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Mt. Marcy via Van Hoevenberg Trail

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Difficult Difficult
 4.7 (30)
  1. Areas
  2. NY
  3. …Adirondack Region
  4. …High Peaks Wilderness
  5. Adirondak Loj
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“The most common route to the highest point in New York State. ”

KC93 Ci
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14.0

Miles

22.5

KM

Out and Back

5,181' 1,579 m

High

2,160' 658 m

Low

3,101' 945 m

Up

3,101' 945 m

Down

8%

Avg Grade (5°)

57%

Max Grade (30°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · Lake · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall · Wildlife

Parking fees at the Heart Lake Program Center: $15 per full day, $7 per half day (after 1pm arrival). Members of ADK (Adirondack Mountain Club) are charged $7 per full day, $3 per half day.

Overview

Enjoy great views, a well-maintained trail, and the highest point in NY (5,343')! While it may not be an incredibly difficult hike, it is a long one, so make sure your stamina is up.

Need to Know

There are a few stream crossings throughout the hike, so prepare for wet feet.

As with the rest of the Adirondacks, it can get muddy, so make sure you walk through the mud and not off the trail to minimize impact.

Description

Park at the ADK lot and start your journey. Follow the Van Hoevenberg Trail to Marcy Dam which proves an easy and oft-traveled trail. When you get to the dam stop and look around. The views are great!

From the dam, hike downstream to the bridge and continue left following the signs to Mt. Marcy. From here it is 0.7 miles to Phelps Mountain Trail, which surprisingly takes you to the summit of Phelps Mountain (4,140'). Continue past this trail and pass Indian Falls where you'll encounter a stream crossing. This area is the steepest and most difficult of the entire hike.

After this steep stretch, follow the trail for about 1.2 miles to an intersection that will take you down to Bushnell Falls. Continue straight, beyond the treeline threshold, and push to the summit. Enjoy the view!

History & Background

The highest peak in New York State, Mt. Marcy stands at an impressive 5,343' above sea-level.

Contacts

Local Club: Adirondack Mountain Club

Jun 17, 2025: ADK Applauds Updates to Adirondack Park State Land Master Plan

May 14, 2025: Forest Preserve Advocates Applaud Final 2025–26 Budget

Apr 1, 2025: Protecting a Legacy

Land Manager: NY Dept of Environmental Conservation

Shared By:

KC93 Ci with improvements by Ben Brosseau
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.7 from 30 votes

#1

in Adirondak Loj

#326

Overall
  4.7 from 30 votes
5 Star
73%
4 Star
27%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Adirondak Loj

#5

in New York

#326

Overall
45 Views Last Month
35,101 Since May 26, 2015
Difficult Difficult
0%
0%
11%
14%
71%
3%
Add a Photo

Photos

Approaching the summit of Mt. Marcy.
May 27, 2015 near Lake Pl…, NY
Almost to the top.
May 27, 2015 near Lake Pl…, NY
Just follow the "yellow brick road!"
May 27, 2015 near Lake Pl…, NY
Phelps Brook Dam Pond
May 27, 2015 near Lake Pl…, NY
Little Marcy
Jul 28, 2017 near Lake Pl…, NY
Indian Falls is a great example of the rock type present in the Adirondacks
Sep 29, 2015 near Lake Pl…, NY

2 Comments

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Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Aug 7, 2023
Himanshu Khanchandani
Feb 12, 2022
Ciaran Fontenot
Sep 13, 2021
Sergiy Cherepov
Good trail for fit hikers! 18mi — 9h 10m
Sep 4, 2021
Olef Tokarew
Oct 10, 2020
Philip O
Oct 4, 2020
Matt Horne
17.2mi
Sep 4, 2020
Ethan Lu
Sep 4, 2020
Syd Chris
Muddy and beautiful — 8h 00m

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