Mount Marcy Trail

Mount Marcy Trail is the named route up to Mount Marcy in the High Peaks Wilderness area, using designated foot travel and ground surface.

This long-distance out-and-back is built around the Van Hoevenberg Trail line: the summit is 7.4 miles one way (14.8 miles round trip) with about 3,166 feet of elevation gain.

From the High Peaks Information Center area near Adirondack Loj Road, the first miles are relatively gentle rolling terrain as you work toward Marcy Dam and the surrounding Brookwater corridor.

After Marcy Dam, the route tightens into a steeper climb along the brook system, including rocky trail sections and an extended push toward the vicinity where the trail transitions to open rock near the top.

Approaching treeline, the character shifts again: expect a steep finish over exposed rock to reach the Mount Marcy summit at 5,344 feet.

High Peaks Wilderness travel is regulated by Leave No Trace principles; above treeline, the practice is to stay on bare rock (the “rock walk”) and follow route marking at the alpine zone.

The route is also used seasonally in winter, and the higher, exposed sections require appropriate winter traction and cold-weather preparation.

More information: Wikipedia, Mount Marcy | Lake Placid, Hiking Mount Marcy: New York's Highest Peak Adventure Guide