GOTHICS & ARMSTRONG
Via AMR
Frequently cited as a favorite among Adirondack hikers, Gothics offers spectacular views and striking visual appeal. Armstrong Mountain, adjacent to Gothics, serves as a scenic waypoint along this challenging but rewarding route. Often hiked together as part of the Lower Great Range Loop, these two peaks showcase some of the region's most stunning alpine vistas.
What to know
Adirondack Mountain Reserve
(AMR)/Ausable Club, St. Huberts
Distance
13.1 miles
Elevation Gain
Difficulty
Average Time
Highest Point
4,100feet
4/7
8-10hours
4,736 feet
View from Pyramid Peak
Special Considerations:
Trekking poles are highly recommended due to steep sections. This route is best suited to experienced hikers. Expect a challenging hike with many steep sections, especially up Pyramid. It is reccomended to hike Gothcs first because of how the terrain reveals itself to you throughout the day.
Water Availability:
Limited; rivers available lower down but none at higher elevations
Maximum Grade:
600 feet over 0.4 miles (ascending Pyramid Peak)
Sunrise or Sunset:
Excellent sunrise from Pyramid Peak; good sunset from either peak
View Type:
Amazing views all around. Pyramid is among many people's favorite view.
Dog Friendliness:
Not permitted from AMR; allowed if hiking from the Garden Trailhead on the other side.
Check out the route! (Zoom)
View Photos of this Hike
Trail Summary
Alternate Approaches
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0.0 miles: Start at AMR parking lot
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0.5 miles: AMR gate for Lake Road
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4.0 miles: Reservoir bridge at end of Lake Road
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4.1 miles: Pass Rainbow Falls junction
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5.6 miles: Intersection toward Sawteeth/Pyramid Peak; bear right
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6.1 miles: Summit Pyramid Peak
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6.6 miles: Summit Gothics
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7.0 miles: Intersection for Beaver Meadow Falls and Armstrong
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7.4 miles: Summit Armstrong Mountain
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7.8 miles: Return to Beaver Meadow Trail intersection
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10.0 miles: Beaver Meadow Falls
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10.1 miles: Junction with East River Trail, turn left
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10.2 miles: Junction with Beaver Meadows Trail, turn right toward Lake Road
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10.7 miles: Reach Lake Road
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12.7 miles: Pass AMR gate
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13.3 miles: Return to AMR parking lot
The Garden Trailhead:
13 miles, 3,800 feet
This is an alternate to just Gothics. This approach takes you up the infamous "Cable route". From The Garden, hike through Johns Brook Valley, taking the Orebed trail, up the cables to summit Gotchis.