MOUNT MARCY
via ADK LoJ
As New York State's highest peak, Mount Marcy draws countless hikers seeking the thrill of standing atop its impressive summit. Its popularity attracts both seasoned trekkers and ambitious newcomers to the Adirondacks, yet it's vital to approach this hike with respect for its length and difficulty. This adventure requires preparation, endurance, and is not suitable for beginners.
What to know
Start:
Adirondack Loj
Elevation Gain:
3,600 feet
Summit Elevations:
Marcy: 5,344 feet
Trail Length:
14.8 miles
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Difficulty:
4 out of 7, Difficult
Average Hiking Time:
8-10 hours
Dog Friendliness:
Leashed dogs permitted; Hike is long. Have lots of water for your dog.
Trail Surface:
Heavily trafficked, rocky, muddy, with large stones throughout. Exposed summit
Water Availability:
Limited water along the trail; carrying at least 2.5 liters recommended
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Maximum Grade:
650 feet over 0.6 miles; two steep sections (mid-point and final ascent)​
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Sunrise or Sunset:
Sunrise is spectacular for experienced night hikers; best enjoyed in a group
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View Type:
Exceptional panoramic views, primarily during the final half-mile
Special Considerations:
This hike is extensive and demanding; thorough preparation is essential. Avoid wearing sneakers and cotton clothing. Bring a headlamp with spare batteries, a windbreaker for the windy summit, and trekking poles to handle rocky terrain safely.
Intro
Mount Marcy, the iconic pinnacle of New York State, demands attention. Despite common misconceptions, the name "Tahawas" (meaning "Cloud Splitter") was never officially used; rather, it was coined by Charles Hoffman, an 1830s New York editor who romanticized his Adirondack travels. Standing atop Marcy's summit reveals every Adirondack high peak except the shortest, Couchsachraga. The most frequently traveled path to Marcy begins at the Adirondack Loj via the Van Hoevenberg Trail, a challenging yet captivating journey through historic wilderness.
The Hike
As the route ascends, rocks dominate the landscape. After 0.7 miles, the ski trail reconnects from the left, closely followed by the intersection for Tabletop Mountain. Continue past these markers to reach Indian Falls. A brief detour to the right offers stunning views of the MacIntyre Range from atop the falls; retrace carefully, avoiding descending yellow markers.
Returning to the main trail, immediately turn left and follow the blue markers steadily upward for 1.4 miles to the junction with the Hopkins Trail, connecting to Johns Brook Valley. At this intersection, bear right to continue toward Marcy. This section becomes progressively steeper, climbing through two clearings known as the lower and upper plateaus, former lean-to locations.
Begin your journey at Parking Lot Number 1 near the High Peaks Information Center at Adirondack Loj, where detailed trail maps and current hiking conditions are available. Register at the sign-in booth for safety and trail-use records.
The initial mile to Marcy Dam is an enjoyable, gently rolling trail through spruce forests and mixed terrain. At the one-mile mark, you'll reach a junction with signage directing left toward Marcy Dam and straight toward the MacIntyre Range. Turn left, continuing 1.3 miles to Marcy Dam. Upon reaching the dam, pass it on the left side, cross the bridge, and then turn right.
Shortly after crossing, sign in again at the second register.
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Just beyond this register, the trail splits: right leads toward Avalanche Lake and Mount Colden; your path to Marcy is clearly marked to the left via the Van Hoevenberg Trail. Gradually gaining elevation, the terrain becomes increasingly rocky. One mile beyond Marcy Dam, pass the junction for Phelps Mountain, and soon afterward cross a bridge. Shortly past the bridge, avoid the Mount Marcy Ski Trail (ski use only and overgrown), staying right on the Van Hoevenberg Trail.
At the 0.6-mile mark past the Hopkins intersection, you'll reach Marcy's shoulder and the intersection with the Range Trail, at approximately 4,800 feet elevation. The left path leads toward Haystack and the Great Range; turn right to summit Marcy. The final 0.5-mile ascent is marked by delicate alpine vegetation. Carefully follow boardwalks, cairns, and yellow-painted markers, avoiding stepping off-trail. Heed any protective signs and barriers.
After negotiating rocky scrambles and irregular terrain, you'll reach Marcy’s summit, crowned by a commemorative plaque placed in 1937 celebrating the mountain’s first ascent centennial. Clear days offer awe-inspiring vistas stretching up to 131 miles, with a view that includes nearly all of the Adirondacks' high peaks. Descend along the same 7.4-mile route back to the trailhead.
Trail Summary
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0.0 miles: Start at Adirondack Loj
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1.0 miles: Left toward Marcy Dam
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2.3 miles: Arrive at Marcy Dam, proceed left around dam
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2.4 miles: Left toward Marcy at Van Hoevenberg/Avalanche Pass sign
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3.6 miles: Pass Phelps Mountain junction
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3.8 miles: Cross bridge
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4.7 miles: Arrive at Indian Falls, follow blue markers onward
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6.4 miles: Right at Hopkins Trail junction, continue on blue markers
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6.9 miles: Right toward Marcy at Range Trail intersection
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7.4 miles: Summit Mount Marcy (5,344 feet)
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14.8 miles: Return to Adirondack Loj
Alternate Approaches
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Upper Works (Tahawas)—19.8 miles, 4,100 feet elevation gain: A challenging but advantageous route if avoiding travel to Lake Placid or planning an overnight near Lake Colden. Ideal for also summiting Gray, Skylight, Redfield, or Cliff.
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The Garden (Keene Valley)—18.2 miles, 4,100 feet elevation gain: A balanced alternative. For detailed directions, refer to the Mount Haystack route.
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Elk Lake—24.3 miles, 5,200 feet elevation gain: The most remote and challenging route, best suited for a rugged overnight adventure in Panther Gorge, offering solitude and wilderness immersion for highly experienced hikers.