Hiking Mount Marcy: The Highest Point in NY State

The Adirondacks are a very scenic part of the great USA. If you are lucky enough to visit there and have some time for hiking, make it a point to hike Mt. Marcy.

Enjoying the view on top of Mt. Marcy (5343 ft, 1629 m)

Getting to Mt. Marcy is pretty easy (see below), weekend Adirondack traffic can be  busy, but weekday levels are relatively quiet. Parking for the Mt. Marcy trailhead and other trails is available at the Adirondack Loj Lodge, apparently there is a parking fee but I never paid one and never received a ticket. Finding the primary trailhead to Mt. Marcy may require asking the lodge staff, hopefully they won't be as unfriendly as those that I encountered; note that there are other trails that lead to the summit of Mt. Marcy.

Beautiful scenery on the drive to the Mt. Marcy trailhead

Mt. Marcy Trailhead Info

Similar to Gros Morne Mountain in Newfoundland, the first 2 km or so is relatively flat and somewhat boring, things get exciting when Marcy dam appears with a view of the High Peaks; this is a popular area for backpackers to set up camp. After the dam, the trail follows Phelps Brook and elevation starts to increase; the trail gets very rocky, much more than anticipated.

Walking was kind of boring for the first 2 km, but still very nice

Marcy Dam with some mountains in the background.

So many rocks to walk over.....

Rocks and more rocks, but it makes for a great workout.

Several bridges cross Phelps Brook.

After ~8 km (5 miles) of hiking and at an elevation of about 1340 m (4400 ft), the trees start to get smaller, views of the High Peaks start to appear, and the trail grade decreases. Enjoy this easier part before a steeper climb over the last 2.2 km (1.3 miles).

Beautiful mountain views start to appear.

For the final ascent, the trees get extremely small and eventually disappear. The trail becomes more of a climb over bedrock, and wide open, spectacular views of the Adirondacks appear. Parts of this section required me to throw my hiking poles ahead and use my hands for climbing.

Summit is on the left, trail is on the right.

The summit is gradually getting closer. 

The summit area is mostly flat, and you may be lucky enough to get some interpretation of the surrounding area from a park worker; apparently they camp out in the area and rotate to the various mountains. Expect to encounter 20-30 people on the summit during a weekday, weekend crowds can be up to 200. Everyone that I spoke to were extremely friendly; about 75% of them were day hikers, the remainder were overnight backpackers.

Enjoying life on the summit (view is somewhat South)

Looking Northwest.

Summit time.

Descending Mt. Marcy uses the same trail as the ascent, expect your energy levels to tank as the endorphin high wears off.

My personal daily step record.

Since Lake Placid is only a 15 minute drive from the trailhead, treat yourself to a meal at one of the many restaurants. I have ate at several and all have been fantastic. If money is low, head to the Lake Placid Mcdonalds for a cheap burger and free WiFi.


How to get there: Take the NY-73 and turn at the Adirondack LoJ, continue on this until you reach the parking area which is at the end of the road.

Trailhead Coordinates: 44°10'59.0"N 73°57'39.5"W

Track Map:
Elevation Profile:

GPS Track (kmz): Click here.

Hike Distance: 24 km

Elevation: 1629 m (5344 ft), ascent is 964 m (3166 ft)

Time to Complete: 7-10 hrs.

Helpful Tips:

• Wear hiking boots with good great support. Most of the trail is extremely rocky, several people turned around after 5 km of hiking during my ascent in 2015.
• The hike is going to be long, brink lots of water and food.
• Temperatures are going to be cooler on the summit, and winds will be much higher then the climb up through the forest.
• Talk to people, everyone that I encountered were extremely friendly.
• To avoid crowds, leave near sunrise or on a weekday.
• I was expecting lots of flies, but very few were around in both May and August.