Mt. Marcy Via Van Hoevenberg Trail

Mt. Marcy Via Van Hoevenberg Trail is a 16.2 mile Out & Back hike that summits the tallest peak in the state of New York, Mount Marcy. It starts at the Adirondak Loj at Heart Lake parking lots in the Eastern High Peak Wilderness of the Adirondacks, and hikers will gain 3,585 ft of elevation throughout the course of the hike. Marcy Dam and Indian Falls are notable landmarks along the route. This is a popular route and is most often hiked during the summer. 

Pre-hike Considerations

As this hike is long with a parking area that is quick to fill up, lodging and/or start time should be taken into consideration. There are rooms available to rent at the ADK Loj depending on the season as well as private cabins, which are conveniently located right at the start of the hike. Free options include backpacking and camping along the trail, or camping near your car at the South Meadows Ln. tent sites. There are more than 10 sites here, but they are first come first serve. You are not permitted to sleep in your car at the ADK Loj trailhead parking lot. 

Parking

Parking for this route is at the Adirondak Loj at Heart Lake. This lot is known to fill up quite early depending on the season, sometimes before 5 a.m. There is additional parking available about a mile down ADK loj road. The cost of parking here is $15 for non members, and if parking in off hours hikers will need to leave money in an envelope at the gate. There are restrooms open at all hours here, and during daytime hours there is a visitor center, gift shop, and small grill called The Hungry Hiker. All of these amenities are seasonal. 

Parking lot to Marcy Dam

The first 2.5 miles to Marcy Dam is a slight and gradual grade across easy terrain which many would consider a warmup. Marcy Dam has numerous campsites and latrines, and offers an open view of Colden and Wright. Water can be filled here at Marcy Brook. 

Marcy Dam to Indian Falls

The route proceeds across Marcy Brook and along the Van Hoevenberg trail. There is a secondary trail register near the NYS DEC Marcy Dam Interior Outpost which should be filled out. This section of the hike follows along Phelps Brook and the grade increases to about 20% up mostly mid-sized boulders. Halfway up the Phelps brook there will be a latrine, and shortly after will be the turn-off to ascend Phelps Mountain, which the hiker will continue past. At about 4 miles into the route, the hiker will need to keep right on the foot trail, as the trail that continues straight is a seasonal ski trail. Eventually the hiker will come to the turnoff to the Tabletop Mountain Herd Path to the left, but will continue past and remain on the Van Hoevenberg trail. Shortly after, the hiker will again cross over Marcy Brook and will immediately find a side trail to the right that leads to Indian Falls, which offers an open view of Algonquin, a small waterfall, and a chance to rest and fill water. Though there can be additional water running on the route depending on rainfall, this is the last guaranteed water source before the summit. 

Indian Falls to Hopkins Intersection

Immediately after departing from Indian Falls, a privy will be accessible on the right. The trail continues up a moderate grade for about 2 miles. As trees start to shrink in size views should be available to the left looking towards the John’s Brook Valley. At the Hopkins intersection is the last chance for a Privy before the summit. 

Hopkins Intersection to the Summit

The final section of ascent houses the steepest grade and most technically challenging portion of the route, although it is manageable compared to some other routes in the Adirondack High Peaks. The maximum grade at this portion is 31%. Trees will begin to altogether disappear, and special care should be taken to not step on or disturb the endangered Alpine Vegetation. The final mound of the mountain should become visible as the hiker approaches, and eventually at about 8 miles into the route the trees will disappear and the terrain will be entirely rock until the summit. Winds can pickup here as the hiker is exposed to open sky and clouds as they navigate up slabs and boulders. Trail markers will no longer be available here and hikers will need to follow yellow pained lines on the rock as well as cairns noting where the trail is. The last ½ mile of the route alternates between long slabs and short, scrambly climbs. 

Summit

The Summit houses a plaque dedicated to the history of the peak and its early ascenders. Views are available in 360 degrees with many landmarks of the Adirondacks in sight. 

Descent

The hiker will return down the Van Hoevenberg trail the same way that they ascended, passing the same landmarks and milestones along the way.