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Wright Peak, Algonquin Peak, Iroquois Peak from Heart Lake
Jul 7 2011 5:00:00 pm EST
Topics:I published a trail review of Wright Peak, Algonquin Peak, and Iroquois Peak from Heart Lake.
From Heart Lake, the trail to Algonquin Peak, the second highest summit in New York, is a manageable day hike. Along the way, the hiker has an opportunity to summit Wright Peak and Iroquois Peak, both high peak summits. From Heart Lake, the hike to Wright Peak is 3.8 mi, adding in a .4 mi spur from the main Algonquin trail. Not factoring in this spur, the distance to Algonquin peak is 4.3 mi, though some of this is relatively steep with some scrambling.
From the summit of Algonquin, an unmarked, but relatively well established trail leads to another high peak, Iroquois. The distance from the Van Hoevenberg trailhead to Iroquois Peak, not factoring in the Wright spur trail, is a sometimes difficult 5.4 mi.
Overall, this is an excellent warm up day hike for the high peaks. If Algonquin seems out of r
Just posted a gallery of Algonquin Peak photos. The second highest peak in New York State, Algonquin has uninterrupted views of the surrounding Adirondack region, and nearby peaks to explore—all in a day hike.
As of late June, the insects were not bad at all, I found it unnecessary to use bug spray. Overall, the hike was enjoyable, and an excellent warmup to the high peaks of the Adirondacks.
Winding alpine trail, Gothics.
To cap off Tongue Mountain Range series, I wrote a review with directions and options on how to approach the network of trails.
The final installment of the Tongue Mountain Range series covers the northern portion, including Five Mile Mtn., Brown Mtn., and Deer Leap. Tuesday, October 19, 2010.
The following image gallery corresponds with this audio log
The trail is better established and easier to hike, despite having the highest peak. The views are not as panoramic as the southern portion of the Tongue Mountain Range.
Without having two vehicles, I backtracked from Deer Leap to my campsite, whereupon the next day, I hiked to Five Mile Point on Lake George.
Five Mile Point is the trickiest hike, as the descent is relatively steep, with loose cobbles and slick rock. But the views are worthwhile.
On Monday, October 18, 2010, I hike a 12.6 mile loop along the southern Tongue Mountain Range, Northwest Bay Trail, and back up Five Mile Pt. Trail.
The following image gallery corresponds to this entry.
French Point Mtn. is the best view on the Tongue Mountain Range, with panoramic views of then narrows of Lake George.
Approaching Montcalm Point, the range narrows, with Northwest Bay converging on the lake. Along the way, the trail traverses dense clusters of dwarf oak trees. Navigation becomes a little tricky between the peaks, requiring backtracking at times.
The Northwest Bay Trail is a simple and pleasant hike with little change in elevation.
The following audio log covers my first day of a 4 day journey on the Tongue Mountain Range, Lake George, NY. It is Sunday, October 17, 2010; the foliage is just past peak, but there are still excellent photo opportunities to be had.
The corresponding image gallery can be found here
I start at the southwest trailhead off 9N, where the Five Mile Point Trail leads to the heart of the Tongue Mountain Range Trail. I head south on the Tongue Mountain Range, accidentally passing Five Mile Point, as it is not well marked.
Backtracking to Five Mile Point, I reach the summit with minimal effort. Although there are nice brief views on the summit and a lean-to, there is no nearby water source, and the lean-to has a hole in it. I decide to backtrack at the trail juncture for the Tongue Mountain Range and Five Mile Point. I set up camp near a brook, where I will end each day, thus allowing me to drop the majority of my gear in one spo
Completed the Great Range trail review, with some recommendations for day hikers and backpackers. Included distance traveled, ascent, and elevations procured mostly from Adirondack Trails High Peaks Region.
Will include audio in the near future
Doing research for Great Range, final review. Learned that in 2005, Backpacker Magazine named the Great Range, the third hardest day hike in America
From my research, it takes anywhere from 15 to 20 something hours to go from Rooster Comb trailhead, along the range, and back via Phelps Trail to the Garden trailhead. Then, if you don’t have a vehicle parked at both trailheads, you walk a couple miles down the road to your vehicle, or more likely, you collapse and die of exhaustion.
The following audio log covers Thurs., Oct. 7 2010 to Sun., Oct. 10, 2010. Thursday is rain, so I don’t bother the summits. Friday, I get blown down Haystack in 50+ mph winds. Saturday, I finally make it up Haystack, Skylight, and Marcy, taking some awesome pictures.
The following image gallery coincides with this audio.
Other Articles in this series:
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