MACINTYRE RANGE
via Adirondack LoJ
The MacIntyre Range is an iconic Adirondack destination, featuring Wright Peak, Algonquin Peak, and Iroquois Peak. Each mountain has its own personality and can be hiked individually or combined into one challenging, rewarding adventure. Whether tackling one or all three, expect stunning views, steep terrain, and classic Adirondack ruggedness. This guide is to help aid in each one individually or all together
What to know
Start:
Adirondack Loj
Elevation Gain:
Wright: 2,600 feet
Algonquin: 3,100 feet
Iroquois: 4,100 feet
Whole Range: 4,600 feet
Summit Elevations:
Wright: 4,587 feet
Algonquin: 5,114 feet
Iroquois: 4,840 feet
Trail Length:
Wright: 7.6 miles
Algonquin: 8.6 miles
Iroquois: 10.6 miles
Whole Range: 11.6
​
Difficulty:
Wright: 3 out of 7
Algonquin: 4 out of 7
Iroquois: 4 out of 7
Whole Range: 5 out of 7
Average Hiking Time:
Wright: 5 - 6 hours
Algonquin: 6 - 7 hours
Iroquois: 7 - 8 hours
Whole Range: 8 - 9 hours
Dog Friendliness:
Leashed dogs permitted; steep, exposed mostly. Have lots of water for your dog.
Trail Surface:
Very rocky and heavily trafficked, well-maintained but physically demanding, especially above treeline.
Water Availability:
No water on most of the route except for MacIntyre
Falls half way up.
Maximum Grade:
Wright: 550 ft/0.4 mi
Algonquin: 750 feet/0.5 miles
​
Sunrise or Sunset:
Wright Peak or Algonquin for sunrise is absolutely amazing.
​
View Type:
Exceptional panoramic views.
Special Considerations:
Although Wright Peak alone is shorter, don’t underestimate its difficulty. Algonquin’s exposed summit has dangerous weather potential, while Iroquois involves technical trail navigation in low visibilty. All peaks experience strong winds year-round, so wind protection gear is crucial. Plan adequate turnaround or bailout options in case of fatigue or weather changes.
Intro
The MacIntyre Range stands prominently in the Adirondack High Peaks, rich in fascinating history and abundant with breathtaking views. Comprising Wright Peak, Algonquin Peak, and Iroquois Peak, each summit carries its own unique historical narrative.
Wright Peak was named by renowned surveyor Verplanck Colvin in 1873 to honor Silas Wright, Jr., an influential New York politician whose extensive public service included roles as U.S. Senator, State Comptroller, and Governor. Notably, Wright Peak was first studied by William Redfield, who summited in October 1883 to examine the alpine flora—an event commemorated today by a memorial plaque near the summit, alongside airplane wreckage from a tragic 1962 crash.
​
Algonquin Peak, originally known as Mount MacIntyre, was named in 1837 after Archibald MacIntyre, leader of the McIntyre Iron Works. Algonquin’s distinctive prominence has often led visitors to confuse it with Mount Marcy, due to its dramatic roadside appearance. Just three days after Mount Marcy’s initial ascent in 1837, Algonquin was conquered by the same pioneering party, marking an extraordinary week of historic first ascents in the region. In 1922, legendary Adirondack explorer Bob Marshall praised Algonquin’s vistas as perhaps unmatched in beauty among Eastern peaks.
​​
Iroquois Peak earned its name from famed surveyor Verplanck Colvin around 1880, commemorating the historically dominant Iroquois Nation. Although it narrowly misses the official classification of a separate mountain—rising just 190 feet from the connecting col instead of the required 200 feet—Iroquois offers unforgettable views into pristine wilderness valleys. William Brown summited Iroquois in 1883, setting up a signal station to aid Colvin’s extensive survey efforts of the Adirondacks.
​
Boundary Peak, a sub-peak connecting Algonquin and Iroquois, holds its own compelling history. Contrary to popular myths, its name does not come from tribal borders. Verplanck Colvin named it circa 1880. The first ascent of Boundary was made by another surveyor, Charles Broadhead, and his team in June 1797. Tasked by the state of New York to survey the Old Military Tract, Broadhead and his crew blazed a 40-mile straight line, encompassing nearly 17,000 vertical feet of climbing, from Elizabethtown to Tupper Lake. Their journey took them over Giant Mountain achieving its first ascent near the summit of Tabletop Mountain, and eventually over present- day Boundary Peak. Interestingly, although Broadhead was less than half a mile from Algonquin Peak’s summit, he did not
venture over to it. It took another 40 years before someone would explore the MacIntyre Range again, and nearly a century before Iroquois Peak was summited. Thus, the name Boundary Peak was born.
The Hike
The MacIntyre Range hike begins at Adirondack Loj, at the end of Parking Lot Number 1 near the High Peaks Info Center. Be sure to sign in at the large trail register here for safety and tracking purposes. There's a detailed map near the register depicting the area's trails.
​
The hike begins pleasantly, offering gentle terrain and spruce forest as you cover the first mile toward your first trail intersection. At exactly one mile, you'll reach a fork: left to Marcy Dam and straight ahead to Algonquin and the MacIntyre Range. Follow the signs straight ahead toward Algonquin.
​
As you continue for another 2.3 miles, the trail slowly increases in ruggedness, featuring rocky sections, occasional scrambles, ski-trail crossings, and a couple of small streams (good places to filter water if needed). At around 2.6 miles from the start, you'll encounter the scenic MacIntyre Falls and pass by the Wright Peak Ski Trail and MacIntyre Falls campsite. Avoid hiking the ski trail; it is for ski use only. After another 0.7 miles (3.3 miles total), you'll crest the ridge and arrive at the Wright Peak junction, clearly marked with a privy sign. This spot is the 4,000-foot mark.
Wright Peak Summit (0.4 miles from junction)
​
To reach Wright Peak, turn right here. This final ascent is steep and rugged, climbing about 550 feet over exposed rock. Midway up, you'll pass the alpine zone sign marking the start of fragile alpine vegetation. Be especially careful not to step off the trail. The route involves a brief scramble on slab rock marked by yellow blazes, offering good handholds. After this steep push, you'll arrive at Wright's exposed summit. Enjoy fantastic 360-degree views, including Algonquin's striking Northeast Bowl, Mount Colden with Mount Marcy directly behind, and picturesque Heart Lake. Wright Peak is notably windy—often the windiest summit in the Adirondacks. Return to the junction where you split off.
​
ALGONQUIN and IROQUOIS
​
Back at the intersection (approximately 3.6 miles from the start), continue straight to ascend Algonquin Peak, the second highest summit in New York. This next 0.7-mile section ascends dramatically about 1,100 feet. Soon after passing the Wright junction, you'll tackle a steep, often wet slab section; sticking to the right side makes it easier. Upon reaching the alpine zone boundary at approximately 3.8 miles from the trailhead, continue carefully following yellow markers and rock cairns. In poor visibility, this area is especially difficult to navigate, so pay close attention. After roughly a quarter-mile push above treeline, you'll crest the summit of Algonquin Peak, clearly marked by a metal summit disc.
To continue toward Iroquois Peak, descend from Algonquin’s summit toward Boundary Peak, following cairns and yellow blazes carefully, especially if visibility is poor. Upon reaching the col between Algonquin and Boundary Peak, you’ll find a marked junction; left leads down steeply to Lake Colden, while your route to Iroquois Peak continues right, re-entering the woods. DO NOT TURN LEFT for this will take you down to Lake Colden (read alternate approaches below)
The unmarked but easily navigable herd path continues approximately 0.6 miles through alternating wooded and rocky terrain, crossing over Boundary Peak. After Boundary, you'll briefly dip back below the treeline before climbing again through tight spruce forest and navigating wooden planks over marshy sections. Approaching the final ascent of Iroquois, look for freshly constructed wooden steps on a boulder—do not follow the blocked herd path around this section. After ascending these steps, you’ll reach Iroquois Peak’s spectacular summit. This marks the end of the maintained trail. Enjoy the panoramic views before carefully retracing your route back over Boundary and Algonquin, then all the way back down to the Adirondack Loj.
Trail Summary
-
0.0 miles: Start at Adirondack Loj trailhead.
-
1.0 miles: Intersection; Continue straight.
-
2.6 miles: Reach MacIntyre Falls and campsite; continue straight.
-
3.3 miles: Wright Peak intersection (right for Wright Peak summit or straight for Algonquin).
-
3.8 miles: Wright Peak summit; return to main trail.
-
4.3 miles: Back to Wright Peak intersection; continue straight for Algonquin.
-
4.8 miles: Summit of Algonquin Peak; continue toward Iroquois.
-
5.2 miles: Junction for trail down to Lake Colden (do NOT take it); keep right toward Iroquois.
-
5.5 miles: Cross over Boundary Peak.
-
5.8 miles: Summit of Iroquois Peak; retrace route to Adirondack Loj.
-
11.6 miles: Return to Adirondack Loj parking lot.
Alternate Approaches
Lake Colden via Avalanche Pass (The Algonquin Trail)
12.5 miles, 3,800 feet elevation gain
This route ascends steeply between Boundary Peak and Lake Colden. It's rugged, rocky, and very challenging, involving strenuous climbing up large boulders and many streams. It’s less favored but a good challenge if you seek additional difficulty or prefer a different perspective.