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5,114 ft · Adirondack High Peaks, New York

Algonquin Peak

Algonquin Peak is a 5,114 ft peak in the Adirondack High Peaks, New York. The standard route is the Algonquin and Wright: 8 mi, 3,651 ft of gain, Class 2.

Algonquin Peak in the Adirondack High Peaks, New York

Algonquin Peak at a glance

  • Elevation5,114 ft1,558 m
  • RouteAlgonquin and WrightClass 2
  • Distance8 mi3,651 ft gain
  • Time6 – 8 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJun – Oct
  • RangeAdirondack High PeaksNew York

Climbing the Algonquin and Wright

From Lake Placid, New York, drive to the Adirondak Loj at Heart Lake (parking fee). The Van Hoevenberg then MacIntyre trail climbs steeply past MacIntyre Falls to an open rock summit. The upper mountain is bare alpine terrain, so stay on marked rock to protect fragile plants. High winds and fast-moving weather are common on the exposed dome, and slabs get slick when wet. Often combined with Iroquois and Wright in a single big day. Start early and carry warm layers for the summit cold.

Gear and hazards

What to bring

  • Backpack (20–30 L)
  • Water
  • Water Filter
  • First-Aid Kit
  • Whistle
  • Offline Maps
  • Compass
  • Headlamp
  • Power Bank
  • Hiking Boots
  • Trekking Poles
  • Midlayer
  • Insulated Jacket
  • Hardshell Jacket
  • Warm Hat
  • Light Gloves
  • Buff
  • Sun Hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen

What to watch for

  • High winds
  • Storms
  • Cold summit conditions
  • Rapid weather shifts
  • Low visibility
  • Slippery terrain
  • Snow near summit
  • Ice near summit

Algonquin Peak on Yak

Climbers have shared 36 climbs of Algonquin Peak on Yak. Read their trip reports and recent conditions in the app

Quests with Algonquin Peak

Peaks near Algonquin Peak

  1. Wright Peak

    Wright Peak

    4,580 ft · 0.7 mi away

  2. Iroquois Peak

    Iroquois Peak

    4,840 ft · 0.7 mi away

  3. Mount Marshall

    Mount Marshall

    4,360 ft · 1.6 mi away

  4. Mount Colden

    Mount Colden

    4,714 ft · 1.8 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Algonquin Peak?

Algonquin Peak is 5,114 feet (1,558 m) tall. It is in the Adirondack High Peaks, New York.

How does Algonquin Peak rank among the Adirondack 46ers?

At 5,114 feet, Algonquin Peak is the 2nd highest of the 46 Adirondack 46ers. The highest is Mount Marcy.

How hard is it to hike Algonquin Peak?

The Algonquin and Wright is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 8 miles with 3,651 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Algonquin Peak?

Most people take 6 – 8 hours round trip on the Algonquin and Wright, covering 8 miles with 3,651 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Algonquin Peak?

The Algonquin and Wright needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 8 miles with 3,651 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.

When is the best time to hike Algonquin Peak?

The usual hiking window is June to October. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.

What is the trailhead elevation for Algonquin Peak?

The Algonquin and Wright starts at about 2,190 feet, roughly 2,924 feet below the summit.

Climb Algonquin Peak with Yak

Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list