Labor Day: Mt. Marcy & Algonquin Hiking, Camping & Climbing Weekend

We will leave New York City on Friday evening, drive north and head into the heart of the Adirondack mountains to an area known as the “High Peaks.” This area contains some of the most magnificent and challenging peaks in the Adirondacks, with over 100 summits ranging from 1,200 to over 5,000 feet in altitude. We will tackle the highest of them all in the morning, Mount Marcy.

Upon arriving at the foothills of the mountains we will set up our tents and hit the sleeping bags.

• Elevation 5,344 feet
• Location New York, USA
• Range Adirondack Mountains
• Prominence 4,912 feet
• First Ascent 1837 by Ebenezer Emmons and party

After enjoying our peaceful mountain sleep we will get a jump on a day of challenging hiking—15 miles of rugged terrain. Starting at the trailhead of the beautiful Adirondack Loj, we will climb over 3,000 feet in elevation to summit Mount Marcy. Along the trail we will negotiate streams, bridges, rocks, trees and roots. As we begin the final ascent to the top we will push above tree line to enjoy a cool breeze and a 360 degree view from the top of New York State.

Mount Marcy, at 5,344 ft (1,629 m), is the highest mountain in the Adirondack Mountain Range and the highest point in New York State. It is a popular destination for hikers due to its stature and great views. The majority of the mountain is forested, although the final few hundred feet is above tree line. The peak is dominated by rocky outcrops, lichens, and alpine shrubs.

The mountain is named after former governor William L. Marcy, who authorized the environmental survey that explored the area. Mt. Marcy is sometimes called Tahawus—an Indian name that means “the cloud splitter”; however, the local Indians, who were few in number, had no name for the mountain.

The first recorded ascent of Mount Marcy was in 1837 by a large party led by Ebenezer Emmons. Today the ascent is easier due to existing trails that require no technical skills, allowing ascent and descent to be made in a day.

After lunch, we will begin our eventful descent. First, we will hike past tiny Lake Tear-of-the-Clouds, the headwaters of the mighty Hudson River. Climbing ladders and crossing logs from the summit, we will traverse around the lake, past Marcy Dam and back to our trailhead and campsite.

Theodore Roosevelt was camped at Lake Tear-of-the-Clouds on September 14, 1901, after summiting Marcy when he got word that William McKinley, who had been shot a week earlier, had taken a serious turn for the worse.

Roosevelt and his party hiked ten miles down the southwest face of the mountain to Long Lake, New York, where he hired a stage coach and took a legendary midnight ride through forty miles of precipitous Adirondack roads to the closest train station at North Creek, New York. When he arrived he found out McKinley had died and that he was President. He took the train to Buffalo, New York, where McKinley had been shot, and he was sworn in there. The route from Long Lake to North Creek has been designated the Roosevelt-Marcy Trail.

Spend Saturday night resting up by the fire and reading a book or heading into one of the many quaint mountain villages for a drink or two.

Rock Climbing

The Adirondacks have long been considered the premiere eastern region for introducing groups to the joys and rewards of rock climbing. The Adirondack Park houses many superb roadside climbing areas, but it is the more remote wilderness cliffs that make the climbing experience here truly unique.

You’ll learn the fundamentals of climbing on some of New York’s famous sheer granite walls. Your instructors will emphasize such skills as climbing techniques, rope systems, anchors, rappelling and belaying, protection placement, risk management and lead philosophy. You’ll have ample opportunity to practice your climbing skills while you develop a strong foundation in the basics of rock climbing. Those with previous experience may continue their education with an intermediate course. Requires a minimum of four climbers for our group.

The first white frontier scouts explored Adirondack waterways by rowing an elongated, cedar planked work boat with spruce ribs and cane seats. The boat became know as the Adirondack Guide Boat.

Word traveled abroad about these woodsmen. It wasn’t long before writers came to the Adirondacks, hiring these men as hunting and fishing guides. Writers wrote about their experiences, which brought sportsmen to the Adirondacks, who also hired these guides. The tradition continues today: present day guides are licensed and experienced in a variety of outdoor recreational pursuits. Certified in first aid, CPR and water safety, they also know the Adirondack landscape, waterways, flora, fauna, history and lore better than anyone—they’ll teach you a wealth of outdoor knowledge and technical skills. Explore the largest protected wilderness in the continental US with a professional Adirondack Guide.

Lake Placid

Lake Placid is best known as the two-time site of the Winter Olympics. In the United States, the village is especially remembered as the site of the 1980 USA-USSR hockey game, the “Miracle on Ice,” when a group of American college students and amateurs upset the heavily favored Soviet national ice hockey team 4-3 and two days later won the gold medal.

Culture & History

In Lake Placid, take a trip to one of our many museums or historic sites to learn about the exciting heritage. If the arts are what move you, take in a show or concert at one of the community theaters or browse a gallery.

Spas

Luxuriate in a relaxing soak, savor a deep-tissue massage, re-hydrate with a paraffin hand treatment or be lulled by a soothing facial.

Dining

The Adirondack culinary experience is inspired by the diversity of the natural elements that characterize this magnificent region. Whether you seek traditional American cuisine in a family-friendly atmosphere or an elegant dinner of gourmet cuisine, you’re sure to find something to satisfy your craving in one of the many restaurants.

Shopping

From hiking gear to designer clothes, the shops on Main Street have it all. Spend the day window shopping for that perfect gift or souvenir among the Adirondack craft and antique stores.

• Elevation 5,114 feet
• Location New York
• Range Adirondacks
• Prominence 2,097 ft
• First Ascent 1837 by Ebenzer Emmons and party

Sunday morning offers a chance to sleep in a little and eat a tent-side breakfast. We will take our time packing up the campsite and then, hike to Algonquin Peak and past Avalanche Lake, for an amazing view of Lake Placid and the rest of the Adirondack Mountains.

Algonquin Peak is the second-highest mountain in New York and one of the 46 Adirondack High Peaks in Adirondack Park. Its name comes from its reputedly being on the Algonquin side of a nearby informal boundary between the Algonquin Indians and their Iroquois neighbors.

Algonquin is popular with hikers who want a day trip that, while shorter than that to nearby Mount Marcy, is steeper, requiring almost as much vertical ascent in a considerably shorter distance.

Those who hike Algonquin find the experience rewarding. The mountain’s summit is an alpine zone above tree line, and thus stunning views are available in all directions.

After descending from the mountain, we will grab a bite to eat and head back to New York City.

We offer adventures for everyone, no matter what your skill level. This guide will help you decide which trip is right for you.

• Activity

  How long (in hours) you may be active every day during the trip.

• Distances

  You should feel confident that you would be able to complete these distances every day of your trip.

• Surfaces

  What types of terrain you may encounter and should be prepared for on your trip.

• Elevation Change

  The largest elevation change you may encounter on your trip.

• Altitude

  The highest elevation you may reach on your trip.

Welcome to the outdoors! These trips are designed to introduce you to new challenges and new adventurers. Take in the scenery, tackle moderate elevation, experience some local flavor, and enjoy your day out of the office.

• Activity

  You can expect to be active for one to three hours. Take a long walk around Central Park to make sure you’re comfortable being outdoors and active for at least a two-hour period.

• Distances

  For our Level 1 trips, you’ll be walking or hiking less than three miles. Think about this distance in terms of the width of Manhattan. Walking from the Hudson to the East River via 14th street is just under two miles.

• Surfaces

  You’ll be walking on flat terrain. This means there will be limited rocks and a few tree roots.

• Elevation Change

  There will be little or no elevation change on this trip. To simulate the change in elevation, trying walking three flights of stairs and back.

• Altitude

  Less than 3,000 feet.

Level 2 trips will give you a taste of what hiking is all about. Test yourself on intermediate terrain, including light rock scrambles and ascending multiple peaks. The trips will invigorate you and inspire you to continue strengthening your hiking skills.

• Activity

  You can expect to be active for four to six hours. Prepare for the trip by jogging three miles around Central Park.

• Distances

  Plan on getting starter miles under your belt. You’ll be doing up to six miles on this trip. You can imagine this distance in terms of the full Central Park loop, which is 6.1 miles.

• Surfaces

  You’ll be hiking on rolling terrain. You can expect rock surfaces, steeps, roots and small boulders.

• Elevation Change

  There could be up to an accumulative 1,500 feet per day.

• Altitude

  From sea level to 6,000 feet.

Level three hikes will challenge you with a faster pace and longer distances. This hard work allows you to see more terrain and higher vistas. You should expect to be tired and fulfilled on the van ride home.

• Activity

  We’ll be out on the trails for five to eight hours. Prepare for this trip by maintaining your daily fitness regime that includes both cardio and strength.

• Distances

  Be ready to cover some serious distance. We may hike up to ten miles today before heading back to the city. This is the distance between Battery Park and Washington Heights in Manhattan.

• Surfaces

  We’ll be walking on rolling or mountainous terrain. This will require navigating various rock faces and trail conditions including steep inclines and uneven ground.

• Elevation Change

  There could be up to 2,000 feet per day.

• Altitude

  From sea level to 10,000 feet.

Deep inside you is a desire to push past your limit. On these hikes you’ll be challenged by some of the steepest elevations and technical terrain available. These trips are for endurance athletes and those who wish to push their physical abilities.

• Activity

  You can expect to be active for six to nine hours. You can best prepare for a Level 4 trip by maintaining your intense fitness regiment, trying to get your mile time below 7 minutes, and hiking consistently on the weekends.

• Distances

  Level 4 hikes can be up to 16 miles. This is the distance between Wall Street and Yonkers.

• Surfaces

  These trails will be mountainous with exposed terrain, uneven trails and steep ascents/descents. Most hikes will require not only hiking boots but also additional gear like hiking poles and headlamps.

• Elevation Change

  There could be elevation change of up to 3,000 feet per day and possible altitude.

• Altitude

  From sea level to 14,000 feet.

Prepare yourself for the ultimate outdoor experience. If you yearn to touch the sky and think the rewards outweigh the risks and extreme conditions, this is what you’re looking for. Over the course of multiple days you will be called upon to prove you belong among the best.

• Activity

  You should be ready for at least ten hours a day of pain, challenge, and constant small victories.

• Distances

  You should expect to be hiking for at least twelve miles a day. Prepare for this by racing in triathlons, training for a marathon and up keeping your hiking skills.

• Surfaces

  On Level 5 trips you will be trekking in remote mountains with exposed terrain and loose features.

• Elevation Change

  There could be elevation change of 5,000 feet per day.

• Altitude

  Altitude change could also reach up to 14,000 feet.