Van Hoevenberg trail (Mt. Marcy)

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Mount Marcy
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Van Hoevenberg trail (Mt. Marcy)

Page Type:	Route
Lat/Lon:	44.11242°N / 73.92383°W
GPX File:	Download GPX » View Route on Map
Route Type:	Hiking
Season:	Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Time Required:	One to two days
Difficulty:	Non technical long walk
	Sign the Climber's Log!

Overview

Topo map

Wide, worn, fairly graded and well marked, one can almost call it the Van Hoevenberg highway. On a good summer weekend, hundreds of hikers will reach mount Marcy’s summit via this trail, while even in the middle of winter, snowshoers and skiers will attack the Adirondack’s highest point following the same route. However, it should not be underestimated, as the 15 miles return and 3740 total vertical feet are no easy feat except for the seasoned hiker.

Getting There

Get to the Adirondack Loj, I-87 to 9N to 73 to Adirondack Loj road. Park there (10$ in December 2016), and should you want to stay there for the night, you have the choice between the lodge, lean-tos and campgrounds. Car camping is forbidden there.

Route Description

Sign the register and, from the common trail head (0 mile, 2208 ft), follow the signs for mount Marcy and the blue markers all the way to the summit. It is nearly impossible to get lost. Distances and elevations are from my GPS.

Loj to Dam

Marcy Dam

The first section to Marcy Dam is fairly level and very traveled. Five lean-tos and a few designated campsites are available at the Marcy Dam (2.3 miles, 2362 ft), which is a common place to overnight on 2-day attempts of mount Marcy. You can still find your own campsite for a mile or two after the dam, but good spots will be rare.

Wet in winter too

Lots of wet areas

Sign another register. The trail crosses and follows the Phelps Brook and will be wet and muddy. Moderate climbing will only start after you cross the Phelps Brook the second time (3.6 miles, 3068 ft).

Marcy Brook

New High Water Bridge

The Marcy Brook (4.5 miles, 3665 ft) is the next crossing and there is no bridge this time.

Indian Falls

Mud or rock, pick your poison

Soon after you will reach Indian Falls, which provides a nice view to take a break. The mud will become rocks, but it may still be wet.

Tight quarters for skiers

Alpine Zone

At the junction with the Hopkins trail (6.2 miles, 4505 ft), you get the first sight of the summit, and a toilet. Just past the Phelps trail (6.8 miles, 4888 ft), there is a good viewpoint on your right.

Getting Up There

Summit view

Soon you will get above tree line (c. 7.2 miles, c. 5100 ft). Stick to the cairns to save the alpine vegetation.

Mt. Marcy

Thin snow on summit

Enjoy the large flat summit, in the crowds or alone (7.4 miles, 5344 ft).

Essential Gear

General hiking gear, bear barrel if camping. Water sources are plenty if you have a filter.

Marcy 360 Panorama

Winter Considerations

The slope never gets above 30%, but there may be days you wish you had crampons

Should weather cooperate, winter ascents may well be easier than summer ascents when rocks and mud are hidden by snow, but nasty weather is possible any day.

Snowshoes or skis are the footwear of choice from mid-December to mid-March. Traction devices may be helpful in the lower sections. Ice ax and mountaineering crampons will be overkill most of the time, but there may be a few days every year where skins or basic snowshoes will not suffice.

Above treeline, feel free to find your own trail. Below it, the slopes never get much steeper than an intermediate ski run in a resort, but the trail is much narrower and rescue is further.

If you are willing to summit in whiteout conditions, bring a compass or GPS to retrieve the trail from the summit.

Images

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