Wright Peak, Mountain summit in Adirondacks, United States
Wright Peak rises to 4,580 feet in the MacIntyre Range with exposed rock surfaces and alpine vegetation above the tree line at its summit. The hike ascends steeply through varied forest and tundra zones, culminating in an open ridge walk to the exposed peak.
The mountain received its name in 1873 from surveyor Verplanck Colvin, who dedicated it to Silas Wright, a former New York governor and senator. The naming was part of a broader survey effort of the Adirondack region during this period.
The summit is part of the popular ADK 46ers challenge, where mountaineers aim to reach all 46 highest mountains in the Adirondacks. This classification has made it a favored destination for experienced hikers testing their endurance and mountain skills.
Hikers access the mountain via the Van Hoevenberg Trail from Adirondak Loj, a well-marked route with several rest areas along the way. The terrain is exposed and dangerous in poor weather, so climbers should bring proper gear and have experience with mountain hiking.
A B-47 aircraft crashed into the mountain in 1962, leaving wreckage pieces near the summit and a memorial plaque honoring four deceased airmen. This unexpected historical event makes the site more than just a hiking destination and draws attention to the lesser-known story behind the peak.
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