MOUNT MARSHALL
via Upper Works
Mount Marshall, positioned at the southern end of the MacIntyre Range, is among the most distinctive of the Adirondack 46 High Peaks. Rich in history and named in honor of pioneering wilderness advocate Bob Marshall, this peak offers an immersive hiking experience through lush forests and moss-covered paths. A favorite among those seeking solitude and a genuine backcountry feel, Mount Marshall's journey is equally rewarding as a tribute hike or as part of your quest to complete the High Peaks.
What to know
Start:
Upper Works Trailhead
Elevation Gain:
2,900 feet
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Summit Elevations:
Mount Marshall 4,360 feet
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Trail Length:
14.5 miles
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Difficulty:
4 out of 7 Difficult
Average Hiking Time:
7-9 hours
Dog Friendliness:
Leashed dogs permitted; Trail is not that bad for dogs.
Trail Surface:
Calamity Trail is broad and rugged with boardwalks, stone steps, and mud; ascent trail is unmarked, muddy, steep, and wet
Water Availability:
Abundant at Calamity Brook and Herbert Brook (filtration recommended).
Maximum Grade:
Mount Marshall ascent gains 1,100 feet over 1 mile
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Sunrise or Sunset:
Challenging for sunrise hikes, but an excellent sunrise view can be seen near the summit​
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View Type:
Limited direct views at the summit, but a nearby spur trail provides expansive panoramic views
Special Considerations:
Mount Marshall is known for wet and muddy trail conditions, particularly on the unmarked ascent. Prepare with proper footwear, waterproof gear, and gaiters. The upper sections can be confusing due to herd paths; pay careful attention to the route, especially near the summit.
Intro
Originally named by Bob Marshall and his companions as Herbert Peak, Mount Marshall eventually took the name of New York Governor DeWitt Clinton (Mount Clinton) before being renamed again in 1942 to honor Bob Marshall after his untimely passing in 1939. Bob Marshall, celebrated as the father of wilderness advocacy and ultra-hiking, left behind a powerful legacy, co-founding the Wilderness Society and authoring the pioneering Adirondack guidebook, The High Peaks of the Adirondacks. Today, ascending Mount Marshall connects hikers with the wild spirit and natural beauty Marshall so passionately championed.
The Hike
Your adventure begins at the Upper Works Trailhead, a popular gateway into the southern High Peaks. The parking area, recently expanded, usually has ample space even on busy days. Nearby you'll spot the historic MacNaughton Cottage, famously linked to Teddy Roosevelt’s midnight ride to presidency. Proceed down the gravel path for about five minutes to reach the old parking lot and the trail register—make sure to sign in here.
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From the register, follow the trail briefly before crossing a bridge over the Hudson River. At 0.4 miles, you'll encounter your first junction; the left path offers scenic views of Henderson Lake, but your route continues to the right along Calamity Brook Trail. Another intersection quickly follows; stay right again, as turning left would lead to Indian Pass.
For the next 1.2 miles, the trail meanders through varied terrain following red markers until reaching the next junction at 1.8 miles—the Calamity Crossover Trail. Here, bear right across a bridge toward Lake Colden. The trail remains mostly flat for half a mile before beginning a steeper climb.
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At about 2.9 miles, you'll pass the Calamity Brook campsite. Continue another 1.5 miles until you reach the David Henderson Memorial at 4.4 miles, commemorating Henderson’s tragic death, which inspired the name "Calamity" across local landmarks. Shortly afterward, you'll arrive at Flowed Lands, marked by another register. Nearby, a short spur provides outstanding views over this tranquil area. Bear left at the register, skirting Flowed Lands through mixed woods and slight elevation changes.
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After approximately 0.7 miles, watch carefully for a prominent cairn at 5.4 miles, marking Mount Marshall’s trailhead. Just beyond this junction, a lean-to offers a great resting spot before beginning the steep ascent.
The trail up Mount Marshall covers about 1.7 miles and ascends roughly 1,600 feet. Being unmarked and minimally maintained, navigation requires vigilance to avoid losing the trail among misleading herd paths. Initially, you'll maneuver through dense vegetation, embankments, and muddy sections before reaching the primary climb alongside Herbert Brook. Numerous stream crossings marked by cairns guide your path upward, and frequent mud patches will challenge your footing. As the brook dwindles, you're nearing the summit.
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Approximately 0.25 miles from the peak, the path curves left and steepens noticeably before veering right just before reaching the summit marker. While the true summit has limited views, a nearby rocky ledge provides stunning vistas of Shepherd’s Tooth and Iroquois Peak. To find even better panoramic views of Marcy, Colden, and the southern High Peaks, descend slightly and locate a short side path on your right (if you see a path on your left, you've gone too far).
For your return, retrace your route back to Upper Works. Alternatively, adventurous hikers might choose Cold Brook Pass by taking the left-hand path encountered just below the summit or near the view spur. This less-traveled route descends, climbs over Marshall's Northeast Peak, and leads down via the Cold Brook Pass Trail, passing a fascinating historical plane wreck. The plane wreck is located 0.25 miles after turning onto Cold Brook Pass Trail at coordinates 44.131261°N, 74.000715°W.
Trail Summary
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0.0 miles: Start at Upper Works Trailhead parking area
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0.1 miles: Trail register
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0.4 miles: Turn right at junction toward Calamity Brook Trail
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0.5 miles: Bear right at Indian Pass junction
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1.8 miles: Cross bridge at Calamity Crossover junction, bear right toward Lake Colden
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2.4 miles: Trail steepens gradually
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2.9 miles: Pass Calamity Brook Campsite
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4.4 miles: David Henderson Memorial
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4.6 miles: Reach Flowed Lands register
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5.4 miles: Cairn marking Mount Marshall ascent trailhead
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7.2 miles: Summit Mount Marshall; retrace your route back to trailhead
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14.5 miles: Return to Upper Works Trailhead
Alternate Approaches
Adirondack Loj Approach (16.5 miles, 3,100 ft elevation gain)
This route is ideal for hikers based near Lake Placid. Starting at the Adirondack Loj/Heart Lake trailhead, hike past Marcy Dam toward Avalanche Lake. Traverse Avalanche Pass, staying left at Lake Colden's approach, cross Lake Colden Dam, and shortly thereafter find the Marshall cairn indicating the start of your ascent.
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