Mount Marcy

Mount Marcy Information

At 5,344 feet above sea level, Mount Marcy is the highest peak in the Adirondack Mountains and the tallest mountain in New York State. This iconic summit, located in the High Peaks Wilderness, attracts hikers year-round who want to stand on the roof of New York.

About Mount Marcy

Despite its remote location, Mount Marcy is one of the most popular hiking destinations in the Adirondacks. The trail to the summit is long, steep, and often wet—especially after rain or during the spring thaw. From October through May, hikers should expect snow and ice near the top, and winter ascents require traction or snowshoes.

Mount Marcy’s first recorded ascent was made in 1837, and a permanent trail to the summit was completed in 1861. That route has since evolved into the modern trail system used today, drawing thousands of hikers from across the country every year. In winter, parts of the trail can even be skied or snowboarded on the descent.

The Van Hoevenberg Trail

The Van Hoevenberg Trail is the most popular route up Mount Marcy. Starting from Adirondak Loj near Lake Placid, the trail climbs 7.4 miles to the summit, gaining over 3,100 feet of elevation. The hike is considered challenging—roughly a 5 out of 7 difficulty level—and typically takes 7 to 10 hours round-trip for experienced hikers.

Along the way, the trail ascends past Mount Phelps before joining the ridge leading to Mount Marcy’s open summit.

Views from the Summit from Mount Marcy

At the top of Mount Marcy, hikers are rewarded with 360-degree panoramic views across the Adirondacks. From this point you can see 43 of the ADK High Peaks, and on clear days, even Mount Royal in Montreal, nearly 65 miles to the north.

Camping and Trip Planning

While strong hikers often complete Mount Marcy as a day hike, others prefer to camp overnight. There are designated campsites and lean-tos available roughly three miles up the trail, offering a great base for an early morning summit push.