Wright Peak facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Wright Peak |
|
|---|---|
|
|
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 4,587 feet (1,398 metres) |
| Prominence | 270 ft (80 m) |
| Listing | Adirondack High Peaks 16th |
| Geography | |
 Wright Peak
Location in New York Adirondack Park
Wright Peak
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | North Elba, New York, U.S. |
| Parent range | MacIntyre Range |
| Topo map | USGS Keene Valley |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | Hike from the Adirondak Loj |
Wright Peak is a tall mountain in New York, United States. It is the 16th highest mountain in a special area called the Adirondack High Peaks. This mountain is part of the MacIntyre Range. It is located in the town of North Elba, New York, in Essex County.
The mountain was named after Silas Wright (1795–1847), who was a governor of New York. Wright Peak is the most northern mountain in the MacIntyre Range. It is famous for being one of the windiest peaks in the park. It is also known as one of the best places for back-country skiing. In winter, long ski trails go from the top of the mountain down to Marcy Dam.
Climbing Wright Peak
The usual way to climb Wright Peak starts at a place called the Adirondak Loj. From there, you hike about 1.3 miles (2.1 km) up the Van Hovenberg trail. Then, you climb a steep path called the MacIntyre Range Trail. This trail leads to a path that goes to Algonquin Peak.
If you turn left, you will go 0.4 miles (0.6 km) further. This last part of the climb goes through the alpine tundra zone. This is a cold, windy area near the top of a mountain where only small plants grow. People who enjoy climbing many peaks, called "peakbaggers," often hike Wright Peak along with Algonquin Peak. Sometimes they also climb Iroquois Peak. Climbing all three peaks together makes for one of the hardest hikes in the area.
B-47 Crash Site
On January 16, 1962, a B-47 bomber airplane crashed into Wright Peak. All four crew members on board died. The plane was on a training mission. It was practicing low bombing runs over Watertown, New York.
Bad weather caused the bomber to go about 30 miles (48 km) off course. It flew into the High Peaks region by mistake. The aircraft hit the mountain just a few feet below the very top of Wright Peak. Today, you can still find pieces of the wreckage on the summit. There is also a plaque near where the plane crashed. Some of the crash parts are quite large.
Images for kids
-
Mount Colden from Wright, Marcy at left
-
Wright Peak as seen from Marcy Dam (note snow-covered Marcy Dam Pond, foreground)
