1st High Peaks Climb(s)

[lt]

My family and I have climbed many mountains in the Adirondacks before, and we have decided to attempt some of the high peaks while staying in the Saranac Lake area this summer. The mountains we hope to climb are Cascade, Giant, and Algonquin. Will all of these mountains be doable by first-timers like ourselves? We are all in fairly good shape, and have moderate hiking experience. Also, we plan on bringing our dog on these trails with us, as long as there aren't any extremely steep areas or tough scrambles. Any info on these peaks would be greatly appreciated!

[Skinney]

Follow up

Good Evening It,

Welcome to the forum.

Cascade Mtn would be the idea 1st time High Peak hike. It is a 4.8 mile round trip (RT) and is a family friendly mtn along w/the family dog. It has a 360 degree panoramic view that is very worth the hike. If you are looking to start climbing the 46 high peaks you can also hike Porter Mtn and would add another 1.4 miles to the trip. This also has some views (not as good as Cascade) and a close up view of Cascade Mtn.

Giant Mtn is another relatively easy hike of 6 mi RT via the Ridge Trail from Chapel Pond but includes a 3000 ft ascent and decent. It is a very nice hike also and you can see almost all the high peaks from the top. Again, if you are looking to start bagging peaks you can also hike to the Rocky Peak Ridge which adds another 2.6 mi to the RT.

Algonquin Mtn is another fantastic Mtn with beautiful views but the last 400 or so feet to the top is steep in some sections and may not be hikable for a dog. Wright Peak also branches off the main trail to Algonquin and gives you an up close and personal view of Algonquin. The RT for Algonquin only is 8 miles.

All 3 Mountains have excellent views.

[Pat T]

http://www.adk.org/trails/High_Peaks_Hike-Backpack.aspx

Here is a web site with good info about the High Peaks. You probably already know that dogs have to be leashed in the High Peaks area.

I did Algonquin with my two kids, ages 11 and 15 at the time. We found the mountain difficult. But, the views were incredible and I really enjoyed seeing the fragile alpine vegetation at the summit. Marcy is a long hike but, in my opinion, a much easier one. Wright is also a good suggestion, as would be Phelps.

Pat T

[Rik]

My dogs have done all of those peaks without issue.

[jessdrone]

if your in half way decent shape you should be fine and i think the dog will be fine. I see people with their dogs on the mountains all the time.

[lt]

thanks for all the help! one more question- does anyone know the approx. amount of time it takes to climb these peaks in summer?

[Skinney]

I hike all 3 peaks in the summer.
These are estimated times for your family and this also depends on fitness levels and the amount of time you spend on the top of the peaks

Cascade- 6-7 hours
Giant- 6-7 hours
Algonquin- 8-9 hours