Algonquin Peak

The walk starts at the High Peaks Information Center parking by the Adirondak Loj, at the end of Adirondack Loj Road. Take the Van Hoevenberg Trail towards Marcy Dam. At about 1 mile the Algonquin Trail leaves it, going straight on where the Marcy trail bears left. The trail climbs through the forest, easily at first and then over steep, slabby rock, passing MacIntyre Falls at 2.6 miles. At 3 miles a sign warns that you are about to leave the trees. At 3.2 miles the trail to Wright Peak goes left; keep right, up open rock, to the summit. Return the same way.

It is 7.9 miles (12.7 km) round trip with 2,970 feet (906 m) of climbing; allow about 6½ hours. The grade is Hard: steep and relentless in its upper half, with long slabs that are slippery when wet.

The summit, at 5,114 feet, is above the trees. The weather can become dangerous very fast, with high wind, cold and no visibility: turn back if it does. The alpine plants here are rare and fragile, so walk only on the rock.

There is a fee to park, and the lots are often full on summer days, so arrive early. In winter you need snowshoes, and spikes or crampons for the slabs.

Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.