Algonquin Peak is an incredible High Peak to climb in the Adirondacks. It is a beautiful trail with amazing views. Algonquin Peak was our first High Peak we ever hiked in the Adirondacks and made the High Peaks a special place in our hearts.
This post describes all that you need to know to hike to Algonquin Peak.
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*****Everything in this article is my personal opinion and experiences. Check your own resources and choose to do anything I discuss at your own risk. Some of the things in this post may be dangerous and not recommended for every body.
About Algonquin Peak
Algonquin Peak is the second highest point in New York State at 5,114 feet tall. The trail is shorter than some other nearby high peaks, but it still has a substantial amount of elevation gain. The trail has a ton of steep slides that get particularly dangerous in wet or icy conditions.
Getting to and Parking at Algonquin Peak Trailhead
The Trailhead for the Algonquin Peak Trail starts at the High Peaks Wilderness Parking Area near the Adirondack Loj. The trailhead has the High Peaks Information Center where you can talk to rangers and get advice for hiking anything in the area. In the summer there is a snack bar with snacks and drinks, called the Hungry Hiker.
Parking at the trailhead can be difficult in the summer and fall as it is a very popular spot and many hikes start from the same trailhead. I recommend getting to the trailhead VERY early as the parking lot fills up quickly. If staying at the Adirondack Loj or Loj Campground, you will automatically have free parking which can save you the hassle of having to get there super early for a parking spot.
Parking is $10 and is paid at the little entrance hut prior to entering the parking lot.
The Hike to Algonquin Peak
Trailhead Location: google maps link
Distance: around 8 miles RT
Elevation Gain: around 3000 feet
The hike to Algonquin Peak starts on the same trailhead that most of the hikes into the High Peaks Wilderness starts at, which is near to the High Peaks Information Center. While walking on the trail, there will eventually be a trail intersection with a place to turn right on another trail with a sign pointing towards Algonquin Peak. Take this trail. You will not go to Marcy Dam (and if you get to Marcy Dam, you have missed the trail intersection)!
Take this trail to the right and this will be the trail that you will take all the way to the summit of Algonquin. The trail starts climbing and continues to gain elevation all the way to the top. Partially up the mountain, there will be a spur trail to Wright Peak. Some people include Wright Peak in their hike up to Algonquin, but we chose not to. At this trail intersection, there is also a rustic toilet.
From this point, the trail starts to steeply climb slides. These stone slides can be very dangerous in wet or icy conditions. (I fell and hit my knee at one point in this section). Be very careful here and be prepared to turn around if you feel too unsafe.
If you are able to make it up the rock slides, eventually the trail will become more exposed, with less trees. Once the trail becomes exposed, you are on the home stretch and almost to the top! Once you get top, there are incredible 360 degree views. I recommend bringing a picnic or something so that you can hangout on the summit for longer and enjoy the views.
There is an overuse issue at the summit where people have trampled vulnerable plants and have not taken care of the area. During your visit, make sure to leave no trace, don’t walk where signs say not to, and don’t step on fragile plants.
When you’re done at the summit, turn around and head back down. If you still feel like you have a lot of energy and are prepared, you could tackle Wright Peak on the way down.
Tips for Hiking to Algonquin Peak
Bring Layers
No matter what the temperature is at the trailhead, the summit will definitely be much colder. Depending on the amount of wind, it can be as much as twenty to thirty degrees colder with wind chill. Make sure that you are prepared for the elements, especially since the summit and the slides on the way up are pretty exposed with not really much of an option to take cover.
I like having a foldable puffy coat in my backpack for any of my summit hikes in case that it is much colder than I expect.
Be prepared to turn around
The weather can be variable, especially as you get closer to the summit. Be prepared to turn around if the weather changes, the trail is dangerous (with ice or something you are not prepared for), or if the trail is more difficult than you think. It is always better to be safe than sorry. The mountain summit will always be there for you to come back to, you can always come back to it, even if you have to turn around one day.
Things to bring on your hike to Algonquin Peak
Algonquin Peak is no joke. Even though it is a popular hike, it is a serious one. Make sure that you have the 10 essentials with you so that you are properly prepared in the case of any unexpected changes or difficulties.
- water
- snacks
- map
- sunscreen
- rain gear such as a rain jacket or rain backpack cover
- first aid kit
- head lamp
- repair kit such as knife and tape
- fire starter such as matches
- emergency shelter such as emergency blanket
- microspikes if hiking in late fall through late spring
Other High Peaks to Hike in the Adirondacks
Mount Marcy
Mount Marcy is the tallest point in New York State and is close to Algonquin Peak. It is an incredible hike. The hike to Mount Marcy shares the first mile of the same trail to Algonquin, but instead of turning on the trail to Algonquin, you continue straight to Marcy Dam and continue on from there. I love the hike to Mount Marcy and think that it is one of the best hikes in the High Peaks Wilderness.
Mount Colden
Mount Colden is another popular high peak that can be reached from the same trailhead. To get to Mount Colden, you take the same trail to Marcy Dam, but split onto a different trail after the dam. It is a popular trail, especially in the summer, since Avalanche Lake is beside Mount Colden.
Phelps Mountain
Phelps Mountain is a less common hike than Mount Marcy, but still quite popular as the trailhead is the main High Peaks Wilderness trailhead, making it one of the more accessible peaks. We like Phelps Mountain and felt that is had unique views compared to some of the other High Peaks around.
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Overall this is my guide to hiking to Algonquin Peak in the Adirondacks. I hope that this post is helpful to you in planning your trip. Please let me know if you have any comments or questions down below!
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