I hiked my third High Peak, Mount Marcy, with a group of about 11 or 12 from the ADK on a hot but beautiful Sunday. We left from the Adirondack Loj and collected our rocks to bring to the summit as requested by the sign. These rocks are used to protect the bare summit and its little vegitation. Our route to Marcy passed Marcy Dam, the trail to Algonquin, the trail to Indian Falls, and the trails to Phelps and Tabletop. The first two miles from the Loj to the Dam, were easy and flat. The climb upwards began passed the Dam but it didn't become difficult until the last two miles. There is a daunting view of the summit first seen from a break in the trees in the last portion of the trail. Nothing like hiking several miles and knowing you are close to the top but seeing the peak of the mountain "over there!"
We reached the summit at 7.4 miles, and gladly unloaded our rocks in the designated area. We spent about 50 minutes on the summit where we enjoyed lunch, gorgeous views, and a pleasant breeze. The summit seward educated hikers on why they need to stay on the marked trail at the top and the importance of staying off the protected areas of vegetation. She was kind enough to take our group picture on several cameras.
A 360o view is offered at the top. It was a hazy day, but views of Algonquin, Iriqouis, Gothics, Haystack, and several other High Peaks were available.
The way down was easier but as always, seemed much longer! The total trip was over 9 hours including summit time, a few stops to rest, and a stop to pump water.
Mount Marcy, formally called Tahawas (Cloud Splitter) was named after former New York Governor William Learned Marcy, who had appointed a commission to do a geological survey of the northern district. The first recorded ascent of the mountain was on August 5, 1837.
We reached the summit at 7.4 miles, and gladly unloaded our rocks in the designated area. We spent about 50 minutes on the summit where we enjoyed lunch, gorgeous views, and a pleasant breeze. The summit seward educated hikers on why they need to stay on the marked trail at the top and the importance of staying off the protected areas of vegetation. She was kind enough to take our group picture on several cameras.
A 360o view is offered at the top. It was a hazy day, but views of Algonquin, Iriqouis, Gothics, Haystack, and several other High Peaks were available.
The way down was easier but as always, seemed much longer! The total trip was over 9 hours including summit time, a few stops to rest, and a stop to pump water.
Mount Marcy, formally called Tahawas (Cloud Splitter) was named after former New York Governor William Learned Marcy, who had appointed a commission to do a geological survey of the northern district. The first recorded ascent of the mountain was on August 5, 1837.
4 comments:
Nice trip report, and I love the Panoramic shot. It has been a while since I've been up Marcy - and was not aware they are asking hikers to carry rocks to the summit. How are they using them to protect the vegetation? By creating boundaries?
Yeah, they aren't large rocks, maybe the size of your fist. You put them in a pile at the top and they arrange them.
great that you did another high peak!! wasnt the last part a killer-going up the open bare rock?? we had to stop several times to keep the quads from burning. awesome view too.
Really beautiful photos, I really like the one with the mountains reflected in the lake.
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