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4,040 ft · Adirondack High Peaks, New York

Mount Emmons

Mount Emmons is a 4,040 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 Emmons in the Adirondack High Peaks, New York

Mount Emmons at a glance

  • Elevation4,040 ft1,231 m
  • RouteDonaldson, Emmons and SewardClass 2
  • Distance16 mi3,956 ft gain
  • Time10 – 12 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, Emmons is the farthest Seward Range summit, reached via the Ward Brook truck trail and steep herd paths beyond Donaldson. Expect mud, blowdown, and slick, eroded footing on faint paths to a wooded summit with limited views. The interior is remote with fast weather changes. It is almost always done with Seward and Donaldson in one long day. Carry a map and headlamp, start before dawn, and expect strenuous mileage.

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 Emmons

Peaks near Mount Emmons

  1. Mount Donaldson

    Mount Donaldson

    4,140 ft · 0.7 mi away

  2. Seward Mountain

    Seward Mountain

    4,361 ft · 1.3 mi away

  3. Seymour Mountain

    Seymour Mountain

    4,120 ft · 2.3 mi away

  4. Couchsachraga Peak

    Couchsachraga Peak

    3,820 ft · 4.2 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Mount Emmons?

Mount Emmons is 4,040 feet (1,231 m) tall. It is in the Adirondack High Peaks, New York.

How does Mount Emmons rank among the Adirondack 46ers?

At 4,040 feet, Mount Emmons is the 40th highest of the 46 Adirondack 46ers. The highest is Mount Marcy.

How hard is it to hike Mount Emmons?

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 Emmons?

Most people take 10 – 12 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 Emmons?

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 Emmons?

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 Emmons?

The Donaldson, Emmons and Seward starts at about 1,740 feet, roughly 2,300 feet below the summit.

Climb Mount Emmons 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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