The 10 Best Day Hikes in the Adirondack High Peaks

Posted by: Josh Garwood • Monday, April 01 2019

For those on the West Coast, 4,000-foot peaks might not even be worth blinking at. Not so, in the East. With our cities, and even most of our trailheads, sitting at less than 1,000 feet above sea level, it’s the comparatively small 4- and 5,000 footers that tower above. But even if these ancient, weathered peaks may be somewhat modest in size compared to the behemoths of the West, it certainly doesn’t make them any less spectacular.

Upstate New York’s Adirondacks are home to 46 (give or take) “High Peaks” that make up a cherished and historic list defined by a magical line at 4,000 feet. What these rugged summits lack in elevation, they more than make up for in vertical gain (matching if not exceeding many of their western day hike counterparts), trail toughness, and downright beauty as they tower over some of the densest and most stunning backcountry on the continent. From rocky alpine summits to trail-less bushwhacks, here are the 10 all-around best 46ers in the Adirondacks.

1. Mount Colden

Distance: 12.6 miles
Rating: Difficult

There’s no need to wait for the summit to enjoy the views on this hike. Within the first few miles, hikers pass a number of spots worthy of day hiking to on their own. The clearing where Marcy Dam once stood leaves visitors staring up toward Colden and Wright Peaks. Then, only a little further, the steep, narrow cut between Colden and the MacIntyre Range swallows the trail entirely. Avalanche Pass is a highlight to rival canyons and gorges everywhere. Continue up and down the ladders and boardwalks that negotiate the rocks between Avalanche Lake and the cliffs. Then, venture along the “hitch-up-matildas,” which are walkways bolted right to the rocks where it drops straight into the water. From picturesque Lake Colden, the trail cuts back and up toward Colden itself where you’ll be able to take in arguably the best views of any high peak. Colden’s bare summit sits right in the center of the most exciting part of the ‘Daks and offers unencumbered views of rocky summits in every direction.

2. Gothics Mountain

Distance: 11.6 miles
Rating: Moderate

The Great Range snakes through the peaks from Route 73 like an arrow shot toward Mount Marcy’s summit. Between peaks on the range, trails drop, seemingly forever, making following the chain a grueling experience, while on either side of the line, the mountains drop from summit to valley in cascades of steep rock. Gothics, in the center of the range, offers spectacular views of the surrounding peaks and valleys from its panoramic summit.

The valley forming the south side of the range has a dirt road (not open to vehicles) giving access to that side of the range and allowing for easy cruising. From halfway up the road, the Beaver Meadows Falls Trail toward Gothics cuts up into the range, quickly passing its namesake waterfall (perfect for cooling your feet on the way down) before winding higher up to the slides, and eventually the summit of Gothics become visible.

3. Mount Marcy

Distance: 14.8 miles
Rating: Moderate

There’s something about the highest—especially when its original name, Tahawus, translates to something as intimidating and cool as “Cloud Splitter.” Mount Marcy is an instant classic for a lot of reasons, including its height. But its also the long, gradual approach, long and steep summit, and commanding views that put it at the top of a lot of people’s list of favorites.

4. Mount Skylight

Distance: 17.2 miles (minimum)
Rating: Difficult

Relatively less-visited, the south side of Mount Marcy is nearly as deep as a hiker or backpacker can get in the High Peaks. The makings of a very long single day, Skylight is often approached as an overnight from one of multiple different directions.

An intersection known as the Four Corners sits between Marcy and Skylight, but is also adjacent to Lake Tear of the Clouds, the highest lake in the state and the source of what eventually becomes the mighty Hudson River.

From the Four Corners, a quick jaunt leads onto Skylight’s bare summit which offers a unique, southern vantage of the rest of the mountains on one side—dominated by Marcy’s massive summit cone—and the relatively tame southern Adirondacks in the opposite direction.

5. Big Slide Mountain

Distance: 9.5 miles
Rating: Easy

A great introduction to the High Peaks, the loop over Big Slide makes for a fun day, not short on things to look at. Starting nearly from the trailhead, the route climbs a series of three smaller summits known as The Brothers, before leading to the main summit, offering continuous views that get progressively better with elevation. The summit itself is a great vantage of the Great Range, laid out left to right across the horizon with Gothics’ scarred face dead center.

Continuing the loop down the mountain to Johns Brook, the route finishes with a hike out through the valley that flanks the northern side of the Great Range. If you can find it along the brook, Tenderfoot Pools’ swirling eddies and rocks are the perfect place to cool down before the trailhead.

6. Cascade Mountain

Distance: 4.8 miles
Rating: Easy

Close enough to the road to make it the only high peak summit you can plainly see from its trailhead, Cascade is another favorite for first-timers. Its quick access and spectacular views also make it a popular choice for those interested in getting an early start and being on its broad, rocky summit for sunrise!

7. Dix Mountain

Distance: 15.3 miles
Rating: Difficult

If you’re ready for an adventure, there’s nothing quite like a climb up one of the characteristic gray scars marking the side of many High Peaks. Formed by landslides that scrape away soil and vegetation down to bedrock, slide climbing isn’t for the faint of heart but does give hikers a more remote and rugged experience than they might normally get.

Dix Mountain’s Beckhorn Slide clears a rock and grass highway from the base to nearly the summit, but just to get to the base, it requires a long hike through the mountain’s secluded east side, then a bushwhack up a drainage. Once on the slide, which isn’t for the faint of heart or those uncomfortable with exposure, it’s as simple as picking the best looking line to the small summit.

8. Rocky Peak Ridge

Distance: 13.4 miles
Rating: Moderate

Although longer than the stair climb up to the saddle between it and Giant Mountain, the trail from New Russia is one that many would consider to be one of the finest in the region. The continuous views up to the panoramic summit of Rocky Peak are seriously hard to beat—even by its taller neighbor, Giant.

9. Allen Mountain

Distance: 19.1 miles
Rating: Difficult

For the vast majority of people, a 20-mile day up a single steep mountain with lackluster views would not be a pleasurable experience. Granted, Allen is more about the hike than the mountain itself, but it’s a hike worth doing for those up to the challenge.

A long day of tracing old, winding logging roads over gently rolling terrain and along crystal clear gurgling brooks makes Allen a memorable one. The second half of the route is one of the ‘Daks' famous “trail-less” routes, meaning the trail is not marked or maintained by the state like most other routes. Although not impossible to follow, trails like these require a keen eye and better attention than you might be able to use on other hikes.

10. Algonquin Peak

Distance: 8.6 miles
Rating: Moderate

The climb from the Adirondak Loj to the summit of Algonquion, the state’s second tallest peak, is a quick jolt into one of the highest of New York’s alpine regions. Only a hundred feet lower than Marcy, hikers heading up to Algonquin climb nearly the same amount in nearly half the mileage. The views from the bare summit cone are impressive enough to make it worth it, tracing a straight line to Colden then Marcy, shrouded in the Great Range and numerous other summits.

Written by Ryan Wichelns for RootsRated.

Back to Adventure Insights

Hiking back to the parking lot from Bullet Cave on the Barton Creek Greenbelt, Austin caving enthusiast Phil Kearney gets philosophical when asked why he likes caving: "Outside of deep-sea diving and high-altitude mountaineering, caving is the closest that we mere mortals can come to visiting another world." I’m sure many would agree. While Austin, TX can’t claim to have any of its caves on the cover of National Geographic, our city and surrounding areas offer up plenty of surreal experiences for those who like to crawl under the earth in search of rarely seen spaces. Austin caver Phil Kearney exits Bullet cave. Dave Brown Millions of years ago, the place we now call Austin was underwater, and what was then home to beds of coral and mollusks became limestone bedrock and karst, tunneled throughout with ancient underground waterways and other passages. These passages – many of which have surfaced at the Balcones Fault line, which today is followed partially by Barton Creek – became caves, and although surely thousands remain undiscovered, a handful have been mapped by the experts. Most of these caves are either secret or too difficult to access by anyone else, but a few are available for public wandering, and of them, some of the most easily accessible ones lie just minutes from downtown, along the Barton Creek Greenbelt. The easiest to reach is still not known to everyone, but it’s not too sacred to talk about. It’s Bullet Cave, just a ten minute hike from the parking lot at the Highway 360 entrance to the Greenbelt. It’s not difficult or very long, but it's a great initial exposure to caving in Austin and it gets you into near total darkness. Only thing is that it’s just about a 40-foot crawl through a narrow, two-foot-high tube into a standing-height room. At the back of that room is another, narrower loop passage that leads back another 20 feet or so. Author Dave Brown exits Bullet cave's cliff-face opening Dave Brown Also in the Greenbelt is Backdoor Cave. And other caves around the city include Whirlpool and Maple Run, among others. To find out exactly where the entrance to Bullet Cave is and to learn about the others and possibly schedule a guided visit, contact the same people who can show you every other must-see cave in the Austin area – the Underground Texas (UT) Grotto organization. They can also hook you up with a visit to the one Greenbelt cave that’s a hallmark site for every Texas caver, Airmen’s Cave. For good reason, Airmen’s was restricted for public use (but not banned, thanks in large part to UT Grotto) a couple years ago. It was getting abused and needed protection, and too many people were not caving responsibly in this precious cavern, so it’s now gated. At about 2.5 miles long, it’s been hailed as one of the longest caves in Texas, and harbors such scenes as the Aggie Art Gallery with its anonymous clay sculptures scattered throughout, the Crystal Room and other highlights. This cave is only open occasionally, so contact UT Grotto to schedule a visit, including beginner’s instruction. Aggie Art Gallery in Airmen's cave. Patrick Lewis In the meantime, while you’re waiting for Airmen’s to open, wander around the Greenbelt, especially around the cliffs on the southeast side of the Horseshoe Bend area of the creek, and see if you can find the Bullet. I won’t give away the exact location here (although you can probably find it elsewhere on the Web) because exploring is what caving is all about. And like caver Phil Kearney says, “I love just getting out to these hidden, otherworldly spots, exploring, and appreciating the utterly natural state of things in caves.” Take your time to enjoy all the nature around you... above you and below you.

5 Backpacking Skills to Master in the New Year

Still trying to figure out your New Year’s Resolution? Here’s a suggestion: up your backpacking game in 2018. Make this the year that you take your backpacking skills to the next level to travel more safely and comfortably. In our list of skills below, we begin with the basics—fitting and packing your pack. While those sound like simple tasks, a surprising number of people hit the trail with ill-fitting, unbalanced packs that lead to soreness and misery. Then, we move on to other things that will benefit backpackers—map and compass skills, knots, first aid, and building a fire. If you’re super motivated, you could possibly take on all of these goals in the coming months. But, even if you tackle just one, you might be surprised at how gratified you’ll feel from learning something new. Learn to Fit & Pack Your Backpack A high-quality backpack can ease the burden of a heavy load on the trail, but it won’t do you much good if it’s not fitted and packed properly. If a salesperson didn’t fit your pack when you purchased it, consult the manufacturers’ website or online videos for fitting instructions, and be aware that fitting techniques can vary by brand. You can also find helpful videos produced by specialty retailers. It’s important to make sure that the pack fits your torso length, and that you properly position the shoulder straps, load lifter straps, sternum straps and hip belt. To ensure that your pack rides comfortably, you also need to pack it correctly so that the weight of your gear is distributed well. Try to make sure that the heaviest things, like your food bag, like close to your back and, if possible, centered on your back. Then, place lightweight items away from your back. You can also pack gear strategically, based on when you’ll need to access things. For example, put things you won’t need while hiking (like your sleeping bag) in the bottom of your pack. Then, put the things you’ll need frequently or immediately (like your map and toilet kit) in the lid or an external pocket. Learn to Use a Map & Compass Make a resolution this New Year to learn the basics of map and compass navigation. rawpixel.com As smart phones and other devices make navigating easier, fewer people are learning to use a good ole map and compass. And that’s fine if you’re just doing a day hike on well-marked trails, where you’re not likely to get lost. But if you go into the backcountry, you could be in a tough spot if your phone or GPS loses battery power or gets damaged. So, make a resolution this New Year to learn the basics of map and compass navigation. With a little online research you’ll find plenty of instructional books and videos. If you’re in the mood for a road trip, you could also drive up to Nashville to take map and compass course at REI. Once you’ve learned the basics, practice using a map and compass in a local recreation area before you leave for a big backcountry trip. Keep in mind that you might be using these skills when you’re tired and frustrated (being lost can be nerve-wracking), so it helps to have this stuff dialed in. Learn to Tie Useful Knots If you want to become the hero of your backpacking group, be the one who knows how to tie knots. On the trail, you can use knots to do a variety of things, from securing your tent to hanging a clothesline. Plus, knots will come in handy for other adventures, whether you’re tying into a harness to climb, or you’re securing a kayak to the shore. In your everyday life, knots can also prove useful. At some point, you might need to lash furniture to a vehicle when moving, and you’ll ride with peace of mind knowing that you didn’t just jerry-rig your stuff to keep it out of the road. Begin by learning a few knots that will come in handy frequently, such as the bowline, which you can use attach a line to a fixed object. On the trail, you might use a bowline to attach guyline cords to a tent, or tie a line to a tree to rig a tarp. The advantage of a bowline is that it won’t loosen under tension. But, you can loosen the knot easily when it’s time to untie it. It’s also good to learn the taut-line hitch, because it allows you to create a clothesline, or an adjustable guyline for a tent. Learn to Build a Fire Even if it’s not an emergency, a campfire will make a cold night on the trail cozier. Paul Gandy In an emergency situation in the backcountry, a fire can provide life-saving heat, a means to purify water, and a way to signal rescuers. Plus, survival experts say that a fire provides a sense of comfort and calm that will help you endure a tough situation. Even if it’s not an emergency, a campfire will make a cold night on the trail cozier. If you’re building a fire for the fun of it, ensure that fires are allowed in the area and that the fire danger is low. And, take time to learn the proper way to manage and extinguish a fire. If you’ve never mastered the art of building a fire, you’ll find plenty of tutorials online. There’s a certain method to successfully building a fire, and you don’t want o be fumbling around if you’re lost, cold and tired. Also, consider packing a fire starter kit, which will usually include tinder and tools to create a spark. The kit will serve as a backup if your lighter or matches don’t work, and you can get tinder that lights when wet—very helpful in the rainy South. Learn Basic First-Aid If you or a hiking partner is injured or gets ill during a backpacking trip, you could be miles or days away from professional care. If you do enough backpacking, you’ll someday deal with blisters, stings and maybe even burns. Plus, you or someone you encounter could get dehydration or hypothermia, or suffer some kind of wound, or an ankle or knee injury. If you purchased a first-aid kit from a gear store, there’s a chance it will include a small first-aid book, and you should take the time to read it. Plus, there are plenty of great wilderness medicine books on the market. But this year, go a step further and take a first-aid course to be even more prepared. If you visit the American Red Cross website, you can find first-aid courses offered in your area. While some Red Cross courses are not outdoor-specific, they’ll provide helpful fundamentals. Also, The University of Alabama in Birmingham offers a Wilderness First Responder course. Written by Marcus Woolf for RootsRated in partnership with BCBS of AL.

10 Tips for Winter Camping in Colorado

There’s no need to wait until warm weather to snooze under the stars. Winter camping in Colorado is a magical experience. The summer crowds are gone, a gentle quiet washes over the woods, and you don’t need to venture far to feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere. If you’re keen to give winter camping a try, follow these tips to make the most of a snowy night out. 1. Start easy. A cozy camp set up not far from the Hessie Trailhead. James Dziezynski If you’re new to winter camping, ease yourself into the experience by picking a spot that’s not too far from your car. U.S. Forest Service land west of Boulder has some pretty choice spots. For the inside scoop, check out our recommendations for five places to try winter camping near Boulder . You might also get giddy checking out the range of options at Colorado's state parks. Thirty of them offer winter camping, ranging from cushy campsites to blissful backcountry spots. A developed campground (with a convenient bathroom) can make your first winter overnight less daunting. State Forest, Golden Gate Canyon, and Ridgway state parks even offer cabins and yurts for newbies who want some sort of roof over their heads. 2. Plan for safety. Proper preparation is key when heading into the winter wilds. Agree on a plan with your partner, check the weather forecast, and tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to return. To ensure you get home safely, dot your i’s and cross your t’s. Study your route carefully, bring a map and compass, and note landmarks along the way. Don’t count on following your footsteps; a surprise storm could erase them without a trace. Also carry some way to communicate with the outside world. A DeLorme InReach satellite communicator is a great choice and can help you navigate. Last but not least, if your route crosses avalanche terrain, take a course in snow safety and carry avalanche gear. 3. Gear up. Winter shrinks the margin of error, so go ahead and geek out on gear. Suck up the extra weight and pack a four-season tent to protect against whatever old man winter throws your way. For cooking, liquid fuel stoves trump canister stoves in the cold. Carry extra fuel. And keep in mind that cold saps power from batteries, so bring extras and store them in a warm spot, like in your sleeping bag. Lithium batteries cope with the cold better than alkaline ones. If carrying extra cold-weather gear weighs down your pack, considering hauling all of your stuff in a sled instead. 4. Dress the part. Layering is key to being able to control your temperature and avoid catching a chill. Start with a wool or synthetic base layer that wicks moisture away from your skin. On top of that, you’ll need a mid-weight layer, a down sweater, and a waterproof layer at the very least. Bring more clothing than you think you might need. A warm hat and gloves are essential, of course. Always pack extra socks and gloves in case your first pair gets wet. Overheating is also a concern since sweat robs your body of warmth. While you’re walking (or skiing or snowshoeing) to your site, whittle down your layers so you don’t overheat. Unzip or strip down the minute you start feeling hot. As soon as you get to your campsite, put on warm clothes to trap all the body heat you generated en route. 5. Protect your feet. Wet boots can freeze. Dry, toasty feet are happy feet. For best results, wear two layers of socks in warm, waterproof boots. Make sure those extra socks don’t make your boots too tight. For extra credit, use vapor barrier socks next to your skin. (Plastic bags can achieve the same effect in a pinch.) Strap on gaiters to keep out snow. Bonus tip: Pull out your boot liners and snooze with them in your sleeping bag overnight. Or, if you have a roomy sleeping bag, put your boots in the stuff sack for your sleeping bag or tent and keep them at the foot of your bag. 6. Prepare your tent space. A good level surface will ensure a good night's sleep. hikingqueen Pick a campsite that’s sheltered from the wind. If you’re camping on snow, pack it down into a flat platform (erring on the large side) before pitching your tent. Stake down your shelter securely to prevent having to go out in the cold to fix it if wind whips up in the middle of the night. Winter snow stakes are a great option, especially when buried in a deadman (horizontal) position in the snow. 7. Stay toasty in your sleep. Staying warm is critical to getting a good night’s rest. Use a sleeping bag that’s rated for temperatures lower than forecast. Add a sleeping bag liner for extra warmth. Underneath your bag, use two sleeping pads, including at least one foam pad. (Go with one that has a high R rating for maximum insulation.) To pre-warm your nest, fill a water bottle with hot water and stuff it into your bag. Just be sure the lid is screwed on tight. Wearing a hat and a soft, non-restrictive neck gaiter keep a lot of heat from escaping from your head. 8. Fuel up. Pack a shovel when winter camping to dig snow pits and style your campsite. Eric Larsen Your body burns extra calories in the cold, so bring plenty of food. Cook in a protected area away from the wind, like a snow trench or your tent’s vestibule. Fill a thermos with hot soup or tea to sip while you cook. When it comes to water, don’t let the saying “pure as driven snow” mislead you. Boil or treat melted snow before you drink it. Hydrate frequently since colder temperatures keep thirst at bay even when you’re body needs fluids. Store water bottles upside down to keep the threads from freezing. If you’re feeling festive, craft an ice bar out of the snow, with slotted holes to store spirits. 9. Pee in a bottle. Yep, that’s right. To save yourself from a chilly bathroom run in the middle of the night, pee in a bottle in your tent. Ladies, you can do this, too, with a little practice. A nifty device called a Shewee lets you relieve yourself without even getting undressed. Boys and girls, whatever you do, mark your pee bottle clearly so you don’t swig from it by accident (some people buy yellow bottles for this purpose). That could put a damper on your winter camping enthusiasm. 10. Keep a warm, fuzzy attitude. A positive mindset will help you go with the flow and keep cold thoughts from creeping into your head. Take it from Eric Larsen, a polar explorer who has skied to the North Pole three times and knows a thing or two about staying warm: “When you think you’re going to be cold, you’re going to be cold. Understanding that you can be warm no matter what the conditions are is a huge thing.” If you get cold, put on more clothes and do something to stoke your inner furnace, like jumping jacks, chopping wood, or taking a brisk walk through the woods. Most importantly, embrace the spirit of adventure and have fun. Written by Avery Stonich for RootsRated.

Smith and Bybee Wetlands - Flat Water Paddling

Intro Hidden in the middle of the warehouses and port terminals of the North Portland peninsula, the Smith and Bybee Wetlands are home to several wildlife species, including some you might not expect. Bald eagles, beavers, and one of the last remaining large populations of Western painted turtles in Oregon all take up residence in the wetlands. A long list of the usual suspects also call the natural area home, including the black-tailed deer and an ever-changing list of seasonal birds. Written by Abby Joffe for RootsRated. What Makes It Great With over 2000 acres of interconnected lakes and channels that don’t allow motorboats and that almost nobody knows about, you’re pretty much guaranteed a peaceful paddle. From the put-in, the area is your oyster, but navigation can be a bit tricky, so take note of your surroundings once in the water. The peace and quiet and bird life make this a great escape from the city, while not actually leaving. I’m not claiming that you’re out in the middle of a pristine wilderness, void of humanity or anything. You’re going to see the occasional plane from PDX and you might hear cars racing over at PIR, or a truck heading down Marine Drive. But in terms of an urban paddle, this is about as peaceful as you’re going to get. Nobody knows it’s there, it’s vast, and no motorized engines! Water levels vary greatly by season, from flood-level stage in late winter to muddy bog in late summer. As a matter of fact, the paddling is possible, but potentially very difficult by the end of summer. Your best bet is to head out anytime in spring or winter, which happen to offer the most excellent wildlife viewing anyway. Written by Abby Joffe for RootsRated. Who is Going to Love It Anybody that is a fan of a good paddle will appreciate this outing. Beyond that, folks that don’t have a lot of time, but would still like a quality paddle will enjoy this quick trip that is so close to the city. If you’re in a time crunch, North Portland isn’t THAT far away, no matter what your friends living in inner southeast say. And if you’re into wildlife viewing, particularly bird watching, this spot is one of Portland’s birding Meccas. Written by Abby Joffe for RootsRated. Directions, Parking, & Regulations There are a few places around the lakes where you can put-in, but the official put in has restrooms, and those are good to have. The put in is open from legal sunrise to legal sunset. As mentioned, water levels are very erratic. It can be easy to get stuck in the mud during low water, so be forewarned. Written by Abby Joffe for RootsRated.