What Are the Adirondack High Peaks?
The Adirondack High Peaks are 46 mountains in the Adirondack Park in upstate New York, all exceeding 4,000 feet in elevation. Hiking all 46 earns you membership in the Adirondack Forty-Sixers club — a challenge that draws hikers from around the world. Mount Marcy, at 5,344 feet, is the highest point in New York State.
Best Starter Peaks
Giant Mountain (4,627 ft, 6.5 miles RT): One of the best views in the Adirondacks with relatively good trail conditions. A classic first High Peak.
Cascade Mountain (4,098 ft, 4.8 miles RT): The most-climbed High Peak due to its relatively short, well-marked trail. Popular but rewarding. Often combined with adjacent Porter Mountain.
Mount Jo (2,876 ft — not a 46er but ideal for beginners): The best easy introduction to Adirondack hiking with stunning views of the MacIntyre Range. Only 2.4 miles round trip.
The Big Ones
Mount Marcy (5,344 ft, 14.8 miles RT via Van Hoevenberg Trail): The highest peak in New York. The trail is well-marked and heavily traveled. Exposed summit above treeline. Allow 8–10 hours round trip.
Algonquin Peak (5,114 ft): Second highest in New York, typically combined with Wright Peak. Exposed ridge walking with dramatic views. Trail from Adirondak Loj trailhead.
Permit Requirements
As of 2023, the High Peaks Wilderness requires a reservation to park at the Adirondak Loj parking area on weekends and holidays from late May through Indigenous Peoples' Day. Reservations are made through the DEC (New York Department of Environmental Conservation). Camping at lean-tos and designated sites requires a free permit for groups of 10 or more; smaller groups can camp without a permit but must follow LNT guidelines.
Trail Conditions
Adirondack trails are notoriously muddy. The clay-heavy soil holds water for days after rain, creating deep mud pits on heavily used trails. Wear waterproof boots. Spring (mud season) is particularly brutal. Many summit areas have fragile alpine vegetation — stay on marked trails and rock surfaces above treeline.
Getting There
The heart of High Peaks country is near Lake Placid, NY — about 5 hours from New York City and 3 hours from Montreal. The Adirondak Loj on Heart Lake is the main trailhead hub. Parking reservations are required for the Loj lot on weekends.
