The Most Difficult Hike in the Adirondacks, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the hike you think is the most difficult!
Updated on May 2, 2024 06:24
In the heart of New York, the Adirondacks stretch with their rugged beauty, challenging even the most seasoned hikers with their steep ascents and rocky terrain. Knowing the level of difficulty of each trail can transform a daunting trek into a thrilling adventure. This is why having a list of hikes ranked by difficulty is not only helpful but essential for planning a successful hiking trip in this iconic region.
By participating in the voting process, each hiker contributes to a broader understanding of what it truly means to tackle these trails. Whether you're someone looking to push your limits or just wanting to ensure you're well-prepared, this dynamic ranking adjusts as more people share their experiences. Your input helps to paint a clearer picture of each hike's challenges, guiding future adventurers in their journey through the Adirondacks.
What Is the Most Difficult Hike in the Adirondacks?
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165votes
Daniel Tripp · Public domainThis is the highest peak in the Adirondacks, and the hike to the top is challenging due to its length, steep sections, and rugged terrain. It's a 15-mile round trip with an elevation gain of 3,166 feet.Mount Marcy is the highest peak in the Adirondack Mountains and the state of New York, USA. It is located in the High Peaks Wilderness Area and is a popular destination for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. The summit offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys and is a challenging but rewarding climb.- Elevation: 5,344 feet (1,629 meters)
- Prominence: 3,199 feet (975 meters)
- Location: Essex County, New York, USA
- Coordinates: 44.1125°N, 73.9236°W
- Difficulty Level: Difficult
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242votes
petersent · Public domainThis hike is known for its steep and rocky ascent, and the trail can be difficult to follow in places. The round trip is 14.8 miles with an elevation gain of 4,857 feet.Dix Mountain is one of the most challenging Adirondack High Peaks located in the Dix Mountain Wilderness Area in Essex County, New York. It is known for its rugged terrain, extensive bushwhacking, and magnificent summit views. The mountain stands at an elevation of 4,857 feet (1,481 meters) and is part of the 46 High Peaks of the Adirondacks.- Elevation: 4,857 feet (1,481 meters)
- Location: Essex County, New York
- Mountain Range: Adirondack High Peaks
- Wilderness Area: Dix Mountain Wilderness Area
- Terrain: Rugged
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317votesThis peak is known for its exposed and steep terrain, with a challenging scramble to the summit. The round trip is 10.6 miles with an elevation gain of 3,000 feet.The Gothics is one of the most challenging Adirondack High Peaks located in Essex County, New York. It is part of the Great Range, which is a prominent mountain chain in the Adirondacks. The mountain is known for its rugged terrain, stunning alpine scenery, and breathtaking panoramic views.
- Elevation: 4,736 feet (1,443 meters)
- Peak Prominence: 699 feet (213 meters)
- Range: Great Range
- Location: Essex County, New York, United States
- Difficulty: Difficult
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414votesThis hike is known for its steep and rocky ascent, with a challenging scramble to the summit. The round trip is 13.8 miles with an elevation gain of 3,600 feet.Saddleback Mountain is a challenging and rewarding hike located in the Adirondack High Peaks region of New York. It is renowned for its rugged and steep terrain, offering breathtaking views from the summit. The mountain is part of the Great Range, which includes several other prominent peaks such as Basin Mountain and Gothics. Saddleback Mountain attracts experienced hikers and mountaineers seeking a thrilling adventure in the Adirondacks.
- Elevation: 4,515 feet (1,376 meters)
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Trail Length: Approximately 14 miles (22.5 kilometers)
- Elevation Gain: Approximately 3,000 feet (914 meters)
- Trailhead: Johns Brook Lodge or the Garden parking lot
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515votesThis peak requires a challenging scramble up a steep and rocky face, and the trail can be difficult to follow in places. The round trip is 16.3 miles with an elevation gain of 3,800 feet.Haystack Mountain is one of the most challenging hikes in the Adirondacks located in New York State, USA. It offers a thrilling experience for experienced hikers seeking a strenuous and rewarding adventure. The mountain is part of the 46 High Peaks of the Adirondacks, making it a popular destination for hikers looking to conquer the entire list.
- Elevation: 4,960 feet (1,512 meters)
- Difficulty: Extremely difficult
- Length: Approximately 16 miles (round trip)
- Trailhead: Located at the Adirondack Loj near Lake Placid
- Vertical Gain: Approximately 3,800 feet
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614votesThis hike is known for its steep ascent and rugged terrain, with a challenging scramble to the summit. The round trip is 12.4 miles with an elevation gain of 4,200 feet.Nippletop Mountain is a challenging and iconic hike in the Adirondacks, renowned for its breathtaking views and rugged terrain. Situated in the High Peaks region, it offers an exhilarating experience for experienced hikers seeking a demanding adventure. The mountain derives its name from the distinct nipple-like appearance of its summit.
- Elevation: 4,620 feet (1,408 meters)
- Location: Keene Valley, New York, USA
- Trail Length: Approximately 12.6 miles (20.3 kilometers) round trip
- Elevation Gain: Around 3,500 feet (1,067 meters)
- Difficulty: Challenging
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77votes
Mwanner · CC BY-SA 3.0This peak is known for its steep and rocky terrain, with a challenging scramble to the summit. The round trip is 14.8 miles with an elevation gain of 3,900 feet.Colden Mountain is widely considered one of the most difficult hikes in the Adirondacks. It is located in the High Peaks Wilderness Area and stands at an elevation of 4,715 feet (1,437 meters). The mountain offers breathtaking views of the surrounding alpine lakes and valleys, making it a popular destination for experienced hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. The trail to Colden Mountain is known for its rugged terrain, including steep ascents, rocky sections, and challenging scrambles, requiring careful navigation and physical endurance. The difficulty level of this hike is often attributed to its length, with a round trip distance of approximately 14 miles (22.5 kilometers) and an elevation gain of around 2,850 feet (869 meters). Hikers should be prepared for variable weather conditions and bring appropriate gear, including sturdy hiking boots, extra layers, and ample water and food supplies.- Location: High Peaks Wilderness Area, Adirondacks
- Elevation: 4,715 feet (1,437 meters)
- Views: Alpine lakes and valleys
- Terrain: Rugged with steep ascents, rocks, and scrambles
- Difficulty: High
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82votes
Traveler100 · CC BY-SA 3.0Allen Mountain
Adirondack Mountain ClubThis hike requires a long approach and a steep, rocky ascent to the summit. The round trip is 18 miles with an elevation gain of 4,340 feet.Allen Mountain is considered one of the most difficult hikes in the Adirondacks, located in New York, USA. It is known for its remote and challenging terrain, making it a favorite among experienced hikers seeking a true adventure. The trail to Allen Mountain offers breathtaking views, lush forests, and abundant wildlife. Hikers are rewarded with a sense of accomplishment upon reaching the summit, which stands at an elevation of 4,340 feet (1,323 meters).- Location: New York, USA
- Difficulty Level: Very Difficult
- Distance: 14.7 miles (23.7 kilometers) round trip
- Elevation Gain: 2,940 feet (896 meters)
- Summit Elevation: 4,340 feet (1,323 meters)
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910votes
Percious · Public domainThis peak is known for its steep and rocky ascent, with a challenging scramble to the summit. The round trip is 8.6 miles with an elevation gain of 2,900 feet.Algonquin Peak is one of the most challenging and iconic peaks in the Adirondack Mountains, located in upstate New York, United States. It is known for its breathtaking panoramic views and rugged terrain.- Elevation: 5,115 feet (1,559 meters)
- Difficulty Level: Difficult
- Trailhead: Heart Lake
- Trail Length: 9.6 miles (15.4 kilometers) round trip
- Elevation Gain: 2,900 feet (884 meters)
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102votes
Mwanner · CC BY-SA 3.0This hike includes a steep and rocky ascent to the summit, with some challenging scrambles along the way. The round trip is 6.8 miles with an elevation gain of 2,000 feet.Hurricane Mountain is one of the most challenging hikes in the Adirondack Mountains of New York. It offers a demanding ascent with stunning views at the summit.- Elevation: 3,694 feet
- Trail Length: 6.8 miles round-trip
- Difficulty: Difficult to strenuous
- Vertical Gain: 2,000 feet
- Trailhead: Hurricane Mountain Road, Keene, New York
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Ranking factors for difficult hike
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DistanceThe length of the hike, as longer hikes generally require more stamina and can be more challenging.
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Elevation GainThe amount of elevation gained during the hike is an essential factor. Steep hikes with significant elevation gain can be more difficult.
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TerrainThe type of terrain encountered during the hike, such as rocky paths, boulders, or steep slopes, can increase difficulty.
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Technical SkillsThe need for specific technical skills, such as rock climbing, navigating boulder fields, or crossing streams, can contribute to the overall difficulty.
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Weather ConditionsAdverse weather conditions, such as rain, snow, or extreme heat, can increase the challenge of a hike.
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Trail MarkingsThe clarity of trail markings can affect how easy or difficult it is to navigate a hike. Poorly marked or unmaintained trails may make a hike more challenging.
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Fitness Level / ExperienceThe hiker's physical fitness and experience level can affect how difficult a hike is for them. What is challenging for an inexperienced hiker may be more manageable for someone with more experience.
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Time RequiredThe amount of time it takes to complete a hike is an essential factor to consider. Longer, more challenging hikes often require a full day or multiple days to complete.
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AltitudeHiking at high altitudes can be more challenging due to thinner air and potential altitude sickness symptoms.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most difficult hike in the Adirondacks. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or hike is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1388 views
- 189 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each hike once every 24 hours. The rank of each hike is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
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More information on most difficult hike in the adirondacks
The Adirondack Mountains are home to some of the most breathtaking and challenging hikes in the United States. With over 2,000 miles of trails, the Adirondacks offer hikers of all skill levels an opportunity to explore the region's natural beauty. However, for those seeking a true adventure, the Adirondacks have several hikes that are considered to be among the most difficult in the region. From steep ascents to rugged terrain, these hikes require a high level of physical endurance and mental fortitude. In this article, we will explore the most challenging hikes in the Adirondacks and what makes them so difficult.
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