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4,140 ft · Adirondack High Peaks, New York

Mount Donaldson

Mount Donaldson is a 4,140 ft peak in the Adirondack High Peaks, New York. The standard route is the Donaldson, Emmons and Seward: 16 mi, 3,956 ft of gain, Class 2.

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Mount Donaldson in the Adirondack High Peaks, New York

Mount Donaldson at a glance

  • Elevation4,140 ft1,261 m
  • RouteDonaldson, Emmons and SewardClass 2
  • Distance16 mi3,956 ft gain
  • Time10 – 14 hrsVery Hard effort
  • SeasonJun – Oct
  • RangeAdirondack High PeaksNew York

Climbing the Donaldson, Emmons and Seward

From the Coreys Road and Seward trailhead near Tupper Lake, New York, Donaldson is a trailless Seward Range peak reached via the Ward Brook truck trail and steep herd paths, usually between Seward and Emmons. Expect mud, blowdown, and slick, eroded footing to a wooded summit with limited views. The area is remote with fast-changing weather and faint paths. It is almost always done with Seward and Emmons. Carry a map and headlamp, start before dawn, and plan a long day.

Gear and hazards

What to bring

  • Backpack (25–35 L)
  • Water
  • Water Filter
  • First-Aid Kit
  • Whistle
  • Offline Maps
  • Compass
  • Paper Map
  • GPS Device
  • Satellite Communicator
  • 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

  • Stream crossing
  • Low visibility
  • Remote location
  • Slippery terrain
  • Insects

Quests with Mount Donaldson

Peaks near Mount Donaldson

  1. Seward Mountain

    Seward Mountain

    4,361 ft · 0.7 mi away

  2. Mount Emmons

    Mount Emmons

    4,040 ft · 0.7 mi away

  3. Seymour Mountain

    Seymour Mountain

    4,120 ft · 1.9 mi away

  4. Couchsachraga Peak

    Couchsachraga Peak

    3,820 ft · 4.7 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Mount Donaldson?

Mount Donaldson is 4,140 feet (1,261 m) tall. It is in the Adirondack High Peaks, New York.

How does Mount Donaldson rank among the Adirondack 46ers?

At 4,140 feet, Mount Donaldson is the 33rd highest of the 46 Adirondack 46ers. The highest is Mount Marcy.

How hard is it to hike Mount Donaldson?

The Donaldson, Emmons and Seward is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 16 miles with 3,956 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Mount Donaldson?

Most people take 10 – 14 hours round trip on the Donaldson, Emmons and Seward, covering 16 miles with 3,956 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.

Can a beginner hike Mount Donaldson?

The Donaldson, Emmons and Seward needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard day: 16 miles with 3,956 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 Mount Donaldson?

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 Mount Donaldson?

The Donaldson, Emmons and Seward starts at about 1,740 feet, roughly 2,400 feet below the summit.

Climb Mount Donaldson 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

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