MOUNT SKYLIGHT & GRAY PEAK
Via ADK LOJ
Hidden deep in the High Peaks Wilderness, Mount Skylight and Gray Peak offer an unforgettable backcountry experience. Skylight, with its expansive alpine summit and breathtaking 360-degree views, is considered by many to be one of the finest peaks in the Adirondacks. Gray, though often overlooked due to its lack of an open summit, holds a crucial historical significance—it was here that Verplanck Colvin identified Lake Tear of the Clouds as the highest source of the Hudson River. These peaks are often climbed together and can also be combined with Mount Marcy to create the challenging MSG loop (Marcy, Skylight, Gray).
What to know
Start:
Adirondack Loj at Heart Lake
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Elevation Gain:
4,500 feet
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Summit Elevations:
Mount Skylight 4,960 feet
Gray Peak 4,840 Feet
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Trail Length:
18.2 miles
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Difficulty:
5 out of 7 Very Difficult
Average Hiking Time:
10-12 hours
Dog Friendliness:
Leashed dogs permitted, but not the worst hike. If they can handle the distance.
Trail Surface:
Rugged terrain, bogs, large rocks, floating logs, and boardwalks.
Water Availability:
Plenty of water sources if you have a filter, including Marcy Dam, Lake Arnold, Opalescent River, Feldspar Brook, and Lake Tear of the Clouds.
Maximum Grade:
500 feet in 0.35 miles for Gray push​
600 feet in 0.5 miles for Skylight
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Sunrise or Sunset:
Although remote, Skylight offers an outstanding sunrise.​
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View Type:
Skylight has some of the best panoramic views of any High Peak.
Gray has limited but rewarding views from certain outcroppings.
Special Considerations:
These peaks can be combined with Marcy. Consider doing the MSG loop if you're up for a challenge.
Intro
On September 16, 1872, Verplanck Colvin and his guide, Bill Nye, set out from Mount Marcy to make the first recorded ascent of Gray Peak. Facing thick fog, steep ledges, and dense balsam trees, they reached the summit and descended into the valley, where they discovered Lake Tear of the Clouds. Their findings confirmed that the lake was the highest source of the Hudson River, rewriting previous assumptions about its origins.
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Almost a year later, Colvin returned with Old Mountain Phelps to make the first recorded ascent of Mount Skylight. The two were captivated by Skylight’s immense, open summit and panoramic views, declaring it one of the most beautiful peaks in the range.
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Despite Skylight’s grandeur, Gray Peak was often dismissed. The Adirondack Mountain Club once criticized it as “hardly worth climbing,” citing its dense balsam coverage, lack of seating, and overall difficulty. Over time, however, Gray Peak has earned appreciation for its historical significance and rugged appeal.
The Hike
Beginning at the Adirondack Loj, the hike follows the Van Hoevenberg Trail toward Marcy Dam. The first mile is a gentle walk through rolling terrain and spruce forests before reaching the first major intersection. At the one-mile mark, turn left and continue 1.3 miles to Marcy Dam. Upon arrival, cross the bridge to the right and sign in at the second register before following the Van Hoevenberg Trail toward Marcy.
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For the next 1.1 miles, the trail gradually ascends to Avalanche Camp before crossing a wooden bridge. A short distance later, you’ll reach a junction where two options are available: turning left leads to Lake Arnold in 1.5 miles, while continuing straight leads to Avalanche Lake in one mile. To reach Skylight and Gray, take the left turn toward Lake Arnold. This section gains elevation quickly and becomes increasingly rocky.
After 1.5 miles, the trail reaches Lake Arnold at 3,700 feet. From here, continue straight and prepare for another rugged 1.5-mile stretch. The trail climbs to 3,830 feet before cresting, offering distant views of Mount Redfield. From here, the path dips about 250 feet before leveling out.
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At approximately the halfway point of this section (0.9 miles in), hikers must cross the Opalescent River. Depending on water levels, this crossing may require careful navigation. About a quarter-mile beyond the river, the notorious “floating logs” section begins. If these logs are submerged or unstable, an alternate herd path on the right skirts around the bog.
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At 6.7 miles, the trail reaches the Feldspar Lean-to and campsite. From here, a 1.2-mile climb gains 1,000 feet, leading to Lake Tear of the Clouds—the highest body of water in New York State. The herd path to Gray Peak is located at the lake’s beginning, marked by a cairn.
The climb up Gray Peak is short but steep, covering 0.45 miles one way. About 0.25 miles up, a rock ledge presents a choice to go left or right. The correct route is to the right, where a scramble leads to a rewarding view. The summit is marked with a sign, and just beyond it, there are additional viewpoints looking toward Mount Marcy. After enjoying the scenery, descend back to Lake Tear of the Clouds and continue toward Four Corners, 0.25 miles away.
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At Four Corners, take the right-hand trail toward Skylight. The final 0.5 miles to the summit involve a steady 600-foot climb. As the path emerges from the trees, hikers enter the alpine zone, where it is essential to follow the marked cairns to protect the fragile vegetation. Skylight’s summit is a vast, open dome, offering an unparalleled 360-degree view of nearly all the Adirondack High Peaks.
From the summit of Skylight, return to the Adirondack Loj via the same route. An alternate return route through Avalanche Pass adds a few miles but provides a scenic and varied way to complete the hike.
Trail Summary
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0.0 Start at Adirondack Loj.
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1.0 Turn left at Marcy Dam sign.
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2.3 Arrive at Marcy Dam, turning left to go around to the other side.
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2.4 Turn right at the intersection split for Van Hoevenberg Trail to Marcy or Avalanche Lake/Colden.
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3.5 Reach Avalanche Camp, turning left, following signs to Lake Arnold.
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4.5 Pass Marcy Brook with turn sign toward Indian Falls; continue straight.
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5.0 Reach Lake Arnold, continuing straight.
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6.0 Cross Opalescent River.
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6.3 Cross the floating logs.
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6.7 Reach Feldspar Camps/Brook.
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7.9 Arrive at Lake Tear of the Clouds.
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8.3 Summit of Gray Peak.
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9.1 Reach Four Corners.
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9.6 Summit of Mount Skylight; turn around and head back the way you came.
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18.2 Arrive back at Adirondack Loj.
Alternate Approaches
Alternate Approach – Upper Works (20.5 Miles, 4,200 Feet)
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For those beginning at Upper Works, the hike follows the Calamity Brook Trail past Flowed Lands and Lake Colden before connecting to the Feldspar Trail. From here, hikers follow the same approach as described above for the final ascent of both peaks.
This route adds distance but provides a different approach for those looking for an alternative to the Adirondack Loj starting point. The path from Upper Works features varied terrain and offers a remote, rugged adventure through one of the most historic sections of the High Peaks Wilderness.