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4,442 ft · Adirondack High Peaks, New York

Panther Peak

Panther Peak is a 4,442 ft peak in the Adirondack High Peaks, New York. The standard route is the Panther Peak Trail: 11 mi, 2,979 ft of gain, Class 2.

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Panther Peak in the Adirondack High Peaks, New York

Panther Peak at a glance

  • Elevation4,442 ft1,353 m
  • RoutePanther Peak TrailClass 2
  • Distance11 mi2,979 ft gain
  • Time7 – 9 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJun – Oct
  • RangeAdirondack High PeaksNew York

Climbing the Panther Peak Trail

From the Upper Works trailhead near Tahawus, New York, Panther is part of the Santanoni Range via the Bradley Pond trail and herd paths to Times Square. The route is muddy, rooty, and rough, with some scrambling. Panther has the best views of the three Santanoni summits. The region is remote with fast-changing weather and easy-to-lose herd paths. It is often combined with Santanoni and Couchsachraga. Carry a map, start before dawn, and plan a long, strenuous day.

Gear and hazards

What to bring

  • Backpack (20–30 L)
  • Water
  • Water Filter
  • First-Aid Kit
  • Whistle
  • Offline Maps
  • Compass
  • Paper Map
  • GPS Device
  • 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
  • High winds
  • Storms
  • Cold summit conditions
  • Rapid weather shifts
  • Low visibility
  • Remote location

Quests with Panther Peak

Peaks near Panther Peak

  1. Santanoni Peak

    Santanoni Peak

    4,607 ft · 1.1 mi away

  2. Couchsachraga Peak

    Couchsachraga Peak

    3,820 ft · 1.4 mi away

  3. Seymour Mountain

    Seymour Mountain

    4,120 ft · 4.6 mi away

  4. Mount Emmons

    Mount Emmons

    4,040 ft · 5.1 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Panther Peak?

Panther Peak is 4,442 feet (1,353 m) tall. It is in the Adirondack High Peaks, New York.

How does Panther Peak rank among the Adirondack 46ers?

At 4,442 feet, Panther Peak is the 18th highest of the 46 Adirondack 46ers. The highest is Mount Marcy.

How hard is it to hike Panther Peak?

The Panther Peak Trail is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 11 miles with 2,979 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Panther Peak?

Most people take 7 – 9 hours round trip on the Panther Peak Trail, covering 11 miles with 2,979 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Panther Peak?

The Panther Peak Trail needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 11 miles with 2,979 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 Panther 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 Panther Peak?

The Panther Peak Trail starts at about 1,750 feet, roughly 2,692 feet below the summit.

Climb Panther 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

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