Backpacking in the Adirondack High Peaks
Backpacking in the High Peaks of the Adirondacks is my new favorite thing. I’ve gone twice over the past few months and I can’t wait to return when the weather warms back up. The first time the Adirondacks had even crossed my mind was when a friend from the area gave me some hiking recommendations including Mt. Marcy, the tallest peak in New York state with an elevation 5,344 feet. I looked it up and was amazed by how beautiful it is. I immediately planned my first trip to upstate NY so I could finally see this expansive mountain region that is somehow in the same state as the concrete jungle I’ve been living in for two years.
This is what I would call the perfect weekend in the High Peaks Region:
On Friday evening, drive to the High Peaks Information Center and pay the $7 to park in their parking lot. From here, hike the 2.1 miles to Marcy Dam. This is a great base camp with a prime location at the foot of Mt. Marcy. It’s conveniently located near the trails for Mt. Marcy, Mt. Colden, and Avalanche Pass. Everything is first come first serve and you can set up your tent at one of the marked sites. Up to three tents can fit in each site for groups of up to 8. On summer weekends, all the sites can fill up pretty quickly by Friday night so get there early.
Marcy Dam is a lovely area, but remember it is backpacking, so don’t expect toilets or filtered drinking water. You can fill up your water bottle or reservoir from the stream and treat it with iodine tablets or a filter system. Know that you cannot have fires here, so you must either bring food that can be eaten cold or bring a stove.
Most importantly - BYOBC (bring your own bear canister!) If you don’t have your own, you can rent one from the High Peaks Information Center for $5 a day. Just remember to leave room in your backpack, these cans are bigger than you think. The bears in the High Peaks are smart and have figured out how to get into most bear canisters. The only one that is Adirondack-bear-proof is the backpackers cache. It’s 8.8′ in diameter, 12′ long and weighs 2.7 lbs. You will be asked by almost any ranger or park personnel what you are storing your food in, so be prepared to answer.
On Saturday, wake up early and start your hike! I’ve done both Mt. Marcy and Mt. Colden and I think they are both must-dos. Both are heavily trafficked and will take you majority of the day. Mt. Colden features the Colden Lake, which gives it a whole new dimension. After your hike, head back to your base camp to relax and make dinner.
Sunday morning, pack up your base camp and hike the 2 miles back to the parking lot. Spend some time in Lake Placid before driving home. Lake Placid is about 10 minutes from the High Peaks Information Center and there are some great options for breakfast.
The Adirondacks are one of the most beautiful places in the north East, so go see it for yourself. As a park ranger once told me, enjoy your reset in nature!