PHELPS & TABLETOP
via Adirondack LoJ
Phelps and Tabletop Mountains are excellent introductory high peaks, frequently hiked individually or combined into one outing. Both mountains share the same initial trail from the Adirondack Loj, offering flexibility for hikers of all levels. Enjoy moderate ascents, scenic forest views, and decent panoramas of the Great Range and surrounding peaks.
What to know
Start:
Adirondack Loj at
Heart Lake
Elevation Gain:
Phelps: 2,200 feet
Tabletop: 2,500 feet
Together:3,500 feet
Summit Elevations:
Phelps: 4,161
Tabletop: 4,427
Trail Length:
Phelps:9.2 miles
Tabletop: 10.6 miles
Together: 12.2 miles
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Difficulty:
Phelps: 3 out of 7
Tabletop: 3 out of 7
Together: 4 out of 7
Average Hiking Time:
Phelps: 5-6 hours
Tabletop: 6-7 hours
Together: 7-8 hours
Dog Friendliness:
Easier hike for dogs. Must be on leash
Trail Surface:
Primarily dirt and mud with scattered rocky sections.
Plenty of roots too.
Water Availability:
There is water, but you should prepare to bring all you would need. 2.5 liter minimum
Maximum Grade:
1,200 ft/1 mile (Phelps ascent)
600 ft/0.4 mile (Tabletop ascent)
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Sunrise or Sunset:
Phelps has an amazing sunset. ​
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Views:
180 degree views of High Peaks on Phelps. Tabletop has some views through the trees.
Special Considerations:
This hike is a good start for your 46er journey. It is short and packs an all- around good feel for hiking a high peak. Aside from that, there is not much technical data for this one. Just enjoy it! If. you hike Tabletop, stop at Indian Falls right after the intersection.
Intro
Phelps Mountain
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Named after the legendary Adirondack guide Orson Schofield "Old Mountain" Phelps, it's ironic that Phelps himself never stood atop this peak. It was first summited in 1905, a year after his passing. Initially called "Little Marcy" by surveyor Verplanck Colvin, the mountain was later renamed in Phelps's honor. Today, it remains a beloved summit, welcoming many hikers as one of their first Adirondack High Peaks.
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Tabletop Mountain
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Tabletop Mountain, named for its distinctive flat-topped summit, holds an intriguing past. Originally labeled as "Flat Top," it didn't appear on official maps until 1876, with its first documented ascent occurring much later in 1911 by Jim Suiter, who climbed the mountain to contain a forest fire. Notably, the mountain's dense summit views were humorously criticized by the Adirondack Mountain Club in the past, who jokingly suggested climbing a tree would offer better views. Efforts have since created modest scenic openings. Interestingly, in 1797 surveyor Charles Broadhead nearly reached the summit while surveying the Old Military Tract, describing it as "very rough, chiefly timber fallen by wind."
The trail from this junction begins to gradually ascend and becomes rockier. Exactly one mile beyond Marcy Dam (approximately 3.6 miles total from the Loj), you'll arrive at the Phelps Mountain turn-off, clearly marked and indicating a 1-mile ascent to the summit. If hiking Phelps first or only, take this right-hand trail.
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Phelps Mountain:
This section is notably steep, gaining 1,200 feet over its short mile. Expect a challenging climb featuring large boulders, rock hops, and scrambles. Around halfway up, you'll encounter a significant rock scramble accompanied by a downed tree. Beyond this point, the boulders thin out, replaced by flatter rock slabs, eventually leading you near treeline.
Near the summit, the trail seemingly splits. Pay close attention to markers, and bear right. The route briefly dips before turning left to a scenic ledge. From there, follow a narrow path to the summit ledge. At the summit, enjoy panoramic views including Mount Marcy, Tabletop, portions of the Great Range, and Big Slide to the far left. There's also an excellent viewpoint just below the summit overlooking Avalanche Pass, Colden, and the MacIntyre Range.
If completing only Phelps, return the same way to the Adirondack Loj. Otherwise, descend to the Van Hoevenberg Trail to continue toward Tabletop.
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The Hike
Begin your journey at the Adirondack Loj trailhead, following the marked trail toward Marcy Dam. The first mile is relatively gentle, crossing hills, spruce forests, and mixed terrain. You’ll quickly arrive at the first junction at 1 mile, clearly marked for Marcy Dam (left) and the MacIntyre Range (straight). Turn left toward Marcy Dam.
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Continue along the pleasant, straightforward trail another 1.3 miles until reaching Marcy Dam. Once at the dam, you'll notice the remnants of the collapsed structure at the center. Follow the path to the left, cross the wooden bridge, then turn right after the bridge to reach the opposite side of the dam. Here, you’ll find a second sign-in register, recommended for additional safety.
Shortly after this register, look for another important junction clearly pointing toward Marcy. Turn left here onto the Van Hoevenberg Trail. (Turning right at this point would take you toward Avalanche Lake and Mount Colden, which is not your intended route.)
Hiking Tabletop Mountain:
Continuing past the Phelps turn-off along the Van Hoevenberg Trail, you’ll cross a bridge about a quarter-mile later. Soon after, pass the Mount Marcy Ski Trail junction (do not take this overgrown route—it's intended solely for skiing). Instead, remain on the Van Hoevenberg Trail as it steepens significantly and becomes increasingly rocky.After 0.7 miles from the ski trail junction (approximately 4.7 miles from the Loj), you’ll reach the Tabletop Mountain turn-off. A brief detour farther ahead brings you to Indian Falls, recommended for its scenic views.Turn left onto the Tabletop trail.
This herd path is unmarked and rugged, initially dipping briefly before steadily ascending over 0.6 miles. Watch carefully for misleading herd paths near the bottom. Stay alert to remain on the primary worn trail, which appears carved into the earth with tightly packed trees surrounding it.​Conditions may be wet and muddy, occasionally resembling a small stream. Halfway up, you’ll encounter a challenging rock scramble; proceed carefully. Approaching the summit, navigate across muddy sections using strategically placed logs and sticks. Emerging onto the summit area, you’ll see the Tabletop summit sign. A short walk forward offers views toward the MacIntyre Range, Mount Colden, Mount Marcy, Gray Peak, glimpses of Haystack, and Basin to the left.Return to the Adirondack Loj via the same route down the Van Hoevenberg Trail.
Trail Summary
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0.0 Start at Adirondack Loj.
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1.0 Turn left at Marcy Dam junction.
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2.3 Arrive at Marcy Dam; cross left bridge, then right after crossing.
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2.4 Turn left toward Marcy (Van Hoevenberg Trail).
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3.6 Arrive at Phelps Mountain junction.
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(For Phelps summit, add 2 miles total out-and-back)
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3.8 Cross bridge after Phelps junction.
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3.95 Pass Mount Marcy Ski Trail junction (continue straight).
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4.7 Reach Tabletop Mountain junction; Indian Falls just ahead.
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(For Tabletop summit, add 1.2 miles total out-and-back)
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6.1 (Without any peaks) Return same route to Adirondack Loj.
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9.2 (Phelps only) Return same route to Adirondack Loj.
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10.6 (Tabletop only) Return same route to Adirondack Loj.
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12.2 (Phelps & Tabletop combined) Return same route to Adirondack Loj.