High Peaks Wilderness · Lake Placid Region

Mount Marshall

Heading out? Conditions change fast and help can be hours away. What to bring ↓

Distance14 miRound trip
Summit4,360 ftElevation
Ascent2,595 ftTotal gain

Mount Marshall, #25 of the 46, is an Adirondack High Peak in the MacIntyre Range named for one of the people who first listed them. The trail up is unmaintained and the summit is treed, so it is not as popular as some of the neighboring peaks. Despite the trees, there are still some decent views from the top.

The route: Adirondack Loj

The most popular route up Marshall begins on the Lake Colden-to-Indian Pass Trail, which you reach on foot from Adirondack Loj.

Hike from Adirondack Loj to Marcy Dam, then take the Avalanche Pass trail from the dam to Lake Colden. Continue along the northwest side of the lake for 0.6 miles until you reach the start of the Lake Colden-to-Indian Pass Trail.

Follow this trail gradually up, crisscrossing Cold Brook a couple of times, until you reach the height of land between Marshall and Iroquois.

Here the herd path turns off to your left. Follow it up and over one unnamed peak, drop briefly to the beginning of Herbert Brook, then continue upward to the summit.

High Peak details

Difficulty: Very strenuous
46er rank: #25 of 46
Range: MacIntyre Range
Trail type: Herd path, no maintained trail
Trailhead: Adirondack Loj
Summit: Treed, with some decent views

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.

#24 Seward Mountain #26 Allen Mountain All 46 High Peaks

Before you go

Adirondack weather turns quickly, cell service is unreliable, and help can be hours away. Pick a plan that fits your group's fitness and experience.

Layers and rain gear, even in summer. Skip cotton
A headlamp, so you are not relying on your phone
A map and compass, or navigation that works offline
More food and water than you expect to need, plus first aid
In cold months, carry traction. In the Eastern High Peaks, skis or snowshoes are required when snow is 8 inches or deeper
Staying overnight in the Eastern High Peaks? A bear-resistant canister is required from April 1 to November 30
Leave your route and return time with someone
Check the forecast and current conditions, and know when the sun sets
Turn back if weather worsens, someone is exhausted, or dark is coming

Plan on getting yourself out. Rangers can be hours away, cell service can't be counted on, and every rescue puts other people at risk. If someone is seriously hurt, lost or in danger, don't wait. Call 911 or DEC Forest Ranger Dispatch at 833-NYS-RANGERS (833-697-7264). Save that number before you leave. Read DEC's Hike Smart NY guidance and current Adirondack backcountry conditions.

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