Elk Lake - Marcy trail

[tmount]

Anyone been on this recently? I’m thinking of a leisurely trip, spending the 1st night somewhere along the way to Panther Gorge, 2nd night in the Gorge, up Skylight and Gray the 3rd day, and hike back, spending the 3rd night somewhere else. Been meaning to do this for years. Thoughts?

[richard1726]

Delightful route, while planing I always ask my self how deep will Marcy Swamp be. I bring one extra pair of sox on this route to change into after slogging through the swamp. It’s not bad and great for conversation because you aren’t traveling very fast. I’ve done the hike out from the swamp in the dark, in fog, with the light from a single candle lantern for the two of us. Very memorable second week in Oct. 1993.

[tenderfoot]

Please note the DEC Advisories

Clear Pond Gate on the Elk Lake Road remains closed. This adds two miles each way to hikes from the Elk Lake Trailhead - plan accordingly. (2020)

The main span bridge in Marcy Swamp on the Elk Lake-Marcy Trail has failed. (2020)
Hikers will have to wade the river to get across - rock hopping is not possible as it is a swamp.
Be aware that during rain events the water level can fluctuate significantly.
DEC does not expect to replace the bridge this year.

I've been thinking about that route for some time. I think it would be the road less travelled.

[TCD]

DEC does not expect to replace the bridge this year.

Just remarkable...they are tearing holes in the road near Dudley Brook, and building a "trail to nowhere" at Cascade, but they cannot replace a bridge on a trail people actually use. And you should see the beautiful bridges at Exit 29, that are totally not used by anyone. REALLY hard to fathom...

[tmount]

Apparently, there are 3, not 1, bridges out. Oh well. I’ll try again next year. Thanks for your info.!

[Bunchberry]

I have done this hike twice and love it. Sad about the bridge. They added a new leanto along the way so you could get to the parking lot (I always bring a bike because this is a small lot) later in the day and hike into that leanto and then onto Panther Gore the next day.

[tgoodwin]

It's really only the one bridge over the Inlet to the Upper Ausable Lake that is out. The Adirondack Trail Improvement Society, not the DEC, is responsible for that bridge, but this year we had the very well-used bridge below the Lower Lake dam to rebuild, and that took precedence. The DEC may be able to fly some material for a rebuild next year that will hopefully survive any future floods.

And five years ago, ATIS, completely rebuilt the boardwalks in Marcy Swamp, so that is no longer an issue - except in very high water when those bridges would be under water.

[saabrian]

Just remarkable...they are tearing holes in the road near Dudley Brook, and building a "trail to nowhere" at Cascade, but they cannot replace a bridge on a trail people actually use. And you should see the beautiful bridges at Exit 29, that are totally not used by anyone. REALLY hard to fathom...

But the state needs to spend $180 million on more land rather than use a fraction of it to properly care of the land it/we already have...

[ADKBrianW]

Has anyone done this hike recently? My son and I are hiking this route to Grey and Skylight this weekend. Except for the recent heavy rain this week it has been a very dry September so I am hoping water levels where the bridge is out are low.