#45 Nye Mountain
One of the most accessible “trail-less” peaks, Nye Mountain is a fairly easy climb, however, does not boast even a meager view from the top. Most people hike Nye and Street Mountain together. (it makes little sense to do one without the other, unless you have no interest in getting your Adirondack 46) Since both Street and Nye have poor views and unmaintained trails, they tend to be quieter options than many of the other hikes that begin at Adirondack Loj, and are a good bet if you’re looking to run into fewer people during the busy season.
Trail Stats:
| Distance | 8.4 miles round-trip (to hike both Street and Nye) |
| Elevation | 3,895 feet |
| Ascent | 1,963 feet |
Beginning at Heart Lake, you will begin where the Rock Garden trail up Mt Jo parts ways with the old Nye Ski Trail. The trail to Mt. Jo goes right and you will continue straight on the old ski trail. The herd path will follow the remains of the old Nye Ski Trail westward down to Indian Pass Brook. You will cross the brook (be careful, it can be high during the rainy season!) and then head over a ridge, crossing a tributary and beginning up a basin on the east side of Nye. Follow the path into a col, then turn west and head steeply up to the south end of Nye’s summit ridge.
The trail will then come to a T-junction with the trail for Nye to the right, and the trail for Street to the left. There’s also a tree with an “N” for Nye and “S” for Street with arrows carved into a tree at this junction. If you head right towards Nye, you will continue over two minor “bumps” before reaching Nye’s summit less than a quarter mile from the intersection. To hike Street, you will turn left and head over two slightly less minor bumps, and soon after you will reach Street’s summit less than a mile from the intersection.
To hike Street, you will turn right (north) and head over two slightly less minor bumps, and soon after you will reach Street’s summit less than a mile from the intersection. While it does not matter which peak you climb first, many climb Nye first since it has no view, and save Street (which has a small view) for second.
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.
The daily parking fee at the hikers’ lot at the Heart Lake Program Center (adjacent to HPIC) is $7 for members and $15 for nonmembers. After 1 p.m., the rate drops to $3.00 for members and $6 for nonmembers. The weekly rate (5-7 days) is $28 for members and $60 for nonmembers (extended parking only, not for multiple reentries).
