Challenge: 46 High Peaks ·

#2 Algonquin Peak

Second only to Mount Marcy in elevation, at a mere 8 miles round trip, the hike to Algonquin Peak is considerably shorter than climbing Marcy or many of the other taller Adirondack High Peaks. The view from Algonquin is a beautiful 360-degree view and if you’re feeling motivated you can continue over Boundary Peak and on to Iroquois to snag another 46’er while you’re up there.

Trail Stats

Distance: 8 miles round-trip

Elevation: 5,114 ft

Ascent: 2,396 ft

Starting at the Adirondack Loj, follow the Van Hoevenberg trail for 1 mile, where you will meet the junction for the trail to Marcy Dam to the left. Continue straight towards Algonquin on a gradually upwards trail for 0.4 miles until you reach the turn-off on the left for Whale’s Tail. Stay straight here and continue as the trail climbs upwards for 0.9 miles, at which point the trail veers right and steeply upwards to a waterfall view.

Continue up across alternatingly steep and level sections for another 0.7 miles until you reach the junction for the trail up Wright Peak to the left at 3.1 miles. Continue to the right here and follow as the trail climbs steeply up for another 0.5 miles, at which point you will break above the treeline and follow cairns across the rocky summit to the top. The view from the summit is wide-sweeping and you will be able to see the nearby 46ers in great detail. Check out our description of Iroquois to learn how to continue on to that peak!

Directions to Trailhead:

From Lake Placid, take route 73 towards Keene, turning right onto Adirondack Loj Road, which you will follow to the end. There will be a toll booth at the entrance where you will have to pay a parking fee.

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High Peaks Map

Plan & prepare for your ADK adventure! ADK Mountain Club's topographic trail map, High Peaks: Adirondack Trail Map, revised edition as of Summer 2021. The go-to map for the latest on High Peaks trails, lean-tos, campsites, and public-private land boundaries, many of which have changed in the last year alone.

Purchase Here

Keep it PURE

Remember to Leave No Trace! Buy a physical map, read it, plan, and prepare. Think about the NYS Rangers and medical personnel that exhaust themselves for a rescue that could have been avoided. Pack out your trash. Use a bear canister when primitive camping and cook away from where you’re sleeping. Do the rock walk to help reduce the impact on fragile alpine vegetation. Camp at designated campsites and never camp on or near summits.

The 46 of 46 Podcast

An outdoors documentary podcast of a local hiker's journey hiking all 46 High Peaks of the Adirondack Mountains to become an Adirondack 46er. Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and more.

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#LoveYourADK

Each year, millions of people visit the public lands inside the Adirondacks. However you choose to spend your time here, we know the Adirondacks will hold a special place in your heart. We feel the same way. To Love Your Adirondacks is to protect the lands, waters, and communities we all know and love.

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ADK 46er Journey: Brecka Coonradt

We welcome Brecka Coonradt, who shares her experience hiking the 46 Adirondack High Peaks to become an ADK 46er. Enjoy following along below as she shares her stories and lessons learned throughout her journey.

ADK 46er Winter Journey: Jay Whitbourne

I have seen some of the most amazing cloud inversions during the winter and had some of the most surreal moments when the snow conditions are just right, the sky is clear, the wind is calm and the air isn't nipping at your skin.

ADK Winter 46er Journey: Sam Perkins

I have learned so much over the years, and I continue to learn each time I go for a hike. I could go on and on about gear, trails, mountains, clothing, etc. A lot of it has been trial and error. I have spent a lot of time reading, looking at maps, learning more about weather, researching different gear… the list goes on.