The Adirondacks: For the Peakbagger

I keep hearing about the 46 four-thousand-foot mountains in the Adirondacks of upstate New York. Judging by the photos below, which I pulled from the Internet, I’m in for a pleasant treat when I begin the quest to climb them next Spring. I’m told that most of them have marked trails leading to the summit. That sure helps.

Hiking in the Adirondack MountainsWaterfalls while backpacking in the AdirondacksHiking in the Adirondacks of opstate New YorkI’m thinking that these mountains are similar to the White mountains in New Hampshire and will offer a similar hiking experience. If so, I can expect rugged terrain and challenging climbs. Afterall, the Adirondack area is the home of Lake Placid and the Winter Olympics in 1932 and 1980. The ski jumps still stand.

Many peak baggers (those who hike to mountain peaks) in the eastern half of the U.S., select peaks starting at 4,000 feet. New Hampshire has 48 four-thousand footers, and there are 68 in New England. So, it’s natural to migrate west to New York state when you are finished in New England. It will probably take me a few years to climb all of them in the Adirondacks, as I don’t plan to hike in winter. Like most things in life, and like that long Chinese march, it all begins with a first step.

The unsigned photo of the peaks with snow was taken by Anita Green. I can’t find a photographer name for the lake photo.

Published by Ray Anderson

Hiker and writer. Have hiked the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, The Long Trail (Vermont), and some of the Continental Divide Trail. My trail name is "HAMLET." Have written three hiking novels (thrillers). The first one, "THE TRAIL," was traditionally published in 2015. My second hiking thriller, "SIERRA," released Oct 2016. Book three in my AWOL hiking-thriller series, "THE DIVIDE" releases from Turner Publishing 8/18/2020. www.RayKAnderson.com

2 thoughts on “The Adirondacks: For the Peakbagger

  1. Hi Ray-
    I have hiked Marcy on March 17 one year and my friend and I were the only ones on the mountain. We used crampons for the exposed summit cone with an ice cover. Stashed the snowshoes just below. The 360 degree view under a azure sky with March warmth was unforgettable.
    Then there was a summer trip to do a long several peak track, when we ran out of water but met a fellow with a pump before limping back to the Lodge. So, I ve’ done a few. They are a bit more rugged than the Whites from what I hear. Presently unable to put my hands on the Dacks hiking book, cannot remember beyond Iriquois.
    Have fun and let me know when you’re going! Marianne
    Marianne

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