Field Guide
Learn the Park Behind the Trails
Read about the rock, ice, forests, wildlife, history, and High Peaks traditions that shape Adirondack hiking.
Start with a topic
Start with what you want to understand.
Choose a topic and read the Adirondacks through its rock, forests, wildlife, history, or High Peaks traditions.
Landforms
Geology & Landscapes
Learn how Adirondack rock, glacial history, watersheds, alpine terrain, forests, and landscapes shape the Park hikers move through.
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Timeline
Adirondack History
An editorial timeline from Indigenous presence and early travel through logging, conservation, Forever Wild, and modern recreation.
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Living Park
Flora & Fauna
Explore Adirondack plants, birds, wildlife, forest zones, alpine vegetation, wetlands, and seasonal habitats.
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High Peaks
The 46 High Peaks
Understand High Peaks context, range groupings, 46er history, iconic objectives, and how the mountains relate to one another.
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