thePULSEPhotos & story by Dan Dewey
October 2003 – The Adirondack State Park in upstate New York is a magical region that has thousands of rivers, ponds, and lakes as well as forty-six peaks over 4,000 feet. A select company of dedicated outdoor enthusiasts who have reached the summit of each of these peaks, can rightfully claim the title of being a “46er”. Some of these peaks are deep in the wilderness, while other trailheads are literally only a few feet from a state highway. For example, Skylight Mountain has a challenging ascent of over 4,200 vertical feet and can take from fifteen to twenty hours to master. Turn the leaf over and you will find peaks such as Cascade Mountain, which can be done in an afternoon. The diversity and scope of the hiking opportunities that exist within park boundaries are what make the park both unique and special.
There are a few pieces of information that will help with your preparation for your trip to the Adirondacks. The drive up takes approximately four to five hours from central MA, most of which is spent on the Mass Pike and Rte 87 North. A good pair of hiking boots, plenty of water, and snacks with high protein values will serve you well. Sun block isn’t a bad idea either in spite of the cooling temperatures. Always carry a first-aid kit as well. Those planning on day hikes should allow for plenty of time to “summit” the peak and return to the trailhead with plenty of daylight to spare. With safety and preparation taken care of, here are a couple of ideas for day hikes with all abilities and ages in mind.
Since the Adirondack State Park is one of the largest parks in the country, at both state and national levels, there are a variety of regions you can explore. The epicenter of hiking in the Park falls within the High Peaks Region. This section of the Park is located just thirty minutes of the charming, Olympic town of Lake Placid. The majority of the 46ers are within this area and can be found with a hiking guide such as “50 Hikes in the Adirondacks” by Barbara McMartin. The fall is a great time of year to enjoy the high peaks region, as the foliage is extraordinary from mid September through mid October.
One of my favorite peaks is Giant Mountain. Majestically resting at an elevation of 4,627 feet, Giant seems to keep watch over the picturesque town of Keene Valley and such awe-inspiring peaks as Upper and Lower Wolfjaw and far beyond to Mount Marcy. The trailhead is located on Rte. 73 just east of Keene Valley, at the base of Roaring Brook Falls (a.k.a. Angel Falls). Take a few pictures of this dramatic waterfall, and hit the trail which begins to rise steeply away from the road. After cresting the first ridge along the forearm of Giant, you will no longer hear anything but the sounds of the forest and the voices of those that you encounter. Chances are you will see a number of hikers on this six-mile hike.
The view from Giant’s summit provides an open vista in all directions. There are steep rockslides that slope away from the summit, which are visible from the valley floor and beyond. Enjoy your lunch and the company of those around you as you reach out to the ceiling of the sky. In all, this hike will take from six to eight hours roundtrip depending on your conditioning. Giant’s name conjures up images of greatness and authority; images that should be heeded and taken into consideration as this climb is recommended only for hikers of intermediate to advanced abilities.
A less demanding yet equally as satisfying hike can be found at the trailhead of Cascade Mountain. Proudly surpassing the 4,000-ft. marker, Cascade stands at 4,098 ft. Located half way between Lake Placid and Keene Valley on Rte 73, Cascade rises out of beautiful, glacial lakes. Parking can be tricky at the trailhead, as it is practically on top of Rte. 73. The hike steadily rises almost 2,000 vertical feet to an exposed summit, where wildberries and shrubs adorn large granite outcroppings. For newcomers to the Park, this is a great place to see the high peaks and what they have to offer. Look for Haystack Mountain (3rd highest peak @ 4,960’) and the range that includes the Gothics, Saddleback, and Mount Marcy. This hike is just under five miles and can take anywhere from four to six hours.
The Adirondack State Park is one of the most impressive parks in this part of the county. Set aside a few days or even a week to explore this special area of wilderness, which will lure you back again and again. Who knows, maybe one day you too will be a 46er!
Websites to Check Out:
www.adk.com — Official Site of the Adirondack State Park
www.adkmountains.com/adkhikes.asp — guide to the Adirondakcs with numerous links to picture galleries and hiking guides.
www.adirondack.net/TOUR/HIKE/highpeaks.html — list of all 46b high peaks, their elev., vertical rise, length of trai, and how long it takes.
1-800-CALL-NYS — call for foliage updates
