Background Information:

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Altitude: 5,344'

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Tidbits:  Highest point in New York

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Summitted, August 19, 2004

 

Time Zone: GMT -5  hours

 

When to go:

Best to go between May and October.

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Route Selection:

The Van Hoevenburg Trail is the main route to the summit.  It is 15 miles roundtrip with an elevation gain of 3,200'.

 

Hotel and Climb Reservation:

No guide, permit, or trail reservations are required. 

 

Packing List:

Standard equipment for a long day hike.  Bring emergency supplies.  Hiking poles are recommended, since the trail is rough, slippery, and wet in places.

 

Getting There:

From Lake Placid, go east on Route 73 for about 3 miles to Adirondak Loj Road (the first major road on your right past the Olympic Ski jumps).  Follow the road for 5 miles to the entrance booth.  There is a small parking fee (money can be inserted into a box when the station is closed and you can self-issue a parking permit).  Park in the lot just past the booth.  The trail begins at the sign-in register at the east end of the parking lot. 

 

Trip Description:

After paying the parking fee and signing in at the trail register, I proceeded up to Van Hoevenberg trail.  The trail is well marked.  After a few miles, there was a beautiful lake with stunning views of the surrounding high peaks.  The weather was overcast.  As I approached the summit area above tree line, a vicious wind storm with 100+ MPH winds descended on the mountain (I believe it was the combination of the jet stream and a storm).  

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There is a plaque at the summit, as well as a USGS marker. 

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