Challenge: 46 High Peaks ·

#19 TableTop Mountain

The first of the “trailless” high peaks to have a well-marked herd path, TableTop is quite accessible from Adirondack Loj, making it also one of the more popular of the trailless Adirondack 46ers. Additionally, the start from the Adirondack Loj means the mountain is quite easily traversable in the winter—you can ski as far as the herd path, which is then usually broken out by snowshoes the rest of the way.

Trail Stats

Distance: 9.8 miles round-trip

Elevation: 4,427 ft

Ascent: 2,270 ft

The trail to TableTop starts from the Adirondack Loj with a rolling to gradual hike for 2.3 miles to Marcy Dam. If you are hiking with younger or less experienced hikers, they can accompany you as far as the dam and then turn back for an easy, gentle walk. Plus, the view from the dam makes it a beautiful place to stop and have a picnic or quick snack. The bridge across the dam washed out in 2011, so you’ll cross the stream a little before the dam. After reaching the dam, you’ll see the trail register ahead for all of the peaks that ascend from here. Continuing past the register you’ll pass some lean-tos and designated campsites, reaching the Avalanche Pass trailhead in 100 yards. Take a left here and follow the trail along Phelps Brook for 0.8 miles until the trail comes to a left for Phelps (at 3.2 total miles), at which point you will bear right towards Marcy.

At 3.6 miles the trail becomes steep and stays this way for a half mile, and then levels off for 0.3 miles. Here, at 3.9 miles, you will reach a height of land with a view of Marcy just before Indian Falls. Continue on for .5 miles until you reach the junction with the ski route and herd path to TableTop. Take the left here onto the herd path to TableTop. The path to the summit is quick and not terribly steep—you’ll reach the plateau from which TableTop gets its name in 0.5 miles and only a few hundred yards further you will reach the summit. While the summit itself is treed, it is worthwhile to continue to an outlook just past the summit for considerable views of the Great Range.

Directions to Adirondack Loj:

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 tollbooth at the entrance where you will have to pay a $10 parking fee.

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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.

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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.

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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.