The highest point in New York is located in the Adirondack Mountains and is known as Mount Marcy. This mountain is part of a 160 mile wide dome that was formed from ancient rocks more than 1,000 million years ago.

Hiking to the top of New York’s highest peaks is not easy, but the reward for the effort is well worth it. The peaks offer panoramic views across hundreds of miles, including Vermont and Canada, and are also home to unique geological formations like a sandstone crater called Indian Falls.

For those who are less adventurous, there are several trails to choose from that lead to the summit of New York’s high points. Some of the most popular include the Van Hoevenberg Trail and the Indian Falls trail.

Accessibility to the high points varies greatly, but all of them are well maintained by DEC and are open year-round for recreation. Some of the high points also have fire tower cabins that are available for viewing by the public.

Whiteface Mountain, the fifth highest point in the Adirondacks, is the easiest to get to and is a great place for a family hike. The paved road begins at the Toll House and rises to over 2,300 feet in five miles.

The paved road then winds to a two-story Castle with views of the Adirondack Park, as well as a tunnel to the core of the mountain that offers a direct route to the summit roundhouse for equipment and personnel.