Hiking Mt Colvin - panoramic view tree outdoor landscape nature mountain sky autumn plant cloud background lake painting forest surrounded distance
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Hiking in Mt Colvin: trails, map and practical info

Adirondacks • New York

4.8 Appreciated by 12 hikers
François Dumaine
By François Dumaine • Contributor since 2022 • Updated 23/06/2026
Ready to go See map
Difficulty
Hard
Distance
10 km
Elevation
610 ft
Duration
4h30
Max altitude
1,235 ft

Tackle this hard 9.7 km climb in New York's Adirondacks with 610 m elevation gain and 4.5 hours of hiking. Mount Colvin rewards serious hikers with fewer crowds than neighboring peaks and sweeping High Peaks views from its exposed summit.

Recommended for :
Intermediate hikers

Ready to explore Mt Colvin? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

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Trail description

{
"trail_routes_section": "Replace 'approximately 9.7 kilometers round trip with 610 meters of elevation gain, making it a substantial day hike that typically takes around 4.5 hours' with 'approximately 21.2 kilometers (13.2 miles) round trip with 884 meters (2,900 feet) of elevation gain, making it a challenging full-day hike that typically takes around 6 hours to complete'",
"route_details": "The most popular approach to Mount Colvin begins from the Adirondak Mountain Reserve (AMR) trailhead, following a well-established trail system. The initial portion follows a dirt road that becomes paved next to a golf course before entering the forest proper."
}

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
Mt Colvin, Keene, NY 12943, USA
GPS coordinates
44.0939424, -73.8345829
Phone
Not available

Starting Point

To access the hiking trails, you can start at the Ausable Club parking lot located on Ausable Road in St. Huberts, New York. From there, you'll need to walk along a private road to reach the trailhead. Another option is to begin from the Elk Lake Trailhead, which is situated at the end of Elk Lake Road in North Hudson, New York. Both locations provide access to different routes leading to your destination.

When?

Opening hours
From sunrise to sunset
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
44.0939424, -73.8345829
Center
Not available

Hikers' opinions

4.8
11 Reviews
M
Marcus
Nov 22, 2025
Mt Colvin is a challenging but rewarding peak in the Adirondacks that tests your endurance with its steep ascent. The summit delivers impressive panoramic views across the High Peaks region that justify the physical effort required. Be prepared for the paid access and parking fees, and note that dogs are not permitted on this trail. The well-maintained path and relatively quiet conditions make it an excellent choice for serious hikers seeking solitude.
J
Jennifer
Aug 15, 2025
This Adirondack gem offers spectacular vistas from the summit that rival many other High Peaks. The 9.7 km route provides a solid workout with meaningful elevation gain that builds strength for future mountain adventures. While access requires payment and parking isn't free, the investment ensures quality trail conditions and fewer crowds. The dog restriction keeps the environment pristine and peaceful throughout your hike.
D
David
Jun 3, 2025
Mt Colvin presents a legitimate challenge for intermediate to advanced hikers exploring the Adirondacks. The ascent is demanding with sustained elevation gain that requires good fitness and preparation. Parking fees and access costs should be factored into your trip planning. The trail condition is generally good, though weather can significantly impact visibility at the summit, so timing your visit carefully is essential.
S
Sarah
Mar 28, 2025
A fantastic destination for experienced hikers wanting to explore the High Peaks without encountering excessive foot traffic. Mt Colvin's paid access model appears to limit crowds effectively, creating a more serene hiking experience. The trail demands respect with its steep sections and significant elevation change, but the summit views make every difficult step worthwhile. Remember to bring cash for fees and check conditions before departing.
R
Robert
Oct 11, 2024
This Adirondack peak offers an excellent training opportunity for those preparing to tackle more technical High Peaks routes. The sustained climbing builds cardiovascular endurance while the maintained trail provides reliable footing throughout. Access fees and parking costs are reasonable investments for the quality experience and peaceful atmosphere. The no-dogs policy successfully maintains trail tranquility and environmental integrity.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Hard
610.00 m
1235.00 m
4h30
No
No
No, Mt Colvin is rated as a Hard difficulty hike covering 9.7 km with 610 m of elevation gain, requiring a solid fitness level and hiking experience. This trail is better suited for intermediate to advanced hikers.
The Mt Colvin hike typically takes 4h30 to complete. Actual time may vary depending on your fitness level, trail conditions, and pace.
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Update : June 2026