Adirondack High Peaks facts for kids

The Adirondack High Peaks are 46 tall mountains in the Adirondack Mountains of New York State, USA. People first thought all these peaks were taller than 4,000 feet (about 1,219 meters). Later, surveys showed that four of them are actually a bit shorter. Also, one more peak that was close to 4,000 feet was missed. But because of a long-standing tradition, no mountains were taken out or added to the group.

Where are the High Peaks?

Most of the High Peaks are in central and northern Essex County. They are mainly south of Lake Placid and Keene Valley. Just a few are located west in Franklin County.

All these mountain tops are on land owned by New York State. This land is part of its Forest Preserve. Forty-two of the peaks are in a huge area called the High Peaks Wilderness Area. This area is almost 300,000 acres (about 1,214 square kilometers).

Two peaks, Giant Mountain and Rocky Peak Ridge, are in the nearby Giant Mountain Wilderness Area. Whiteface Mountain and Esther Mountain are a bit further north in Wilmington. Whiteface Mountain has a ski area and a road to its top.

Protecting Nature on the Peaks

The very tops of the highest peaks, above the tree line, have a special and very delicate environment. This "alpine ecosystem" covers about 87 acres (about 35 hectares). This area is always changing a little due to weather.

It is super important to protect this fragile ecosystem. Because it's so high up, it's hard for nature to heal if it gets damaged.

The High Peaks area also has many alpine lakes, meadows, wetlands, streams, and forests. The Eastern High Peaks Wilderness area has the strictest rules.

• You cannot have fires there.
• Dogs must be on a leash.
• Overnight groups can only have up to eight people.
• Day groups can have up to 15 people.
• You must use bear-resistant food containers from April through November.

If you visit these areas, always stay on the marked trails. This helps protect plants and stops new paths from forming. You cannot camp above 4,000 feet (about 1,219 meters) on any of the Adirondack High Peaks. To learn more about protecting these areas, you can visit the DEC website.

How to Reach the Top

Climbing Mount Marcy or Algonquin Peak does not need special climbing skills. These are the two tallest High Peaks. But Algonquin Peak is thought to be a harder climb.

Twenty of the peaks do not have official trails to their tops. However, people have made rough paths over the years. These are often called "herd paths." You won't need to cut your way through thick bushes on any peak. But some trails are still very basic.

If you want amazing views without a long hike, you can drive up Whiteface Mountain. The road is called the Veterans' Memorial Highway.

Mountain Ranges in the High Peaks

The High Peaks area has several smaller mountain ranges.

• The Dix Range has five High Peaks: Macomb, Grace Peak, South Dix, Hough, and Dix Mountain.
• The Great Range has seven High Peaks: Lower Wolfjaw, Upper Wolfjaw, Armstrong, Gothics, Saddleback, Basin, and Haystack.
• The Seward Range has four High Peaks: Seward, Donaldson, Emmons, and Seymour Mountain.
• The MacIntyre Range has four High Peaks: Mount Marshall, Wright, Algonquin, and Iroquois.
• The Santanoni Range has three High Peaks: Santanoni Peak, Panther Peak, and Couchsachraga.

Cool Facts About the High Peaks

Mount Marcy is the tallest High Peak. It is also the tallest mountain in all of New York State!

People who climb all 46 High Peaks can join a special group. It's called the Adirondack Forty-Sixers club.

View from Algonquin Peak. You can see many other peaks from here!

The High Peaks List

Mount Marcy seen from Mount Haystack

Giant Mountain seen from Noonmark Mountain

Big Slide Mountain from Cascade Mountain

Mount Emmons and Mount Donaldson from Seward

Some surveys show MacNaughton Mountain as 4,000 feet (about 1,219 meters) tall. Because of this, some people think it should be part of the High Peaks. But newer surveys say it is 3,983 feet (about 1,214 meters) tall.