The Adirondack Forty-Sixers

Overview: As an Adirondack 46er myself I am very excited to share this guide bundle with aspiring 46ers. As far as I can tell this is the most comprehensive digital guide to the Adirondack High Peak 46ers that exists. I have taken great care to include very accurate gps tracks for each peak. For any one of the mountains there are multiple routes to the top but I have used my experiences in the High Peaks to detail the routes that I find are the most rewarding to climb. In most cases these are the standard routes to the summits but in a few cases such as Giant and Rocky Peak and the peaks of the Dix Range I have included routes that will take you on more enjoyable trails to the top with better views or on trails that allow you a bit more solitude in the woods away from the crowds. In each case I've explained my route decision clearly and have detailed all the major trail intersections often including the actual trail signs for each intersection. Some peaks such as the Santanoni's, Sewards, the Dix Range and Allen don't have maintained trails to their summit but over years a system of herd paths has been beaten down and I have included the best ones to follow to the tops.

Finally, in our digital world instead of ripping pages out of guidebooks we can now take along these digital guides with our smartphones. Not only will these guides direct you with driving directions to the trailhead but you will also be able to follow along the gps tracks included in these guides and see photos of what you will encounter later on the trail. These guides can be downloaded to your phone for offline use in areas where you don't have cell phone reception in the high peaks. That way you'll always have a terrain map beneath the track.

Pursuing the summits of the 46 high peaks is an admirable goal and the feeling of accomplishment having climbed them all is really amazing. You'll be inducted into the 46er club and be able to stitch a patch onto your favorite backpack. You'll also be given an official roster number (I am #4092 - see link).

Tips: The Adirondack High Peaks are located in Upstate NY in the Adirondack State Park. Most can be accessed from Rte. 73 off of exit 30 from I-87 headed west. The main trailheads are The Garden, The Ausable Club, and Heart Lake. There are many camping areas within the region with the most popular being Johnsbrook Lodge and Marcy Dam. The region is becoming very popular and trailheads now cost $5 to $10 a day for parking. Bears have become a problem as well requiring all campers to bring a bear canister for food. I believe that during the fall foliage season may be the most wonderful time to hike (see the Giant & Rocky Peak Guide) while some try to climb all the 46 within the winter months. In the summer you will want to bring bug spray. These peaks are often tough and above treeline and don't be fooled by their low elevation. Some, like Allen and Haystack, require long hikes deep into the woods so make sure you have broken in boots and warm, non-cotton, clothing with you. Be safe and abide by all trail signs and trail closures. Make sure you bring your smartphone with you but be careful to watch the battery life on longer climbs, especially overnights as having power to make an emergency phone call in case something goes wrong is paramount. Also, weather can change very quickly in the high peaks and I have been witness to snow storms in the middle of July so watch the weather before you go and be prepared.

If you have read this far I thank you and believe that this guide bundle will provide a wealth of knowledge to you along the trail as you head for the summits. I've done my best to be very clear and detailed about each guide based on my own experiences but if you find I've made a mistake I welcome any comments or suggestions. The great thing about the digital age is that these guides are dynamic and I can change and improve them over time. Help me through suggestions and you'll therefore be helping all the others that have downloaded this bundle.

Make sure to check out all the links of this guide as they hold a wealth of knowledge about the High Peaks area.

Cheers - Jonathan Ellinger, 46er #4092 first completed all 46 on July 22, 1997.