Mount Marcy is the highest peak in the Adirondacks and in New York, rising 5,344 feet above sea level. It is surrounded by other high peaks of the MacIntyre Range, which extend in a southwesterly and northeasterly direction through the west central portion of Essex County. The divide between the Hudson and the St. Lawrence Rivers passes over its summit, and to the southwest, at the base of the cone lies Lake Tear-of-the-Clouds, the highest lake source of the Hudson River.

When the first recorded ascent of Mount Marcy was made in 1837 by Professor Emmons and his party, there were no trails or guide posts. They struggled through virgin forests which were toughest in the dense alpine growth of pure scrubby balsam near the top of the mountain. Today, however, you can approach the peak on well-marked trails from four directions. Many of these trails have interesting variations and side trips.

Northern Approaches

Van Hoevenberg Trail

Avalanche Pass

Indian Pass

Eastern Approaches

Johns Brook

Hopkins Trail

Range Trail

Southern Approaches

From Tahawas

From Elk Lake

Western Approaches

Tupper Lake