Mount Marcy

Mount Marcy stands at 1629 meters (5344 feet) and represents the tallest summit in New York State, rising from a landscape of granite bedrock and alpine vegetation. The top features bare rock slabs and low-growing plants adapted to wind and weather.

The summit was named in 1837 after William Learned Marcy, who served as governor of New York at the time. Theodore Roosevelt descended from the top in 1901 after receiving word that President McKinley was dying, heading toward his inauguration.

The name Tahawus comes from the Algonquin language and means cloud splitter, reflecting how the summit often pierces low clouds. Hikers following the trail pass through forest zones that gradually give way to exposed rock and alpine plants near the top.

The Van Hoevenberg Trail starts at Adirondack Loj and covers roughly 7.4 miles to reach the summit, requiring solid hiking boots and enough water for the climb. Hikers should begin early to allow plenty of daylight for the return, especially given changeable weather in the mountains.

From the top, 43 other high peaks of the Adirondacks come into view, and on clear days Mount Royal in Montreal can be seen beyond the Canadian border. The immediate surroundings reveal rare alpine plant species otherwise found only in arctic regions.