#16 Wright Peak

#16 Wright Peak - Pure Adirondacks

Wright Peak is one of the Adirondack 46ers of shorter mileage to hike – it was my first at age eight! Predictably, it’s great for families with younger kids who are up for the challenge and is an enjoyable hike with good views throughout. Near the summit, there is a plaque marking the site of a 1962 plane crash, and you can sometimes still find debris scattered nearby.

Trail Stats:

Distance: 7 miles

Elevation: 4,580 ft

Ascent: 2,400 ft

Starting at the Adirondack Loj, follow the Van Hoevenberg trail for 1 mile, where you will meet the junction for the trail to Marcy Dam to the left. Continue straight towards Algonquin on a gradually upwards trail for 0.4 miles until you reach the turn-off on the left for Whale’s Tail. Stay straight here and continue as the trail climbs upwards for 0.9 miles, at which point the trail veers right and steeply upwards to a waterfall view. Continue up across alternatingly steep and level sections for another 0.7 miles until you reach the junction for the trail up Wright at 3.1 miles. Take the left towards Wright. At 3.3 miles the trail will break above the treeline and the trail will be marked by cairns the rest of way to the top. After another 0.2 miles, you will reach the summit and be able to take in a view of the neighboring peaks.

Directions to Adirondack Loj:

📍Google Maps // 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.


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.

46 Adirondack High Peaks

Roster of Peaks

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.

Trail Conditions

Know before you go

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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