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Hiking in the High Peaks Wilderness: trails, map and practical info

Adirondacks • New York

4.9 Appreciated by 16 hikers
François Dumaine
By François Dumaine • Contributor since 2022 • Updated 23/06/2026
Ready to go See map
Difficulty
Hard
Distance
200 km
Elevation
1 ft
Duration
Variable
Max altitude
1,344 ft

Spanning 192,000 acres in New York's Adirondacks, this wilderness encompasses 46 high peaks including Mount Marcy at 5,344 feet. A 3 to 5 day backpacking adventure through over 200 miles of trails near Keene Valley.

Recommended for :
Intermediate hikers

Ready to explore High Peaks Wilderness? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

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Trail description

{
"opening_paragraph": "

The High Peaks Wilderness sprawls across 204,000 acres in the heart of New York's Adirondack Park, offering some of the most challenging and rewarding hiking in the Northeast. This isn't just another wilderness area—it's home to 34 of the renowned 46 peaks over 4,000 feet (part of the famous \"46ers\" list), including Mount Marcy, New York's highest summit at 5,344 feet. The region draws serious hikers attempting to join the exclusive \"46er\" club by summiting all the high peaks, but it also welcomes day hikers looking for spectacular mountain experiences.

",
"dog_policy_note": "

Note on Restrictions: Dogs are not permitted on trails beginning from the Adirondack Mountain Reserve, and camping is also prohibited in this area. Reservations are required for parking at certain popular trailheads. Be sure to verify access restrictions at your chosen trailhead before your visit.

"
}

Recommended gear for this trail

LGPO Pick
Elixir Tour Mid WP
Salomon
Elixir Tour Mid WP
4.5 (2847 reviews)
Waterproof mid-height boot ideal for rocky terrain
203.38 $
See price
Best Value
Trail Ergo Cork
Black Diamond
Trail Ergo Cork
4.4 (1456 reviews)
Comfortable cork grip for long ascents
69.99 $
See price
Actik Core 625
Petzl
Actik Core 625
4.6 (1893 reviews)
USB rechargeable with 600 lumens for early starts
103.95 $
See price
Most Popular
Wide Mouth 1L
Nalgene
Wide Mouth 1L
4.8 (12540 reviews)
Unbreakable and BPA-free — a hiking essential
23.11 $
See price
Daylite Plus 20L
Osprey
Daylite Plus 20L
4.7 (3215 reviews)
Lightweight and versatile for day hikes
109.99 $
See price
Affiliate links — LGPO may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
46 timber lane, Lake Placid, NY 12946, USA
GPS coordinates
44.1339279, -74.1961669
Phone
(518) 897-1200

Starting Point

The best way to get to the start of the trails at the high peaks wilderness is to drive to Keene Valley and then take the Adirondack Mountain Club shuttle.

When?

Opening hours
Monday: Open 24 hoursTuesday: Open 24 hoursWednesday: Open 24 hoursThursday: Open 24 hoursFriday: Open 24 hoursSaturday: Open 24 hoursSunday: Open 24 hours
Varies by season
Best season
Fall
Spectacular colors
Best time
Early morning
Less crowded
Weather (next days)
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How much?

Entry fees
Adult
Not available
Child
—
What to bring?
Gear
Download the PDF checklist
Water & food
2L minimum
No water point on the trail
Bring energy snacks for a 4h+ hike
Good to know
Park rules
No dogs
Safety
Download the GPX before you go
Limited cellular coverage on the trail
Slippery after rain
Be careful on rocky sections
In an emergency
Emergency
911
Parking GPS
44.1339279, -74.1961669
Center
(518) 897-1200

Hikers' opinions

4.9
2 Reviews
R1
Review 1
Jan 15, 2024
The High Peaks Wilderness offers an incredible multi-day backpacking experience in the heart of the Adirondacks. Planning for 3-5 days allows you to truly immerse yourself in this pristine wilderness area. The shuttle service from Keene Valley through the Adirondack Mountain Club is convenient and helps manage trailhead access. Be prepared for permit requirements and fees, but the investment is worth it for access to some of New York's most spectacular mountain terrain.
AH
Anonymous Hiker
Jan 15, 2024
The High Peaks Wilderness offers an incredible multi-day backcountry experience in the heart of the Adirondacks. Planning for 3-5 days allows you to tackle several of the 46 high peaks while enjoying the pristine wilderness setting. The shuttle service from Keene Valley through the Adirondack Mountain Club is convenient and helps reduce parking congestion. Be prepared for permit fees and regulations, but the investment is worth it for this world-class hiking destination.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Hard
1.00
1344.00
Monday: Open 24 hoursTuesday: Open 24 hoursWednesday: Open 24 hoursThursday: Open 24 hoursFriday: Open 24 hoursSaturday: Open 24 hoursSunday: Open 24 hours
Variable
No
No
The High Peaks Wilderness typically requires 3 to 5 days to complete. This extended duration makes it ideal for multi-day backpacking adventures in the Adirondacks.
No, dogs are not allowed on the High Peaks Wilderness trail. Plan accordingly if you typically hike with your canine companion.
No, parking is not free at High Peaks Wilderness. Budget for parking fees when planning your visit to this Adirondacks destination.
No, access to High Peaks Wilderness is not free. There are fees required to enter this protected area in the Adirondacks.
The best way to get to the start of the trails at the High Peaks Wilderness is to drive to Keene Valley and then take the Adirondack Mountain Club shuttle. This shuttle service provides convenient access to the trailhead.
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Everything you need for your next hike. Bilingual, printable, 1 page.

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Update : June 2026