Adirondack Mountains - High Peaks
Mount Marcy Backpacking Trip

3-Day Backpacking
​Distance: 15-18 Miles
​​Difficulty: ◉◉◉◎◎
Max Participants: 7

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This 3 day, 2 night backpacking trip provides the opportunity to visit the largest state park in the country, with access to the highest peak in New York, Mount Marcy. Located in the high peaks wilderness area of the Adirondack State Park, a 6 million acre "forever wild" forest preserve, Mount Marcy stands tall at 5,344 feet, offering stunning 360 degree views from its treeless dome summit.

While not technically challenging, the trail offers plenty of rugged varied terrain, from dirt and mud to large boulders, as it ascends 3,166 ft into the alpine zone. It is a very long hike, totaling 15 miles round trip from the Adirondack High Peaks Information Center at Heart Lake.

Day 1
2:30pm Meet at ADK High Peaks Information Center. Introductions, gear organization, and other preparations.
3:00pm Depart ADK parking lot and hike 2.5 miles to Marcy Dam. We'll find a campsite, set up camp, and enjoy our first meal on the trail.

Day 2
6:30am Breakfast
7:30am Begin 5 mile ascent to summit of Mount Marcy
Lunch with a view!
Return 5 miles to camp for well deserved hot meal

Add 2.3 more miles, a lot more scenery, and some more rock scrambling to this hike by looping down the back of Mt. Marcy and through Avalanche Pass.

Day 3
8:00am Breakfast
9:30am Easy hike back to the Adirondack Loj at Heart Lake to complete this awesome 2 night adventure.
12:00pm Return/organize gear

*The alpine zone does not have trees to provide protection from the weather, so extra precautions must be taken when traveling above treeline. If the weather or visibility is poor, your guide may suggest an alternative hike within the park. Weather can change very quickly in the mountains, especially at higher elevations.

Meeting Location: High Peaks Information Center
1002 Adirondack Loj Rd
Lake Placid, NY 12946
GPS: 44°10'58.4"N 73°57'49.6"W
44.182891, -73.963788


What's Included:
Professional & Licensed Guide familiar with the park
Meals while on trail: Dinner (2), Lunch, and Breakfast (2)
High Quality, Lightweight Gear Rental:
Backpack
Tent & Stakes
Sleeping Bag
Foam Sleeping Pad
Stove, Fuel, & Cook Pots
Bowl, Mug, & Spork
Garbage Bag (Best Pack Liner)
Dry Bags
Food Bags
Bear Resistant Canister
Headlamp & Batteries
Toilet Paper & Trowel
Micro Towel
First Aid Kit & Whistle
Water Bottles