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0.5 miles: AMR gate on Lake Road
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1.5 miles: Turn right at Wolfjaw’s bridge
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2.0 miles: Cross Ausable River
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2.7 miles: Wedge Brook Falls intersection
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3.8 miles: Reach Wedge Brook campsite
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4.5 miles: Intersection with Range Trail; ascend Upper Wolfjaw
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4.9 miles: Upper Wolfjaw Notch
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5.2 miles: Summit Upper Wolfjaw; backtrack to intersection
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6.0 miles: Begin ascent of Lower Wolfjaw
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6.5 miles: Summit Lower Wolfjaw; backtrack
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6.7 miles: Left onto Wedge Brook cutoff
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7.0 miles: Rejoin Wedge Brook Trail; retrace steps
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11.2 miles: Finish at AMR parking lot
Alternate Approaches
The Garden Trailhead:
11.5 miles, 3,800 feet elevation gain. Recommended alternative, less crowded, slightly rugged; similar approach but without reservation system.
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Rooster Comb Trailhead:
12.1 miles, 5,000 feet elevation gain.
More strenuous route involving multiple ascents and descents including Rooster Comb and Hedgehog; recommended for those seeking additional challenge.