Mt. Marcy Hike

[TDawg]

I have an overnighter coming up with my father and some of his buddies in upstate NY.

This is my first venture to the Adirondacks, having done all my hiking in NH or ME. Having never hiked in the Adirondacks, and not looked at a topo of the area yet, my question is...What other 4kers are in close proximity to Marcy? Perhaps Algonquin (5k)? Gothics?? I'm open to suggestions

I have a day where I could shoot up and down one while the older men I'm with recuperate, while my younger legs will sore I'm sure, but still ready to go having been hiking a lot this summer.

Also we are using a 6 person cabin we are renting as a basecamp? Anyone know if this?? I guess its on the trail maybe from what I gather??

THANKS

 

[AOC-1]

Sounds like you'll be staying at Grace Camp near John's Brook Lodge on the Phelps Trail, which starts at the "Garden" parking lot in Keene Valley. You're in luck. This is close to the Range Trail, and access to such high peaks as Lower Wolf Jaw, Upper Wolf Jaw, Armstrong Mt., Gothics, Basin, Saddleback and Haystack. A good second day hike from there would be Gothics, via the Orebed trail. Gothics is a spectacular mountain, my favorite in the Adks. From Gothics, you could proceed without much trouble to Saddeback (the trail climbs to the col between these peaks). Have fun.

 

[Raymond]

Get hold of the new edition of the Adirondack Mountain Club's High Peaks Guide.

Also, check out www.AdirondackJourney.com

Lots of great suggestions and information both places.

 

[Mike P.]

If you are staying in the John's Brook area Gothics would have to be the "must do" hike

If that hike looks too hard, I like Big Slide, it provides a great view of Gothics & the Great Range. My only issue climbing Gothics is you can't see Gothics when you are on top of it.

 

[TDawg]

Nice

Sounds like Gothics could be it. Sounds and looks fun, thanks for the input.

Aside from Gothics, any good loops combining Marcy with another 4k footer?

I really need to see a map this is driving me crazy...

 

[audrey]

Yes, TDawg, you really do need to see a map! From Marcy, you can return to the cabin via Basin, Saddleback, Gothics, Armstrong, and Upper Wolfjaw. Haystack and Lower Wolfjaw are also short side trips off the Great RAnge Trail. Would that be enough for you?

You are going to LOVE the Adirondacks!

 

[1ADAM12]

Sounds like Gothics could be it. Sounds and looks fun, thanks for the input.

Aside from Gothics, any good loops combining Marcy with another 4k footer?

I really need to see a map this is driving me crazy...

If you have time I would climb Skylight with Marcy. From the 4 corners you can make it atop Skylight in about 30 minutes. Skylight is one of my favorites. Also when you reach treeline pick up a rock and set it on top of the big summit cairn. Myth has it that if you place a rock atop of the cairn it will not rain on you for the whole day

 

[Doc McPeak]

Forget Marcy! Bring Dad and the gang up Haystack!!! Let the sheep graze on Marcy while the sheepdogs galavant across the best peak in New York: Mighty Haystack! Then the older contingent can head back down to Grace camp and you can continue the fun over Basin and Saddleback. And then Gothics, Armstrong, and the Wolf Jaws the next day. Though I would suggest doing that loop east to west.

Have a blast! Grace is a Great camp and the john's brook valley is magical. Tell Dad and crew to loosen up the legs on rest day by climbing the Short Job, located right at the intersection of the Orebed Trail, John's Brook Lodge Crossover, and The Wolf Jaws trails. The guys at JBL will know. It's a couple hundred feet of climbing (tops) and is a fun knob looking back down into the valley, up at Yard and Big Slide, and the whole Lower Great Range. They can go hang out up there and have fun checking out all the little trails leading to many sweet views.

 

[TDawg]

So many peaks....so little time..ahhh

 

[The Sikes]

We just did Gray, Marcy and Skylight in a day and then the next day did Colden. You could do Phelps and Tabletop...there are alot. It is a long day and we were tired but as you said you are young and probably full of energy!

 

[Tom Rankin]

We just did Gray, Marcy and Skylight in a day and then the next day did Colden. You could do Phelps and Tabletop...there are alot. It is a long day and we were tired but as you said you are young and probably full of energy!

Nice meeting you Sunday. Your kids are amazing hikers!