High Peaks Wilderness · Lake Placid Region

Iroquois Peak

Part of the 46 High Peaks
Heading out? Conditions change fast and help can be hours away. What to bring ↓
  • Distance10.2 miRound trip
  • Summit4,840 ftElevation
  • Ascent~3,800 ftTotal gain

One of the highest of the 46, Iroquois Peak is often added on when you head out to climb Algonquin, since the most popular route up this Adirondack High Peak requires climbing Algonquin first. That makes for a longer hike, but it's well worth it for the views from both peaks, and it's a must if you're looking to summit all 46.

The route: Adirondack Loj

The route starts at the Adirondack Loj at Heart Lake and follows the Van Hoevenberg Trail and then the Algonquin Trail over Algonquin's summit before continuing on the herd path to Iroquois.

  1. 0 – 1.0 mi

    Loj to the Algonquin Trail junction

    From the Adirondack Loj, follow the blue-blazed Van Hoevenberg Trail. The first mile is rolling, a good warm-up. At 1.0 mile you'll reach a junction where the trail to Marcy Dam branches left. Continue straight, where you'll pick up the yellow-blazed Algonquin Trail heading toward the summit.

  2. 1.0 – 2.6 mi

    Climbing toward MacIntyre Falls

    The trail climbs gradually at first, passing the Whale's Tail turn-off on the left. Stay straight. The pitch increases steadily, alternating between steeper pushes and brief level stretches. At 2.6 miles, the trail swings right and delivers you to MacIntyre Falls.

  3. 2.6 – 3.2 mi

    MacIntyre Falls to the Wright Peak junction

    Above the falls the trail steepens considerably, climbing through increasingly rocky terrain until the Wright Peak junction at 3.2 miles. The left-hand trail heads up Wright. Stay straight (or bear right) to continue on to Algonquin.

  4. 3.2 – 4.3 mi

    Wright junction to Algonquin's summit

    From the junction, the trail climbs steeply for about a mile before breaking above the treeline entirely. Follow the cairns across the open, rocky cone to the true summit of Algonquin at 4.3 miles.

  5. 4.3 – ~5.1 mi

    Algonquin to Iroquois

    From Algonquin's summit, follow the herd path straight ahead to Boundary and Iroquois. The path quickly and steeply climbs to the top of Boundary Peak in 0.2 miles. From there it descends over open rock and then climbs steeply to the top of Iroquois, a short half mile from the top of Boundary. Retrace your steps back over Boundary and Algonquin to return.

Often hiked with

The most popular route to Iroquois goes over Algonquin Peak, and Wright Peak branches off from the same trail at the junction at 3.2 miles.

High Peak details

Difficulty
Strenuous
46er rank
#8 of 46
Range
MacIntyre Range
Trail type
Herd path, no maintained trail
Trailhead
Adirondack Loj

Trailhead and map

From Lake Placid, take Route 73 toward Keene and turn right onto Adirondack Loj Road. Follow it to the end. A parking fee is collected at the booth. In summer, the lots often fill before 6am on weekends and 9am on weekdays. If they are full, don't wait for a spot or park in the No Parking stretch of the road. Use the overflow parking at the end of Meadows Lane, which adds about a mile each way. ADK's website has current fees and parking tips.

Trail resources

Conditions
Conditions change fast. Check current trail conditions and DEC's High Peaks page before heading out.
#7 Gray Peak#9 Basin MountainAll 46 High Peaks

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