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
Tonight
Mostly clear, with a low around 26. Southwest wind 17 to 21 mph.
Tuesday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 51. Southwest wind 22 to 29 mph.
Tuesday Night
Rain showers after 8pm. Cloudy, with a low around 37. Southwest wind 18 to 29 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Wednesday
Rain showers before 8am, then rain and snow between 8am and 2pm, then a chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 38. West wind 15 to 23 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.
Wednesday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 15. North wind 13 to 22 mph. New snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible.
Thursday
Sunny, with a high near 40. Northwest wind 3 to 12 mph.
Thursday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 25. North wind around 5 mph.
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