Trail suggestion (High peaks)

[nocompromise]

All,

I am looking for a day hike suggestion in the high peaks area.

What is the nicest moderate to hard level trail (With lakes and nice view points) that can be done in about 5 hours?

I have done Marcy and Algonquin last year but I am now planning to go with my sister and she might have problems doing such big montains.

I am looking for a shorter but interesting hike.

Thanks
NoComp

[nocompromise]

Thanks for re-opening this thread.

Anyone has suggestions ?


Thanks
NoComp

[Kevin]

Mt Jo from the adirondack loj has nice views (from pics I've seen, I'm saving it for a beginner's hike with a non-hiking friend someday). It's short and not too steep from all accounts.

There's also Indian Head and Fishhawk cliffs, as well as lookouts along the sawteeth scenic trail along the ausable lakes. Depending on your hiking speed it could be a bit more than 5 hours round trip, but worth the hike.

Cascade mountain is a short hike. Last time I climbed it, with plenty of time on both Porter and Cascade's summit took us around 4 hours round trip.

Blue Mt in the central adks is another short hike with good views from the fire tower on top. Ampersand is a longer drive from my home but is also a shorter climb with great views of some of the most remote high peaks wilderness including the Seward range. Nice thing about Ampersand is the trail from the parking area leading to a small lake for swimming during the hot afternoon.

Giant mountain is 3,000 feet to climb but only 6 miles round trip from the chapel pond/ridge trail. The climb is challenging but short. If you're a moderate hiker I can see this being done in 5 hour RT. Noonmark is another of similar character.

[bridgeman]

Rocky Peak Ridge from Route 9 trailhead
Moderate hike over mostly open terrain. Rated as one of the most scenic trails in the Daks. Lake Marie Louise is the only lake, if you want to call it that. Return via the same route. Do this on a clear day and your sister will be instantly hooked.

[bridgeman]

check out adirondackjourney.com. Excellent site with trail descriptions, topo maps, ratings.

[Boreal Chickadee]

Nocompromise, Am I understanding that you want to go to a lake(s) AND to stay within the High Peaks area? If so then the mountain hikes above are out.

The lake requirement within the high peaks is tough. You could go to Avalanche Lake, which is absolutely stunning, but you'll still have a trudge up through the pass to get there.

Another possiblility is to go to Flowed Lands from Upper Works. If you go a bit around the left side by following the trail you can pick up paths to get different views of the Flow and of Colden (the mountain). And if she's energetic you could go on into Lake Colden. But again this trail dos require some elevation gain to get to Flowed Lands but certainly is one stunning spot.In this thread (WAllface trip report) http://www.adkforum.com/showthread.php?t=2610
post #5 is a photo of Lake Colden and pOst #7 is a shot of Flowed Land but looking back towards where you enter from the trail (the opposite direction of Mt Colden).

I think the trail to Flowed Lands is easier. Shorter distance less elevation gain. Maybe somone who is adept at NG Topo could give the elvation gains of both trails.

There are oodles of hikes, much easier, out of the high peaks that will take you to lakes that are all wonderful. Inside is tough because of the elevation gain.

PS If both requirements need to be fulfilled this is a tough question and would have been very difficult to find in a search. Hope that makes you feel better.

[nocompromise]

Thanks to all, I will be doing more research on your specific suggestions in the next few days and then, decice on which one to do.

Thanks again
NoComp

[Placidnay]

I second the suggestion of Cascade because of the short distance and the amazing views on top. Plenty of summit space, too. Round trip at moderate speed is doable in 5 hours; you won't pass any lakes, but it is a nice, frequently traveled Adirondack trail. Also, the trial to Porter from Cascade won't add too much distance nor time if you are interested.

Another option is Phelps Mt. Unike Cascade, the summit space is limited, but there are good views to be had. If you sister has never been to Marcy Dam area, she'll definitely enjoy the views of Colden, etc. I don't recall exactly how long it took to do Phelps, but I think it is also in your time range.

Though not one of the highest "46", Mt Jo is definitely a nice alternative as well; it is short, has great mountains views and of course, looks over Heart Lake.

[Boreal Chickadee]

I added the thread link to my above post. Sorry about that!

[Mavs00]

Cascade and Noonmark were earlier mentioned, in addition to them;

Consider Ampersand, Catamount, or MacKenzie (for moutain summits) or the Nun Da Goa Ridge (open ridge walk with views). All are moderate hikes that are easily done in under 5 hours

[lumberzac]

Another option would be to follow the AMR Lake Road from St. Huberts to the trail up Indian Head and Fish Hawk Cliffs and then return back to Lake Road via the Gill Brook Trail. Both offer great views of the Great Range (can’t remember if you can see all of it) and Lower Ausable Lake.

[mrbubbles]

For moderate to hard, with varied scenery (lakes, mountains, etc.) you can't really beat the Avalanche Lake/Colden/Lake Arnold loop. Gorgeous views of Avalanche Lake, scrambling over rocks, all along Lake Colden. Look to your left, and you might catch a glimpse of people attempting the Trap Dyke; keep going over the summit of Colden for a nice gentle descent down to Lake Arnold. Back in time for supper. At 13 miles, this definitely falls in the moderate to hard category, and on a sunny morning, it's stunningly beautiful.
And since it's a loop, you get to cover a lot more ground.