New York is so much more than the “Big Apple”. Contrary to popular belief, it is an amazingly diverse state. Just 3 hours above Manhattan, you could find yourself lost in the beautiful, lush green forests of the Adirondacks. “The Adirondack Park” is a unique, 6-million-acre protected land area featuring crystal clear waterfalls, diverse wildlife, and, of course, the towering high peaks region, home to the famous Adirondack 46ers. Popularized in the mid 1900’s, the 46 highest peaks in New York became something close to a challenge for dedicated hikers, aiming to enjoy and summit every single peak. The region became a staple hiking, canoeing, rockclimbing, and camping destination and currently features around 4000 campsites, providing varied experiences like island camping, lean-tos, and RV sites.
If you are looking to get into hiking but don’t know where to start, here are four great hikes for aspiring and inexperienced hikers:
- Hurricane Mountain
Located in the west of Elizabethtown, Hurricane Mountain is the perfect peak for aspiring hikers. This bald peak not only has a beautiful Adirondack view, but on the rockface lies a 35-foot fire tower. Standing at the lookout, you are met with a beautiful panorama of dozens of Adirondack peaks unfolding on the horizon. Be wary, though, the trail is very steep, so make sure to bring extra water and reliable boots. Depending on the trail, Hurricane Mountain is around 5-6 miles round-trip, with an estimated time of 2-3 hours. Hurricane is a very beginner-friendly hike.
2. Big Slide via the Three Brothers
Ready to take the 46ers? If you’re feeling ambitious and ready to take on your first high peak, Big Slide is the perfect intro to the 46ers. With an elevation gain of around 3000ft and a total mileage of 7.9 miles, this out-and-back trail is very beginner-friendly. The view is breathtaking, revealing a landscape that encompasses nearly the entire High Peaks region. Getting a spot at the infamous Garden Parking Lot might be a bit tricky, so make sure to wake up extra early to snag one before they’re all gone!
3. Indian Head and Rainbow Falls
Indian Head and Rainbow Falls is the perfect spot to admire one of the Adirondack’s iconic lakes, the scenic Lower Ausable Lake. The pristine trail is dotted with waterfalls and great views, the highlight of course being the towering Rainbow Falls, standing at 150ft tall. The estimated time round trip is around 6-7 hours. It is a long but easy hike, with minimal rock scrambling and rugged terrain. Grab a walking stick or bring some poles because this trail is a never-ending one. And if you are an artsy hiker, it wouldn’t hurt to bring a watercoloring kit to document such a unique and striking view.
4. Algonquin, Iroquois, and Wright Peaks
These three peaks may seem like a major challenge, but they are pretty manageable for a dedicated and eager hiker. Starting from the Heart Lake trailhead, the journey to Wright Peak is a close 3.5 miles ascent, with the trail winding past the towering McIntyre Falls. Following the trail, you reach Algonquin with a sweeping landscape, one of the best views in the whole park. The trek continues with a sharp 500-foot descent, followed by an immediate regain of elevation, to reach the spectacular views atop Iroquois Peak. Then the dread truly sets in: the only way home is a grueling climb back up and over Algonquin, followed by the long descent back to Heart Lake. All told, it’s a 10.6-mile day with 4300 ft of elevation gain. This is not recommended to be one’s first Adirondack hike, but still beginner-friendly, or those looking to fall in love with the longer hikes.
Honorble Mention:
5. The Dix Range
If you’re feeling confident, the Dix Range, including Hough, Grace, Macomb, South Dix, and Dix, is moderately hard but a very rewarding loop trail. Located just southeast of the High Peaks region, the Dix Range is a hidden gem for hikers seeking a unique challenge. Though the ascent is demanding, the grade mellows significantly once you reach the first summit, making the traverse across the ridge relatively gentle. It is important to take the loop hike up the infamous Macomb slide, a 450-foot rock slide almost at the summit of Macomb. The ridge traverses from Macomb to Dix, hitting the rest of the peaks along the way is scenic, rocky, and a little bit muddy, so bring some trusty boots. It is possible to go clockwise, ending at Hough, and going down the slippery slide, but it is recommended to end at Dix, which is arguably the best view of the day. The day is long, and parking spots at the Elk Lake lot are scarce, so it’s important to start early, ready to take on the 15 miles with a 5100ft elevation gain.
