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5,344 ft · Adirondack High Peaks, New York

Mount Marcy

Mount Marcy is a 5,344 ft peak in the Adirondack High Peaks, New York. The standard route is the Van Hoevenberg Trail: 14 mi, 3,526 ft of gain, Class 2.

Mount Marcy in the Adirondack High Peaks, New York

Mount Marcy at a glance

  • Elevation5,344 ft1,628 m
  • RouteVan Hoevenberg TrailClass 2
  • Distance14 mi3,526 ft gain
  • Time7 – 11 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJun – Oct
  • RangeAdirondack High PeaksNew York

Climbing the Van Hoevenberg Trail

From Keene Valley, New York, take Route 73 to the Adirondak Loj or various other High Peaks trailheads. The Van Hoevenberg Trail is most popular but can be very crowded. Remote feel with changing weather, muddy trail sections, and significant mileage. Extensive boardwalks protect fragile alpine areas. Carry enough water and food for a long day of 7-11 hours. Permit registration required at trailheads. The High Peaks region offers dozens of other summits if you want to extend your visit. Best hiked June through October. New York's highest peak with extensive views.

Gear and hazards

What to bring

  • Backpack (25–35 L)
  • Water
  • First Aid Kit
  • Offline Maps
  • Headlamp
  • Hiking Boots
  • Midlayer
  • Sun Hat
  • Buff
  • Trekking Poles
  • GPS Device
  • Power Bank
  • Water Filter
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Light Gloves

What to watch for

  • Storms
  • High winds
  • Low visibility
  • Slippery terrain
  • Steep exposure
  • Icy summit conditions
  • Boggy terrain
  • Stream crossing

Mount Marcy on Yak

Climbers have shared 54 climbs of Mount Marcy on Yak. Read their trip reports and recent conditions in the app

Quests with Mount Marcy

Peaks near Mount Marcy

  1. Gray Peak

    Gray Peak

    4,840 ft · 0.6 mi away

  2. Mount Skylight

    Mount Skylight

    4,926 ft · 1.0 mi away

  3. Mount Haystack

    Mount Haystack

    4,960 ft · 1.3 mi away

  4. Mount Redfield

    Mount Redfield

    4,606 ft · 1.7 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Mount Marcy?

Mount Marcy is 5,344 feet (1,628 m) tall. It is in the Adirondack High Peaks, New York.

Is Mount Marcy the highest point in New York?

Yes. At 5,344 feet, Mount Marcy is the highest point in New York.

How hard is it to hike Mount Marcy?

The Van Hoevenberg Trail is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 14 miles with 3,526 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Mount Marcy?

Most people take 7 – 11 hours round trip on the Van Hoevenberg Trail, covering 14 miles with 3,526 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.

Can a beginner hike Mount Marcy?

The Van Hoevenberg Trail needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 14 miles with 3,526 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 Marcy?

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 Marcy?

The Van Hoevenberg Trail starts at about 2,190 feet, roughly 3,154 feet below the summit.

Climb Mount Marcy 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