Challenge: 46 High Peaks ·

#32 Phelps Mountain

A beautiful and more "accessible" Adirondack High Peak. Given its accessibility and the regular use of its trails, Phelps is also a popular mountain to ski or snowshoe during the winter. Phelps is named for Old Man Phelps, the well-known guide who cut the first trail up Marcy and led many trips to its summit. Lore about Phelps (real or fabricated) is great material to keep members of your hiking group entertained all the way to the summit!

Trail Stats:

Distance	8.8 miles round-trip from Adirondack Loj
Elevation	4,161 feet
Ascent	1,982 feet

Beginning at Adirondack Loj, you will follow the directions for Mt. Marcy until you reach Marcy Dam. Then continue from Marcy Dam for one mile, turning up the Phelps trail left towards Marcy and Phelps. The trail will eventually branch into a Y and the trail to the left will head up to the summit of Phelps, while the trail to the right continues towards Marcy. From here, it’s a quick hike up alternatingly moderate and steep pitches, over some rock ledges (providing nice lookouts for snack breaks) and then continuing at a pretty easy grade across these open rock faces to the summit of the 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.

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).

The 46 of 46 Podcast is an outdoors documentary podcast of one man's journey hiking all 46 High Peaks of the Adirondack Mountains to become an Adirondack 46er. Tune in as James recounts his journey of hiking Phelps.

Listen Here

Remember to Leave No Trace! Buy a map, read it, plan, and prepare. Think about the 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.

Back to Adirondack Hiking

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.

Listen Here

Take The Pledge!

#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.