Mount Marcy via Van Hoevenberg Trail
A serious, full-day Adirondack hike climbs from Heart Lake through forest to exposed alpine rock and summit views.
Artwork inspired by Winslow Homer
Mount Marcy rises to 5,344 feet, New York's highest summit. The Van Hoevenberg route from Adirondak Loj is the commonly used approach, passing Marcy Dam and climbing through forest into exposed alpine terrain. This is not the separate Mount Van Hoevenberg East Trail suggested by some map searches. This is a long mountain day.
Plan roughly 15 miles round trip with substantial climbing, rocky footing, and weather that can turn quickly above tree line. Start early with an offline map, layers, headlamp, food, and water; turn around if conditions worsen. Trail access is free, but parking at the Adirondack Mountain Club's High Peaks Information Center is paid and limited. Check current DEC notices, including any temporary route or bridge issues, before departure.
- Summit
- 5,344 feet
- Route
- About 15 miles round trip
- Effort
- Strenuous full day
Quick guide
- Start at Heart Lake
- The Van Hoevenberg route begins at Adirondak Loj, not the Olympic complex.
- Turn around early
- Cloud, wind, or slow progress above tree line changes the risk.
Know before you go
- Check DEC alerts
- Read current bridge, mud, and weather notices.
- Pass Marcy Dam
- The early landmark is only a fraction of the climb.
- Watch the treeline
- Exposure increases sharply as forest gives way to rock.
- Protect the alpine zone
- Stay on durable trail and summit surfaces.
Good to know
The map opens the High Peaks Information Center beside the Van Hoevenberg Trailhead, not Mount Marcy summit. Check conditions and parking capacity before the hike.
Notice these
- Marcy Dam approach
- alpine summit
- High Peaks panorama