Mount Marcy, New York

Most people of the world probably think of New York only as a big city, but New York is also a state which contains some outstanding mountain wilderness areas. Principal of these is Adirondack Park, the largest state park in the United States, covering much of northern portion of New York. Is is crowned by majestic Mount Marcy, standing at 5,344 feet above sea level.

Mount Marcy is not the highest peak in the eastern United States, but it comes closest to being true wilderness. Lake Tear of the Clouds, below the summit, is the headwaters of the Hudson River. No road leads to the summit, or to within several miles of it, and the shortest hike to the top is a grueling 15-mile round trip. I made that trek one mid-October day, after camping the night before at the base of the mountain. Even in autumn there were already patches of ice near the alpine summit, but the dreadful black flies were long gone for the season. It was a glorious experience.

Despite the long rough trail, this is a very popular hike, and the views from the rocky summit are well worth the effort. If you decide to do it, start at sunrise, or even earlier, as it will probably take you most of the day. In my opinion this is one of the best ways a person could possibly spend a day, and the best way to get high, in all of New York.

Mount Marcy is in Essex County, northwest of Witherbee and southeast of Lake Placid.