2025 High Peaks Group Hike: Mount Marcy
The fourth annual hike took the group to the highest point in New York State: 14.4 miles and 3,526 feet of gain past Marcy Dam, Phelps and Tabletop to the summit of Marcy.
How it went
Twelve hikers, one long day, and the top of New York. Photos below.
Getting outside, enjoying nature and pushing myself physically is something I have always loved to do. Inside and outside of Rochester there are so many amazing parks to recreate in. For years I have been traveling to the Adirondacks for big and small adventures of all kinds, learning how to do so successfully and safely.
I have spent a lot of time in the High Peaks region and completed all 46 High Peaks in July 2025. As I gained experience, I found a passion for taking others with me. I want people to experience what I have found so valuable.
The hike
Starting at the Adirondack Loj, we hike through the famous Marcy Dam area, past Phelps and Tabletop mountains, and onward to the summit of the highest point in New York State.
How it will work
- Friday night: camp or hotel near Saranac Lake or Lake Placid.
- Saturday morning: meet at Maplefields to fuel up, grab water, coffee and snacks, then drive to the trailhead together.
- Pep talk at the trailhead, then the group stays together to the summit and back down.
- Post-hike food for anyone who wants it.
From the trail
What hikers say
I met Matt when I was invited to participate in a group hike he had organized. Matt was trying to engage people who might not traditionally think of doing a high peak, so our group included a pre-schooler and a variety of skill levels. It was impressive how Matt moved back and forth throughout the group to engage and check on everyone. His enthusiasm is infectious. He created such a warm and welcoming environment even for those of us he had just met. Having a large group to celebrate with at the summits was a singular experience. As I’ve come to know Matt better, I have also grown a deep respect for his character and his knowledge base. I would highly recommend him as a trustworthy guide.
I’ve done two group hikes through the ADK with matt, and several other ones besides that. Matt is a close personal friend of mine, so that may make this seem biased, but I think it gives me more of an opportunity to speak about his character and his passions, since I know him on a personal level. Matt is one of the most positive people I know, and has one of the biggest drives I’ve ever seen when it comes to helping other people. He really cares about changing his clients lives, and I admire that. The Adirondacks is probably his favorite place in the world, and it’s so awesome that he is becoming a guide to lead hikes through these mountains. Whenever I have a question about the ADK, Matt is the first person I ask. He is incredibly knowledgeable about the area there, and he is happy to share that knowledge, and to talk about it for extended periods of time. The group hikes I’ve done with Matt have been some of my best experiences in the mountains. I can’t wait for the next one!