Algonquin peak is a popular, difficult, and absolutely stunning hike. It is the second highest peak in New York behind Mount Marcy, and features incredible 360 degree views of Marcy, the Great Range, Mount Colden, Lake Colden, and much more. It is part of the Macintyre Range
Height: 5,115 feet (1559 meters)
Distance: 9 miles (14.48 km)
Elevation Gain: 2,969 feet ( 905 meters)
Difficulty: Strenuous
Duration: 6-8 hours
Trails
Van Hoevenberg Trail – 9 Miles Round Trip
Hiking this peak begins at the Van Hoevenberg Trail, which is the same starting location for Phelps Mountain, Wright Peak, Mount Marcy, and other popular hikes.
The trail begins by descending, and then remains relatively flat until a junction .9 miles in. To the left, the Van Hoevenberg trail continuous towards Mount Marcy, to the right is the path towards Algonquin, Wright and Iroquois Peak.
2.9 miles into the hike, you will reach the junction where hikers can choose to ascend Wright Peak (.4 miles from junction) or Algonquin (.9 miles from junction). At this point, the hike gets challenging due to steepness, and hikers quickly ascend above treeline.
Algonquin peak is frequently hiked in conjunction with Wright Peak, and Iroquois Peak (both Adirondack 4,000 footers).
Trail Map
You can purchase the above referenced map here.
Winter Hiking
Algonquin peak is a fantastic winter hike. It is a long and strenuous hike, and features quite a few steep and icy sections, so it is only recommended in the winter for experienced hikers. It features a large amount of exposed hiking above tree-line, so it is essential to bring the proper winter hiking equipment.
Directions
The trailhead is located at the end of Adirondack Loj road next to heart lake, and has a fee. Members of the Adirondack Mountain Club receive parking discounts.
Weather Forecast
Lake Placid, NY
Today
Partly sunny, with a high near 58. South wind 5 to 9 mph.
Tonight
A slight chance of rain showers after 4am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 45. South wind 7 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Saturday
A slight chance of rain showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 54. South wind 10 to 14 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Saturday Night
A chance of rain showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 42. South wind 15 to 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Sunday
Rain showers likely. Cloudy, with a high near 46. South wind 18 to 29 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Sunday Night
Rain showers likely. Cloudy, with a low around 44. West wind 20 to 28 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Monday
A chance of rain showers before 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 58. West wind 10 to 17 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Additional Pictures
Wright and Algonquin Peak Trail Junction
Wright and Algonquin Peak Trailhead
Views from Algonquin Summit
Algonquin Peak from Wright Peak
Algonquin Summit Panorama
Iroquois Peak from Algonquin
Max DesMarais is the founder of hikingandfishing.com. He has a passion for the outdoors and making outdoor education and adventure more accessible. Max is a published author for various outdoor adventure, travel, and marketing websites. He is an experienced hiker, backpacker, fly fisherman, backcountry skier, trail runner, and spends his free time in the outdoors. These adventures allow him to test gear, learn new skills, and experience new places so that he can educate others. Max grew up hiking all around New Hampshire and New England. He became obsessed with the New Hampshire mountains, and the NH 48, where he guided hikes and trail runs in the White Mountains. Since moving out west, Max has continued climbed all of the Colorado 14ers, is always testing gear, learning skills, gaining experience, and building his endurance for outdoor sports. You can read more about his experience here: hikingandfishing/about