The GREAT Range Traverse
ADK Loj to Rooster Comb

Dog Friendliness: 

Dogs permitted but strongly discouraged due to highly technical terrain and distance. Must remain leashed. 

   
Trail Surface:

Rocky, rugged, highly eroded trails with frequent steep scrambles, ladders, and exposed sections.

Water Availability:

Limited water sources at higher elevations; reliable water at Johns Brook Lodge and occasional streams lower down. Carry at least 3 liters.

Maximum Grade:   

Two Extremely steep and technical sections, notably Gothics cables and Saddleback Cliffs.

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Sunrise or Sunset:

Best experienced as a sunrise hike beginning at Mount Marcy.

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View Type:

It doesn't get better than this

Special Considerations:

Given its difficulty and length, careful logistical planning is essential. Identify bailout trails in advance for potential emergencies or fatigue. Prepare thoroughly with adequate food, water, trekking poles, and headlamps, and never underestimate this demanding traverse. Consider starting well before dawn to maximize daylight hours.

Intro

The Great Range Traverse represents the pinnacle of Adirondack adventure for seasoned hikers. This strenuous route crosses multiple renowned summits, traverses challenging terrain, and rewards those who complete it with some of the best views in the East. Starting from the iconic Adirondack Loj, the route ascends Marcy and navigates the heart of the High Peaks Wilderness, showcasing the most dramatic features of the Adirondack landscape.

The Hike

Begin your hike from the Adirondack Loj parking lot, directly beside the High Peaks Information Center. Sign in at the trail register near the large map, ensuring your safety and aiding trail management. The initial section to Marcy Dam is an enjoyable warm-up, traveling over gentle hills and through mixed forests.

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After one mile, reach an intersection directing left toward Marcy Dam and right toward the MacIntyre Range. Turn left, continuing for 1.3 miles to Marcy Dam. Upon arrival, head left, crossing over the bridge to the far side. After the bridge, turn right and quickly arrive at another trail register. Sign in again and continue beyond it.

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Immediately afterward, you'll encounter an intersection pointing left toward Marcy and right toward Avalanche Lake and Mount Colden. Turn left, following the Van Hoevenberg Trail toward Mount Marcy. The trail gradually steepens, passing the turn-off to Phelps Mountain after 1 mile. Continue straight, crossing a bridge shortly thereafter and beginning a steeper climb. Approximately 0.15 miles later, avoid the Marcy Ski Trail and stay on the marked Van Hoevenberg Trail.

After another 0.7 miles of rocky ascent, you’ll rejoin the ski trail junction and shortly afterward pass the trail to Tabletop Mountain. Indian Falls follows immediately. Right after this, there will be a left turn. You'll reach the Hopkins Trail intersection after 1.4 miles following this; continue right, gradually climbing more steeply toward Marcy.

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In another 0.6 miles, passing two open plateaus (once lean-to sites), you'll reach Marcy’s shoulder. At the Range Trail intersection here, turn right to climb Marcy’s final stretch. Be extremely cautious, following cairns and yellow paint to protect fragile alpine vegetation. After a picturesque 0.5-mile climb, you’ll stand atop New York’s highest peak—Mount Marcy, with its commemorative summit plaque placed in 1937.

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From Marcy’s summit, retrace your steps 0.5 miles back to the intersection and continue straight ahead along the Range Trail toward Haystack. The descent is steep, exposed, and rocky, eventually leading to Little Haystack and Haystack itself after 1 mile. Summit Haystack, and then return again to the Range Trail, continuing toward Basin Mountain, passing the Sno-Bird Campsite along the way.

The ascent of Basin Mountain involves steep ladders, scrambles, and challenging terrain. Upon reaching Basin’s summit, carefully descend its steep northern side, dropping to the infamous Saddleback Cliffs. Ascend these cliffs cautiously using yellow-painted rock markers. Celebrate atop Saddleback’s summit before continuing along the Range Trail toward Gothics.

Reaching Gothics involves another steep climb, assisted by cables over rugged rock faces. Continue northward past Gothics West Peak, descending briefly to ascend Armstrong Mountain, an easier climb. From Armstrong, follow the trail north toward Upper Wolfjaw (UWJ), involving another significant descent, a ladder climb, and then a short spur to its summit.

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From UWJ, descend steeply into the notch, then ascend again to reach Lower Wolfjaw (LWJ), another rocky climb with a distinctive rocky summit. Descend LWJ’s challenging northern slope, turning left onto the W.A. White Trail after 1.5 miles, following signs to Hedgehog Mountain.

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Summit Hedgehog Mountain, then continue descending steadily along the ridgeline. Arrive at the Rooster Comb junction after 1.5 miles, with an optional 1-mile out-and-back climb to Rooster Comb’s panoramic summit. After enjoying Rooster Comb, return to the junction and complete your journey by following signs down to the Rooster Comb parking area in Keene Valley.

Trail Summary

• 0.0 mi: Start at Adirondack Loj

• 1.0 mi: Left turn at Marcy Dam intersection

• 2.3 mi: Marcy Dam; cross bridge to other side

• 2.4 mi: Left toward Marcy (Van Hoevenberg Trail)

• 3.6 mi: Pass Phelps Mountain sign

• 4.7 mi: Indian Falls viewpoint

• 6.4 mi: Hopkins Trail intersection; turn right toward Marcy

• 6.9 mi: Range Trail junction; right toward Marcy’s summit

• 7.4 mi: Summit Mount Marcy (5,344 ft); descend toward Haystack

• 8.5 mi: Junction toward Haystack; right

• 9.0 mi: Crest sub-peak, descend briefly

• 9.5 mi: Summit Mount Haystack; return to intersection

• 10.0 mi: Range Trail toward Basin

• 10.5 mi: Pass Sno-Bird Campsite

• 10.7 mi: Summit Basin; descend north

• 11.2 mi: Base of Saddleback Cliffs

• 11.3 mi: Summit Saddleback; continue north

• 11.8 mi: Intersection Orebed Trail; continue to Gothics

• 13.1 mi: Summit Gothics; proceed toward Armstrong

• 14.0 mi: Summit Armstrong

• 14.8 mi: Upper Wolfjaw summit

• 15.1 mi: Upper Wolfjaw Notch

• 15.6 mi: Lower Wolfjaw summit

• 17.1 mi: Intersection W.A. White Trail; turn left toward Hedgehog

• 17.5 mi: Hedgehog summit; continue descent

• 19.0 mi: Rooster Comb intersection (optional 1-mile detour)

• 19.5 mi: Rooster Comb summit (optional); backtrack to junction

• 23.0 mi: End at Rooster Comb parking area

Alternate Approaches

• Reverse Traverse: From Rooster Comb parking lot to Adirondack Loj; slightly more difficult climbing due to elevation gain direction.

• Shorter Alternatives: Split the traverse into multiple trips by camping overnight at the Sno-Bird campsite near Haystack or Slant Rock.

• Bailout Trails: Familiarize yourself with trails like the Orebed Trail or Gothics via Beaver Meadow for emergency exits if needed.