Tuesday, August 9, 2011

New York: Mt Marcy (-VT)

There are still a few states within Driving distance from Michigan that have yet to be climbed. New York and Vermont was therefore the destination of a roadtrip covering  almost 1000 miles in Canada, and Niagara Falls among other things. Mt Marcy in New York is a lengthy day hike of just under 15 miles round trip. The elevation is not too high, and the elevation gain is spread over a long distance. After a few miles one can see some of the surrounding peaks in the direction of Mt Marcy as can be seen in the background behind Tricia...


The main "difficulty of the trail (Van Hoevenberg trail) was the variety of the trail. some sections were nice, while large portions looked more like a jumble of stones meaning the hiking shoes came into good usage (almost too good, judging by the blisters).


After some long struggling towards the top one is met in best case by good weather and loads of happy people,  and in worst case thunderstorms or hail together with swiftly dropping temperatures. This high point might have been the most trafficked I've ever seen, it was 30-50 people just on the top, and the trail was filled with hundreds of Canadians, mostly french speaking, but also some English speaking, indicating the proximity to Montreal. The top is marked by a USGS marker seen below.


As well as a plaque with information. The peak was also the home to summit stewards during the well traveled season. They warn people regarding the fragile nature and teach people to maintain the trail. a nice initiative, and considering the remoteness of the peak very impressive to have park personnel present there who have to hike there by foot.


 Some painstakingly slow hours on the decent was later rewarded with a hot tub and soft bed in Plattsburgh. Getting to Vermont the next morning meant having to take ferries from New your state across Lake Champlain.


Stats:
State: New York
High point: Mount Marcy
Elevation: 5 344 ft (1 629 m)
Date: August 6th, 2011
Total elevation to date: 155 012  ft (47 248 m)
Access: Hike, 15 miles round trip 9h
Difficulty rating (of 10): 5
Potential Difficulties: Fatigue, weather (very changeable on top).

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