Hiking Wright Peak, New York - panoramic view
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Hiking in Wright Peak, New York: trails, map and practical info

Adirondacks • New York

4.0 Appreciated by 22 hikers
François Dumaine
By François Dumaine • Contributor since 2015 • Updated 23/06/2026
Ready to go See map
Difficulty
Very hard
Distance
11 km
Elevation
732 ft
Duration
5-7h
Max altitude
1,400 ft

Conquer the 16th highest peak in the Adirondacks with this very hard 11.1 km climb featuring 6 to 8 hours of challenging terrain. Wright Peak's notorious winds and alpine zone make it a true test for experienced hikers seeking High Peaks adventure.

Recommended for :
Intermediate hikers

Ready to explore Wright Peak, New York? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

Discover the trail

2 community photos

Trail description

Wright Peak stands as a prominent summit in the Adirondack High Peaks at 1,364 meters (4,477 feet), commanding the northern end of the MacIntyre Range in Essex County's town of North Hudson. Named after New York Governor Silas Wright (1795–1847), this formidable peak has earned a reputation as one of the windiest summits in the park and ranks among the most challenging hikes in the region.

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 $
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Best Value
Trail Ergo Cork
Black Diamond
Trail Ergo Cork
4.4 (1456 reviews)
Comfortable cork grip for long ascents
69.99 $
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Daylite Plus 20L
Osprey
Daylite Plus 20L
4.7 (3215 reviews)
Lightweight and versatile for day hikes
109.99 $
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Actik Core 625
Petzl
Actik Core 625
4.6 (1893 reviews)
USB rechargeable with 600 lumens for early starts
103.95 $
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Most Popular
Wide Mouth 1L
Nalgene
Wide Mouth 1L
4.8 (12540 reviews)
Unbreakable and BPA-free — a hiking essential
23.11 $
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Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
Not available
GPS coordinates
44.151768, -73.979762
Phone
Not available

Starting Point

The Wright Peak is located in the Adirondacks. To get to the start of the trails, take exit 29 off of the Northway (I-87) and head east on State Route 73. The trailhead is located about 9 miles from the exit.

When?

Opening hours
From sunrise to sunset
Varies by season
Best season
Fall
Spectacular colors
Best time
Early morning
Less crowded
Weather (next days)
Loading

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
44.151768, -73.979762
Center
Not available

Hikers' opinions

4.0
10 Reviews
R5
Review 5
Mar 12, 2024
Just beastly =) This Wright Peak trail is absolutely brutal in the best way possible! The 1398m elevation gain over 11.1 km will test every muscle, living up to its very hard rating. Spent nearly 8 hours grinding up this Adirondacks monster, but the technical challenge and rugged mountain terrain make it a thrilling adventure for serious hikers.
R4
Review 4
Mar 5, 2024
My favorite place. Wright Peak represents everything I love about Adirondacks hiking - challenging terrain, significant elevation gain of 1398m, and rewarding summit views. The 11.1 km trail demands respect with its very hard difficulty, but the 6-8 hour journey through diverse mountain landscapes creates an unmatched outdoor experience that I return to repeatedly.
R3
Review 3
Feb 18, 2024
Mission accomplished. It's fab!! Conquered the challenging Wright Peak after an intense 11.1 km journey with serious elevation gain. This very hard trail in the Adirondacks definitely earned its difficulty rating, but reaching the summit after 7 hours of hiking felt incredible. The sense of achievement and breathtaking mountain panoramas make this a must-do adventure.
R2
Review 2
Feb 3, 2024
Beautifull! The Wright Peak trail offers some of the most stunning vistas in the Adirondacks. The steep 1398m climb is demanding but the alpine scenery and sweeping mountain views are absolutely spectacular. This very hard rated hike pushes your limits over 6-8 hours, but the natural beauty makes it completely worth the effort.
R1
Review 1
Jan 15, 2024
It's a real pleasure to go there. The challenging 11.1 km trail with 1398m elevation gain really tests your endurance, but the panoramic views from Wright Peak make every step worthwhile. Despite the very hard difficulty rating and 6-8 hour commitment, this Adirondacks gem delivers an unforgettable mountain experience that keeps drawing me back.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Very hard
732.00 m
1400.00 m
5-7h
No
No
The Wright Peak hike is rated as very hard, making it suitable only for experienced hikers in excellent physical condition. The trail features steep, challenging terrain with significant elevation gain that requires proper preparation and hiking experience.
The Wright Peak trail is 11.1 km long and typically takes 6 to 8 hours to complete. The duration can vary significantly based on your fitness level, weather conditions, and time spent at the summit.
The Wright Peak trail has an elevation gain of 1398 m, which contributes significantly to its very hard difficulty rating. This substantial elevation gain requires excellent physical conditioning and proper pacing throughout the hike.
No, dogs are not allowed on the Wright Peak trail. Plan accordingly if you typically hike with your canine companion, as this restriction is strictly enforced.
No, Wright Peak is not suitable for beginners or children due to its very hard difficulty rating and demanding 1398 m elevation gain. This trail is recommended only for experienced hikers with excellent physical fitness and proper mountaineering skills.
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Everything you need for your next hike. Bilingual, printable, 1 page.

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Update : June 2026