Adirondack High Peaks

The High Peaks Wilderness Complex, part of New York’s Forest Preserve, spans 275,460 acres, making it the largest wilderness area in New York State and the second largest wilderness area east of the Mississippi. Located within Franklin, Essex, and Hamilton Counties, this region is defined by its mountainous terrain. It is home to most of New York State's highest summits, including Mount Marcy (5,344 feet) and Algonquin Peak (5,114 feet), the two highest points in the state. Numerous crystal-clear streams cascade from the mountain slopes, forming scenic waterfalls and deep pools. Notable waterways include the Opalescent River, Johns Brook, Klondike Brook, Marcy Brook, Cold River, Moose Creek, and Cold Brook. Lake Tear O' the Clouds, situated at approximately 4,300 feet, is the highest elevation water body in the Hudson River watershed. The area is open for recreation year-round.

The High Peaks Wilderness Complex is managed by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). In 2018, the area was divided into new management zones: the Central Zone, the Outer Zone, and the Adirondack Canoe Route. The Central Zone encompasses what was previously known as the Eastern Zone and contains most of the highest peaks and trails. The Outer Zone includes the former Western High Peaks, the Dix Mountain Area, the Boreas Ponds Tract, and the MacIntyre East Tract. The Adirondack Canoe Route parallels the western boundary of the unit for 23 miles along the eastern shores of Long Lake and the Raquette River, serving as a key link in a larger 90-mile canoe route. The DEC continues to develop specific recreational information for these individual zones.

The High Peaks Wilderness Complex is located within the towns of Harrietstown, North Elba, Keene, Elizabethtown, North Hudson, Newcomb, and Long Lake. The 210-acre Tahawus Core Historic Area Conservation Easement provides public recreation rights on lands owned by the Town of Newcomb, offering parking and trail access to the southern High Peaks Wilderness. For current information and assistance, visitors can contact the DEC Region 5 Ray Brook Office. Forest Rangers are also valuable resources for local information. Hikers aiming to summit all forty-six of the traditionally recognized High Peaks are known as Adirondack Forty-Sixers, an organization dedicated to maintaining the wilderness and encouraging aspiring members.

The Adirondacks provide extensive wildlife habitat, including boreal, bog, and alpine environments. This region is critical for many species of birds and mammals unique to or primarily found here. Over 50 species of mammals and hundreds of bird species inhabit or migrate through the Adirondacks annually, offering frequent opportunities for wildlife viewing. Notable mammals include moose, black bear, beaver, eastern coyote, river otter, white-tailed deer, and little brown bat. Bird species frequently observed include bald eagles, common loons, peregrine falcons, ospreys, great horned owls, great blue herons, wild turkeys, and eastern bluebirds. Peregrine falcons are known to nest in the area. Visitors should practice Leave No Trace principles to protect wildlife and their habitats.