Algonquin Peak

Algonquin Peak rises to 5,114 feet as the second highest summit in New York State and arguably the most rewarding High Peak for the effort invested, offering an expansive alpine summit with 360-degree panoramas that rival or surpass those from nearby Mount Marcy. The route departs from the Adirondack Loj and follows MacIntyre Brook upward through rich boreal forest before breaking out onto open rocky terrain below the summit ridge. The upper mountain is entirely above treeline, a rarity in the northeastern United States, and the exposed summit plateau supports a remarkable community of alpine plants including the endangered Robbins cinquefoil and extensive mats of krummholz spruce. Views from the summit encompass the entire MacIntyre Range including Iroquois Peak to the southwest, the Great Range to the east anchored by Mount Marcy, and the broad expanse of the Adirondack lowlands stretching north toward the St. Lawrence Valley. The summit register frequently contains entries from 46ers completing their quest to climb all Adirondack peaks above 4,000 feet, a goal that draws devoted peakbaggers from across the Northeast. Afternoon thunderstorms are a serious hazard on this exposed summit throughout the summer months, making an early start essential for safety.