The Adirondacks
Experience the stunning natural beauty and diverse terrain of the Adirondacks, with its 46 high peaks and hundreds of miles of trails
Spanning over six million acres, the Adirondack Park is the largest protected natural area in the contiguous United States, offering a diverse blend of forests, mountains, waterways, and trails.
The Park consists of several hundred peaks and lakes. Encompassing one-third of the total land area of New York State, the scenery here is exceptional to the point of stunning. “The Dacks” are rugged, brutal, and beautiful.
Adirondack Wilderness
The Adirondacks are known for their extensive wild landscapes, which include many tracts of old-growth forest. This is deep wilderness country…
Step into a world where nature, history, and adventure intersect. Experience the timeless splendor of the Adirondacks — your ultimate destination for outdoor exploration.
How Tough are the Adirondacks?
I hike, weekly, in the Catskills. I have solid mountain legs. So far, on every trip to the Adirondacks, those 4000-footers have kicked my butt.
IMO, a difficult Catskills hike is a moderate Adirondack hike. You can watch this short presentation I did about the difference between hiking The Catskills and hiking the Adirondacks.
Venturing into the wilderness of the Adirondacks definitely requires careful preparation and planning.
Why skim the surface when you can plunge into the heart of every trail? By joining Mountain-Hiking.com on Patreon, you’re not just gaining access; you’re stepping into a passionate hiker’s world, complete with vivid imagery and personal insights. Get full access to all content on this website instantly and enjoy unique supporter benefits.
Weather conditions can change rapidly, and trails vary in difficulty, so it’s crucial to keep a close eye on the forecast and to choose a path that matches your fitness and experience level.
Invest in proper gear suitable for the season and terrain, including sturdy footwear, layered clothing, and a reliable backpack. Ensure you have a well-stocked supply of water, high-energy food, and essentials like a map, compass, first-aid kit, and a multi-tool. Remember that your safety is paramount.
- Read › The Ten Essentials.
Even the most experienced hikers can encounter unexpected challenges, so it’s important to be well-prepared.
Whether you’re hiking for a day or setting up camp for a few nights, your preparedness can significantly influence your overall outdoor experience.
Being well-equipped not only enhances your enjoyment, but also ensures you can handle any situation that comes your way.
Adirondack History
The Adirondacks are steeped in a rich history that adds to their allure. The region was cherished by Native American tribes like the Mohawk and the Algonquin for its bounty long before it was designated a state park in 1892.
The influence of these original inhabitants, early European settlers, and the conservation efforts of the 19th and 20th centuries have shaped the Adirondacks we know today.
Adirondack Geology
Unlike the Catskills, the Adirondacks are true mountains — they were formed through plate tectonics, glaciation and erosion — and their rock bed is metamorphic rather than sedimentary.
At 5,344 ft (1,629 m), Mount Marcy is the tallest mountain in New York state.
Marcy and Algonquin are the only mountains in the range with summits above 5000 ft.
Adirondack Etymology
The mountains were named ‘Adirondacks’ by Ebenezer Emmons in 1837. The word is thought to come from the Mohawk word ‘ha-de-ron-dah’ — meaning ‘eaters of trees’ — which was a derogatory designation used by Iroquoians for groups of Algonquians who did not practice agriculture and therefore, to survive harsh winters, sometimes ate tree bark.
Adirondack Trail Guides
I hope my Adirondack trail guides and hike reports are useful reference material for hikers researching these amazing mountains.
Hardest Adirondack Peaks (7)
Dix Mountain 4857’
Adirondack High Peaks
Herd Path
Scenic
Imposing king of the Dix Range.
No. of Entries: 2
The Beckhorn 4774’
Adirondack High Peaks
Herd Path
Scenic
One of the funnest Adirondack summits.
No. of Entries: 1
Pyramid Peak 4596’
Adirondack High Peaks
Fully Trailed
Scenic
Steep mountain. Stunning views.
No. of Entries: 1
Hough Peak 4400’
Adirondack High Peaks
Herd Path
Scenic
Super fun rock scrambles along a narrow mountain ridge.
No. of Entries: 1
Seymour 4091’
Adirondack High Peaks
Partially Trailed
Scenic
Remote, rugged, beautiful, scenic
No. of Entries: 1
Couchsachraga Peak 3820’
Adirondack High Peaks
Herd Path
Summiting this lowest of 46er peaks means tackling one of the Adirondacks’ most treacherous hikes.
Coming Soon!
Difficult Adirondack Peaks (11)
Santanoni Peak 4607’
Adirondack High Peaks
Herd Path
Scenic
With a prominence of 2430 ft, Santanoni really stands out — but it’s a steep and boggy boy too. On my list to hike a.s.a.p.
Coming Soon!
Panther Peak 4442’
Adirondack High Peaks
Herd Path
Scenic
This small summit takes some hiking to get to but it has really beautiful views of the Santanoni Range and beyond.
No. of Entries: 1
Macomb Mountain 4405’
Adirondack High Peaks
Partially Trailed
Scenic
A very tough climb to a small summit with epic views throughout.
No. of Entries: 1
Upper Wolfjaw 4203’
Adirondack High Peaks
Fully Trailed
Scenic
As distant and difficult as your dad.
No. of Entries: 1
Lower Wolfjaw 4175’
Adirondack High Peaks
Fully Trailed
Scenic
A rugged, beautiful, challenging peak.
No. of Entries: 2
South Dix 4060’
Adirondack High Peaks
Herd Path
Scenic
Fantastic scrambles, incredible views.
No. of Entries: 1
Grace Peak 4012’
Adirondack High Peaks
Herd Path
Scenic
Exceptionally beautiful views from this exceptionally beautiful mountain.
No. of Entries: 1
Weston Mountain 3186’
Adirondack High Peaks
Fully Trailed
Scenic
A quiet Adirondack mountain with a stunning summit view.
No. of Entries: 1
Coal Dirt Hill 2927’
Adirondack High Peaks
Partially Trailed
Scenic
Rough and tumble but super-fun Nun-Da-Ga-O peak.
No. of Entries: 1
Rooster Comb 2762’
Adirondack High Peaks
Fully Trailed
Scenic
Rooster Comb is a lower peak that offers stunning views of the surrounding Adirondack High Peaks.
No. of Entries: 1
Moderate Adirondack Peaks (7)
Giant Mountain 4627’
Adirondack High Peaks
Fully Trailed
Scenic
Super scenic and super popular. This hill is a beast.
No. of Entries: 3
Sawteeth 4100’
Adirondack High Peaks
Fully Trailed
Scenic
Not the hardest ADK you’ll hike.
No. of Entries: 1
Pitchoff 3497’
Adirondack High Peaks
Fully Trailed
Scenic
Challenging and beautiful, this Lake Placid 9er peak offers exceptionally scenic hiking. Although it’s not a 46er, it offers jaw-dropping views of many Adirondack High Peaks.
No. of Entries: 1
Jay 3373’
Adirondack High Peaks
Fully Trailed
Scenic
Quiet mountain with some of the best views in the Adirondacks.
No. of Entries: 2
Indian Head (ADK) 2667’
Adirondack High Peaks
Fully Trailed
Scenic
Small mountain with the biggest view in the Adirondacks.
No. of Entries: 1
Fire TowerFully Trailed
Scenic
Delightful, popular Adirondack mountain with a fire tower that gives excellent views.
No. of Entries: 2
Baxter Mountain 2425’
Adirondack High Peaks
Fully Trailed
Scenic
Stunning trails and views.
No. of Entries: 1
Easiest Adirondack Peaks (4)
Cascade 4098’
Adirondack High Peaks
Fully Trailed
Scenic
One of the most popular and accessible Adirondack 46ers. Stunning panoramic views from its large, open, bald summit.
No. of Entries: 2
Porter 4059’
Adirondack High Peaks
Fully Trailed
Scenic
Often paired with Cascade on day hikes, Porter is the quieter of the two mountains — but the trail to its comparatively modest summit is wonderful.
No. of Entries: 1
Big Crow 2815’
Adirondack High Peaks
Fully Trailed
Scenic
An easy and super sweet mountain to hike, with tremendous lookouts.
No. of Entries: 1