Mount Marcy

The route: Adirondack Loj

The most popular and shortest approach begins at the Adirondack Loj at Heart Lake. Arrive early on weekends, because the lot fills up fast.

1. 0 – 2.3 mi

   Loj to Marcy Dam

   The trail starts out rolling and gradual. Marcy Dam makes a worthwhile shorter hike in its own right, a scenic spot to stop, snack and soak it in. Past the dam, look for the trail register where routes to several peaks branch off.

2. 2.3 – 3.2 mi

   Marcy Dam to the Phelps junction

   Continue past the register, through some lean-tos and designated campsites, and reach the Avalanche Pass trailhead in about 100 yards. Turn left and follow the trail along Phelps Brook for 0.8 miles until you hit the junction for Phelps Mountain. Bear right here to stay on the route to Marcy.

3. 3.2 – 5.0 mi

   Climbing toward Indian Falls

   At 3.6 miles the trail kicks up steeply for about half a mile, then levels for a stretch before opening up to a height of land with your first real look at Marcy, just before Indian Falls. It's a natural place to catch your breath.

4. 5.0 – 7.4 mi

   Indian Falls to the summit

   After Indian Falls, bear left at the next junction and follow a gradually rising trail for just under two miles. At 6.2 miles you'll reach the Keene Valley junction. Stay right. From there, it's 0.8 miles to the rocky open cone of Marcy's summit, with the final 0.4 miles crossing exposed rock to the true high point.

In winter

Skiers and snowshoers make the journey too, though it's significantly more challenging when the snow flies. Avoid early spring, when trails are muddy and snow lingers on the summit.

Loop option

Feeling ambitious? Consider the Gray, Skylight and Marcy loop, a longer, wilder day that bags three peaks.

Often hiked with

Marcy pairs naturally with Mount Skylight and Gray Peak for hikers ready to turn the day into a three-peak outing.

High Peak details

Difficulty

Moderate-to-strenuous

46er rank

#1 of 46

Range

Marcy area

Trail type

Marked trail

Trailhead

Adirondack Loj

Best season

Late June through September

Group limit

15 for day trips, 8 overnight

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.

Parking

ADK's hiker parking tips cover fees, overflow parking and when the lots fill.